fishing gear

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Dylan Smith 12 March, 2023 7 mins read

Several king mackerel fishing techniques can be used to catch a large number of these fish. These include slow trolling, live bait, and plugs. Most king fish are caught by anglers using a stinger rod, but slow trolling can bring in the largest king mackerel. Below we look at the most popular fishing techniques used for king mackerel.

Kite fishing

Kite fishing is an efficient way to catch king marlin. Kite fishing is a different method to traditional flat-line fishing. The lines are spoolless and the baits remain high in the water. This technique also allows other boats to pass beneath it without fouling the line. Leva may also set up multiple lines in order to cover a large area.

One common technique for kite fishing is to fish close to large underwater structures. Natural reefs and wreckage provide plenty of cover for king mackerel. A kite can be used to fish around such structures. King mackerel often congregate near large underwater structures like reefs and wrecks, which will produce a diverse mix of bait. Kite fishing can also be used to fish in shallow areas not accessible by traditional trolling methods.

Kite fishing for king mackerel offers the unique advantage of being able to see fish while they're feeding. Some species, such as sailfish, can be seen streaking across the surface toward bait. Kingfish and other species can be seen feeding beneath the surface. Kites can give the illusion of a hungry meal. Kite fishing allows you to vary your rigging, which increases your chance of catching king mackerel.

One of the most common kite fishing techniques for king mackerel is using a bait that floats on the water. To separate the baits, you can also use barrow weights. A kite will allow fish to come up and eat your bait. You should also remember to float the bait with menhaden, because it will attract large king mackerel.

Live bait

There are many different ways to fish for king mackerel, but the best method is to use live bait. King mackerel can be seen eating bait fish without being hooked, so it is important to have bait on hand. You should fish in the most popular areas for king mackerel. When possible, fish in shallower waters to increase the likelihood of kings biting.

Late fall is when silver mullet finish their migration down the coast. These mullet can be used to bait kingfish and are eligible for tournament winnings. This is also when the Carolina spot runs take place. A big yellow spot has won many tournament winners. You can also use blood worms to catch kingfish live bait. These worms are both edible and can help reduce the time to fill your livewell.

Anglers will often use a “stinger” rig for slow trolling with livebait 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. The rear half of the bait is where King mackerel will attack, so a stinger rig greatly increases your chances of hooking up. Be sure to adjust your drag gently.

Another technique is to use a float or a balloon above your bait. A float does two things: it keeps the bait in the water column and gives you visual reference. If the water is clear, a float that's egg-shaped or made of rubber will suffice. To inflate balloons, you should make sure they are four to six inches wide. Drop them to the bottom by lowering two-thirds.

Plugs

Plugs are very useful when fishing for king marckerel. They are available in a range of sizes and colors, and can be used to mimic local forage. Plugs have lips that are the correct depth, and they cover a wide water column. The best option for catching these rare fish is to use plugs. For plugs, gold is the best choice. The right plug for the right conditions increases your chances of hooking up with a king.

When using live bait, you should choose a lure that is large enough to easily attract king mackerel. To avoid cutting the fish's hair, insert a long hook into the bait. Trolling faster is possible if you are using a lure. King mackerel, while aggressive, are quite elusive. Be patient if your goal is to catch one.

Another great way to catch king mackerel is to fish for them in open water. These fish will often be attracted to structures as they feed on baitfish. Be on the lookout for wrecks, ledges and coral reefs. And don't forget to mention oil rigs. These fish can also be found offshore. You can be successful if you use the correct lures and techniques. Although live bait can be one of the best methods to catch king marlin, you will need to use a line spool.

You can also rig your live bait with an squid rig while you're trollng. Planers are able to guide your lure to the right depth, and allow it to travel at a speed of five to seven miles per hour. They come in a variety of sizes and can cover a wide area of water. Planers enable you to cover a larger area in a single go. These planers are great for catching large quantities king mackerel.

Slow trolling

King mackerel will eat slow-trolled bait. This is why kayaks can be useful for troll fishing. This type of fishing works best for live bait since kings can't be lured by high-speed trolling. You can still use artificial lures but paddle boats work best with live bait. Paddle boats can be ridden at 1.5 miles per an hour for most of the day by most kayakers. That's the perfect speed for king mackerel, which is why this method is often preferred.

Slow trolling with live bait is one of the best methods to catch king mackerel. Tournament fishermen only use the finest bait and use the most effective rigs. Virginia Beach is a great place to fish with live bait or a slow-trolled rod. To catch kings, look for structure in the ocean. The best places to look for structure in the ocean are wrecks and reefs. These types of structures are attractive to boats.

During this time, slow-troll around schools of bait to maximize your chances of catching the mackerel. King mackerel are known to move close to the shoreline so it is important to locate an area that is near an inlet or beach where you can target them. These areas are great for slow-trolling. While these locations may seem remote, the seas off Carolina Beach are much cleaner than the waters off Brunswick County. You'll most likely catch a dolphin if you fish with a live bait rig.

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.

Best time to catch King Mackerel

King mackerel migrates with baitfish in spring and fall. The majority of the pelagic species will be caught off Florida Keys in winter. However, they are abundant in spring and fall. King mackerel will often be found on the shoreline, close to offshore oil rigs. You have the best chance to catch one if you go early in the morning, or late at night.

Trolling is a common method to catch king mackerel. You need to know the right techniques and tips for fishing for king marlin. Live bait or lures fished using trolling are both effective. Just before summer starts, is the best time to fish king mackerel. Anchoring is not necessary. Anchoring can help catch larger fish. To increase your chances of catching larger fish, anchor your boat over a shallow structure.

You should consider tide times when looking for the best time of day to fish for mackerel. You will have the best chances of catching mackerel when the tide is high. As they are an indicator of a fish beneath the surface, look out for seabirds that can be seen diving offshore. Once you've found the right tide time, tie a mackerel rig to your hook and cast out. Make sure to use decent mackerel feathers.

King mackerel are best caught by a lure capable of reaching the appropriate depth. When trolling for them you can use jigs and spoons along with bait. You can also use run around gillnets while onboard a boat. Bait fishermen use two hooks and a leader made of metal. The first hook is used to catch the bait fish. The second hook is used to grab the fish's head. King mackerel love the tail portion of bait fish.

FAQ

How big should my tacklebox be?

Large tackle boxes are necessary as you'll need enough space to store all your fishing equipment. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.

Which rod should you choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material has exceptional casting qualities and is strong. You must practice using a graphite rod to learn how to cast better.

How long does it take to catch fish?

It depends on what size the fish are and how skilled the fisherman is. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.

How deep should I cast my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.

How much are basic fishing tools?

Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.

What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes you may catch a fish, then lose it. Keep trying until you catch another fish. You will eventually catch another one.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)