Fly Fishing

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Dylan Smith 27/05/2022 7 mins read

A variety of king mackerel fishing methods can be used to capture large numbers of these fish. These include slow trolling (live bait), plugs, and plugs. The majority of king fish are taken by anglers fishing with a small stinger rig. However, slow trolling can produce some of the most massive king mackerel. Below we look at the most popular fishing techniques used for king mackerel.

Kite fishing

A kite is a great way to catch king mackerel. Kite fishing is a different method to traditional flat-line fishing. The lines are spoolless and the baits remain high in the water. This allows other boats to pass below it without worrying about the line. Leva can also install multiple lines to cover an extensive area.

Fishing near large underwater structures is a common method of kite fishing. King mackerel love the cover provided by natural reefs or wreckage. A kite can be used to fish around such structures. King mackerel love to be near large, underwater structures like wrecks and reefs. They will then produce a wide range of bait. Kite fishing permits you to fish areas too shallow to be able use conventional trolling techniques.

Kite fishing is a great way to spot king mackerel while they are being fed. Sailfish and other species can be seen swimming towards bait. Tuna and kingfish can also be seen below the surface. A kite can create an illusion of a wounded meal. Kite fishing allows you to vary your rigging, which increases your chance of catching king mackerel.

A bait that floats on water is one of the most popular kite fishing methods for king mackerel. To separate baits, you could also use barrel weights. Fish will be attracted to the bait by a kite. The bait should be steamed with menhaden because large king mackerel will love it.

Live bait

Although there are many ways to catch king mackerel in the ocean, it is best to use live bait. King mackerel are known for nibbling on bait fish without hooking them, so it's essential to always keep a bait near the boat. Try fishing in areas where the kings are most likely to be. If possible, fish in shallow water, where the kings will be more likely to bite.

In the late fall, silver mulet will be finishing their migration along the coast. These mullet make excellent kingfish bait and can even be used to win tournaments. The Carolina spot run is held at this time. Many a tournament winner has been crowned with a big yellow spot. A bloodworm is another effective live bait kingfish fishing method. These worms can be eaten and will help to reduce the time required to fill the livewell.

Anglers commonly use a "stinger" rig when slow trolling with live fish. The stinger rig is made up of two hooks that are attached to a wire leader. The front hook can be either a single, or treble hook and secures the baitfish through its nose. The rear hook can swing free and easily hook into the bait fish. King mackerel tend to attack the rear half of the bait, so using a stinger rig drastically increases your hookup rate. Never forget to lighten your drag.

Another way to make your bait more visible is to use a floating or balloon as a float. A float can serve two purposes. It keeps the bait afloat within the water column, and it provides visual references. A black rubber float, or an egg-shaped float, will work if the water is clear. The balloons should be inflated to four to six feet in diameter. Then drop them two-thirds to the bottom.

Plugs

Plugs are a great tool for trolling for king mackerel. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and mimic local forage. Plugs are able to cover large areas of water with their lips. The best option for catching these rare fish is to use plugs. Gold is the top color for plugs. The best plugs for the right conditions can increase your chances of hooking a King.

Use live bait that is large enough for king mackerel to be attracted by. To avoid damaging the fish's tail, place a long hook in front of the bait. Trolling faster if you're using a lure is possible. King mackerel are often aggressive, but they are very difficult to catch. It takes patience to catch a king mackerel.

A great way of catching king mackerel in open waters is to fish for them. These fish often relate to structure because they feed on bait fish. Look out for wrecks. These fish are also available offshore. You'll be successful using the right techniques and lures. Although live bait is the best method of catching king mackerel you should still use a spool.

You can also rig your live bait with an squid rig while you're trollng. Planers allow your lure to dive to the correct depth and maintain a speed of five to seven mph. They are available in various sizes and can cover large areas of water. Planers enable you to cover a larger area in a single go. They're also excellent for catching large amounts of king mackerel.

Slow trolling

King mackerel love slow-trolled bait, so a kayak can make a great tool for troll fishing. This type of fishing is best for bait that's live, since kings are not always attracted to high-speed trolling. Although artificial lures are still available, paddle boats are better for live bait. In addition, most kayakers can pedal at a constant speed of 1.5 miles per hour for the duration of the day. This is the ideal speed to king mackerel, and it is why this technique is often preferred.

Slow trolling with live bait is one of the best methods to catch king mackerel. Tournament fishermen use the best bait available and make the most of the rigs they have. You can fish off Virginia Beach with live bait and a slow-trolled rig. If you want to catch kings, find structure in the ocean. The best places to look for structure in the ocean are wrecks and reefs. These structure types attract bait to the boat.

Slow-trolling around bait schools is a great way to maximize your chances at catching the mackerel. King mackerel move right to the shoreline, so you'll want to find an area near an inlet or beach to target. These areas are great for slow-trolling. Although these areas may seem remote, Carolina Beach's waters are cleaner than Brunswick County's. Fishing with a live-bait rod is likely to bring you a dolphin.

You can also use a small boat with a sonar. These devices can locate bottom structures and bait balls. In addition to the bait balls, king mackerel often cluster around such structures. If you want to increase your chances of hooking one, you might consider small boats equipped with sonar devices. King mackerel will usually be found near the bottom if it is not too rough.

The best time to catch the king mackerel

King mackerel migrate with baitfish in the spring and fall. While most will be caught off the Florida Keys in winter, there are also plenty of these pelagic species in the spring and fall. King mackerel often live along the coast, near offshore oil rigs and other structures. You have the best chance to catch one if you go early in the morning, or late at night.

King mackerel are frequently caught while trolling. The correct techniques and tips are essential for fishing for king mackerel. Fishing with trolling or live bait is effective. Just before summer starts, is the best time to fish king mackerel. Anchoring isn't necessary. Anchoring can help catch larger fish. To increase your chances of catching larger fish, anchor your boat over a shallow structure.

The tide times will help you determine the best time for fishing for mackerel. The tide should be high to have the greatest chance of catching mackerel. Sea birds that dive offshore are a sign that there is a fish below. Once you find the right tide time, attach a mackerel hook to your hook. Then cast out. Use quality mackerel feathers.

King mackerel are best caught by a lure capable of reaching the appropriate depth. While trolling for them, you can use bait, spoons, or jigs. If you are on a boat, you can use run-around gill nets. Bait fishermen use two hooks that have a metal leader. The first hook runs through bait fish and then the second through fish's back. King mackerel are especially open to the tail end of bait fish.

FAQ

How much money can I expect to spend on fishing gear?

You don't necessarily have to spend a lot on fishing equipment. There are many inexpensive options available. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. Or, you can invest in a high-quality rod and reel set.

Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?

Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. If the fish has no expiration date, then it's probably safe to eat. However, if the fish is old or smells bad you should not eat them.

Where can you find the best fishing spots?

You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people enjoy fishing in parks, private ponds and lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies water.

Statistics

Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)