Florida King Mackerel Fishing, Tips and Techniques
Anglers have many options when it comes to catching king mackerel in Florida waters. Anglers can get the best results from their fishing trips by knowing the best times to target Florida’s king mackerel.
Where to Catch the King Mackerel
The western Atlantic Ocean is home to the king mackerel. It can be found in both tropical and subtropical waters. This species is constantly moving. Stocks that winter in Florida move as far as Texas during the summer and Virginia during the winter. It is also found in South Florida during the spring and early-summer months. It is a coastal, pelagic and schooling species. It can be found in waters between 10-20 fathoms. It can sometimes be found around inlets and ocean piers. Many congregations are found around wrecks and buoys or coral reefs. The size of schools varies and the most successful individuals tend to be lonely. This list contains additional information about where you can catch this fish.
- Baitfish patches
- Deep shore water
- Breakwaters and jetties
- Rip tides
- Shore points
- Breakers
- Floating foam & debris
- Nearshore shoals and reefs
- Roily water
- Surf and shore
How to Catch a King Mackerel
Trolling and drifting are the most popular methods of fishing. You can use strip baits, lures or small whole baits to fish deep or at the surface. Casting and live bait fishing are also options. Under various conditions, ballyhoo and mullet, pinfish, jacks and pinfish, croakers and shrimp have all been successful. These fish are attracted and held by chumming. These are the fishing methods that can be used to catch this fish.
- Drift fishing
- Bottom bouncing
- Saltwater trolling
- Chumming
- Still fishing
- Saltwater jigging
The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Salty Knots Fishing Charters is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!” Salty Knots Is the best when it comes to offshore fishing charters St Petersburg FL.
