The king mackerel prefers outer reefs and coastal waters. Resident populations are found in northeastern Brazil, Louisiana, and south Florida waters. King mackerels occur in depths between 75.5 – 111.5 feet (23 – 34 m).
Where is the best place to catch king mackerel?
The king mackerel can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean in tropical and subtropical waters.
- Northeast, South.
- Medium.
- Ocean.
Is mackerel deep in the sea?
Mackerel lives in Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It can be found in deep waters during the fall and winter and close to the shore, during the spring.
What is the best bait for catching king mackerel?
Silvery live baits such pilchards, threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet and blue runners are preferable to dead baits, according to virtually all top tournament anglers. However, live bait is not always easily obtained, so these same anglers also bring frozen baits such as cigar minnows, ribbonfish and Spanish mackerel.
How close do king mackerel get to shore?
When they’re marauding baitfish, they can be found close to shore on the beaches, passes and jetties, where even shore-bound anglers have a shot at them. But most of the larger kingfish hunt over nearshore reefs in 30- to 60-feet or deeper.
How far out is king mackerel?
For the most part, anglers chasing king mackerel find them between a few miles from shore and 15 miles out. This is often the range where the forage such as threadfin herring, cigar minnows, menhaden, and blue runners tend to be found.
How far down are mackerel?
Atlantic Mackerel are deep swimmers and can swim anywhere from 600-3,000 feet into the water. However, they are commonly found in vast schools close to the surface.
Do mackerel swim in shallow water?
Mackerels hate shallow waters, and like to swim in deep water near the open ocean. Which means any beach, pier or jetty that has deep water is perfect to fish from. You can even fish for them from a boat on the open water. Mackerel also prefer clear blue water.
How fast can a king mackerel swim?
Swimming as fast as 40 mph, the kingfish’s momentum carries its skyward. Sometimes, it catches the bait in its toothy jaws. Sometimes, it misses.
What colors do king mackerel like?
Be sure to pair your king mackerel trolling lures with wire leader to ensure it doesn’t fall prey to their sharp teeth. Try blue/silver colored lures in clear, green water and black/silver or red/white in darker water.
Are king mackerel hard to catch?
King mackerel are powerful and fast, making them a fun challenge for any fisherman. They also make for a delicious addition to any dish. They aren’t easy to catch though. You can up your chances by learning more about where to locate them and what they like to eat.
What size hooks for king mackerel?
Use a 2/0 nose hook, connect a No. 4 treble with a 4-inch piece of No. 4 or No. 5 wire and finish by attaching a second trailer segment with the same tackle.
How deep does a kingfish get?
Kings are “green water” fish for the most part, traveling the band of water between the beaches and the indigo depths of the continental shelf. Preferred depths seem to be anything from 20 to 250 feet, with some big ones found at times on the deep edge of the continental shelf and over deepwater wrecks.
What do king mackerel eat?
King mackerel are carnivores, feeding on fish, squid, and shrimp. They’re voracious feeders and have been observed leaping out of the water in pursuit of prey. Juvenile and larger pelagic fish feed on smaller king mackerel. Bottlenose dolphins and large fish, such as sharks and tunas, feed on adult king mackerel.
Do king mackerels bite at night?
They feed day and night. They can be caught with live baits anytime, but trolling artificials at night is a losing proposition. Kings generally feed near the surface at dawn, dusk and night. In bright sunlight they feed somewhat down; on rainy days or overcast days the fish will feed near the surface all day long.
What time is the best for mackerel fishing?
Regarding the time of day, as with many species, mackerel feed best at dawn or dusk. Their prey – small fish, sandeels, launce, shrimps, squid and so on – are also most active around these times.
How deep do you troll for king mackerel?
Try to deploy the Spoons in an array that has the Spoons fluttering at different depths from just below the surface to five or six feet deep. To keep the Spoons down, you’ll probably have to use a planer with a lengthy leader.
What water temperature do kingfish like?
between 72 and 78 degrees
Kingfish move when the water warms up, and the window of opportunity opens when water temps are between 72 and 78 degrees. Warmer water means bait schools are moving north and the kings are following the bait.
What is the best time to catch kingfish?
Summer
Summer is the best time to target kingfish however they can be caught year round with winter fish tending to be less common but generally larger. Smaller kingfish will often be found around channel markers and wharfs in the warmer summer months.
What is the best lure for kingfish?
The most effective for larger kingfish have been the Nomad Stick bait and popper range. The Nomad Riptide has amazing action and a reputable lure for a large range of pelagics. Sinking hard bodies are the go to when fish are not feeding or pushing bait to the surface.
What is the best way to catch kingfish?
Catch the baits that the Kings are likely to feed on and present them as naturally as you can. Slow trolling is an extremely effective method, you’re able to cover ground and find fish, though driving the boat around using your electronics to locate fish then bombing them with a live bait is equally as effective.