King Mackerel

Artwork: © SportfishingReport.com Inc

Type	Mackerel
Water	Saltwater
Edibility	Good

Description

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from the Gulf of Maine south through Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Most abundant from North Carolina south through Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. A highly migratory species that follows warm water and baitfish northward in summer. Found nearshore to offshore in 20–200 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. Migrate along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts following seasonal temperature changes. Concentrate around nearshore reefs and wrecks in fall and winter in South Florida; move north in summer.

Size & Weight: Typical "snakes" run 5–15 lbs. Trophy "smoker kings" exceed 40 lbs. World record: 93 lbs from San Juan, Puerto Rico. A fast, silvery fish with no spots (unlike Spanish Mackerel). Known for incredibly fast, long initial runs on light tackle. Excellent eating when fresh — should be bled and iced immediately.

Best Lures: Slow trolling with large live baitfish is the top technique for trophy fish. High-speed trolling with Drone spoons and diving planers is very effective for numbers of fish. Vertical jigging with large metal jigs produces strikes around structure. Large trolling spoons work at moderate speed.

Best Baits: Large live blue runners are the premier trophy bait. Live menhaden (pogies) produce outstanding results. Large live Spanish mackerel produce trophy fish. Slow-trolling large live baits with stinger rigs (to catch short-biters) is the standard tournament technique. Wire leader (No. 4–7 wire) is essential.