Fly Fishing

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Trey Gordon 06/08/2022 7 mins read

A variety of king mackerel fishing methods can be used to capture large numbers of these fish. There are three options: slow trolling, live bait, or plugs. While most king fish are taken by anglers trolling with a stinger rig, slow trolling can produce the biggest king mackerel. Here's a look at some of the most common fishing techniques for king mackerel.

Kite fishing

Kite fishing is a good way to catch King Mackerel. Unlike traditional flat-line fishing, kite fishing eliminates the need to spool out lines and keeps the baits high in the water. This technique allows other boats to pass under it without getting in the way. 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 are attracted to natural reefs and wreckage. It is a good idea to use a kite to fish close to such structures. King mackerel are known to gather close to large underwater structures, such as reefs and wrecks. This will allow them to catch a wide variety 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, for example, can be seen streaking toward the bait. Tuna and Kingfish, on the contrary, can be seen below water surface. The kite can make it appear that a fish is in distress. Kite fishing allows for you to experiment with your rigging which can increase your chances at catching king mackerel.

A bait that floats on water is one of the most popular kite fishing methods for king mackerel. Barrel weights can be used to separate the baits. By using a kite, the fish will come up to eat your bait. You should also remember to float the bait with menhaden, because it will attract large king mackerel.

Live bait

Although there are many ways to catch king mackerel in the ocean, it is best to use live bait. King mackerel like bait fish so be sure to keep some bait around the boat. You should fish in the most popular areas for king mackerel. Fish in shallower water if possible as the kings are more likely to take you on.

Silver mullet migrate down the coast in late fall. These mullet can be used to bait kingfish and are eligible for tournament winnings. This is also the time of the Carolina spot run, where a big yellow spot has taken out many a tournament winner. The blood worms are an effective method of live baiting kingfish. These worms can be eaten and will help to reduce the time required to fill the livewell.

When slow trolling with live bait fish, anglers often use a stinger rig. The stinger rig is made up of two hooks that are attached to a wire leader. The bait fish is secured through its nose by the front hook, which can be either a single or double hook. The rear hook is almost always a treble hook that can swing free and lightly 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. Remember to use a light drag.

A float, or balloon, above your bait is another option. A float does two things: it keeps the bait in the water column and gives you visual reference. If the water is clean, an egg-shaped float or a black rubber float will do. You should inflate your balloons to 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Then drop them two-thirds to the bottom.

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 just the right depth and cover a broad water column. Plugs are the best choice for catching these elusive fish. Plugs are best in gold. Using the right plug for the right conditions will increase your odds of hooking a king.

A large enough lure should be used to catch king mackerel if you are using live bait. To prevent the fish from biting its tail, you should use a long hook on the back of the bait. If you are using a lure, you can troll faster. While king mackerel are aggressive, they are elusive. It takes patience to catch a king mackerel.

Fishing in open water is another great way to catch king mackerel. Because they eat bait fish, these fish can relate to structure. Look out for wrecks. These fish are also available offshore. You'll be successful using the right techniques and lures. Live bait is one of most effective ways to catch king mackerel. However, you need to use a spool.

If you're out trollng, consider rigging your bait with a Squid Rig. Planers allow your lure to dive to the correct depth and maintain a speed of five to seven mph. You can use them to cover a wide area of the water. Planers also allow you to cover large areas in one go. These planers are great for catching large quantities king mackerel.

Slow trolling

King mackerel love slow-trolled bait, so a kayak can make a great tool for troll fishing. This method of fishing works best with live bait as kings do not like fast 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. This is the best speed for king mackerel. Therefore, this method is often preferred.

Slow trolling with live bait is one of the best methods to catch king mackerel. Tournament fishermen use the freshest bait possible and create the most effective rigs. You can fish off Virginia Beach with live bait and a slow-trolled rig. You can catch kings by looking for structure in the sea. Reefs, wrecks, and channel edges are ideal locations. These structures attract boat bait.

To maximize your chances of catching mackerel, slow-troll around bait schools. King mackerel move right to the shoreline, so you'll want to find an area near an inlet or beach to target. These areas can yield great results if you slow-troll. While these locations may seem remote, the seas off Carolina Beach are much cleaner than the waters off Brunswick County. If you are fishing with a livebait rig you will likely catch a dolphin.

Alternatively, you can use a small boat equipped with a sonar. These devices are able to pinpoint the locations of bottom structures and bait balls. King mackerel are also known to gather near these structures. A small boat with a sonar system can increase your chances of hooking the king mackerel. When the bottom structure is rough, king mackerel will be in the vicinity.

The best time to catch the king mackerel

King mackerel migrates in the spring and summer with baitfish. The majority of the pelagic species will be caught off Florida Keys in winter. However, they are abundant in spring and fall. King mackerel can often be found near offshore oil rigs or other structures along the shoreline. 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. It is important to use the correct techniques when fishing for King Mackerel. Both live bait and trolling lures are effective. The best time of year to catch king mackerel in the ocean is before the summer heat sets in. Anchoring is not required. It will catch larger fish. Anchoring your boat to a shallow part of structure will increase your chances of landing larger fish.

Tide times are a good indicator of the best time to fish mackerel. You will have the best chances of catching mackerel when the tide is high. You should be on the lookout for seabirds diving offshore. They will indicate that there are fish below the surface. Once you have determined the tide time, tie a mackerel rope to your hook and cast. You should use quality mackerel plums.

A lure that can reach the proper depth is essential for catching king mackerel. You can use jigs, spoons, and bait while trolling for them. You can also use run around gillnets while onboard a boat. Bait fishermen use 2 hooks with a metallic leader. The first hook is used to catch the bait fish. The second hook is used to grab the fish's head. The tail section of bait fish is particularly attractive to King mackerel.

FAQ

How do you bait your hooks?

You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.

Where can I fish in good places?

You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people love fishing in public parks and private ponds.

When fishing, how far from shore should you stand?

The closer you are to the shore, the greater your chances of catching fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.

Do you need a bobber to fish?

Yes. You use a bobber to prevent the bait from moving when you are fishing. There are two parts to a bobber: the float, and the line. Attach the hook to the line at the end and then let go. The lure could sink to the bottom if you don't have a bobber. This makes it harder for fish to take the bait.

What type of fishing permit do I require?

A fishing license must be purchased if you plan on fishing in state waters (i.e. rivers, lakes and bays). Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. If you plan on fishing in federal waters (e.g., oceans or Great Lakes), you must obtain a valid fishing licence. A fishing license is not necessary. You will need a fishing license if you plan to take fish home.

Statistics

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)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)