Bass Fishing

King Mackerel Fishing In North Carolina

By Bob Thomas 10 August, 2023 7 mins read

You're new to fishing for king mackerel. Learn more about this fish and where you can find them in North Carolina. You'll find out about the species, location, and how to prepare the delicious king mackerel for cooking in this article. You will also find a delicious recipe for King Mackerel to impress your family and friends.

North Carolina waters host a variety of king mackerel species

King mackerela is a large, thin fish that has slender sides and greenish-blue or silver backs. Some have bronze spots on the sides, but these spots will fade over time. Their tails are forked and their lateral line dips downward at second dorsal. They are white with a white belly and can reach between 30 to 45 inches in length.

King mackerel may be commercially fished within the western zone. It extends from Texas through Alabama. The fishing season runs July 1 to 30. Each person is allowed to fish for 3,000 pounds. Mullet, cigarminnows, and Sardinia are some of the most popular live bait fish. Live bait can be used such as blue runners, herring and mullet.

King mackerel also go by the name of cero-mackerel. However, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries never recorded their capture in North Carolina waters. Cero mackerel and king mackerel are easily distinguished because they have a dark area at the dorsal end of their dorsal fins, while king magel have no markings.

The king mackerel - aggressive, huge fish that live in seawater - is one of the most famous species of king mackerel. They eat a variety of fish and are the largest mackerel found in the western Atlantic. Commercial fishing in the N.C. waters has designated these stocks as healthy and sustainable. The 1997 catch of 1,801 967 pounds was shared by commercial and recreational anglers. of king mackerel in North Carolina waters.

King mackerel are prolific during their spawning seasons. They produce millions of eggs. Within 24 hours, the eggs that have been fertilized in the water column will hatch. The larvae hatch within 24 hours and are 2.5 millimeters in length. They have a large yolk sac. King mackerel average seven years in age and weigh between ten to thirty five pounds.

The king mackerel inhabit coastal regions in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to Brazil. They are also found in Mexico's Gulf of Mexico. This is because they combine their Atlantic Ocean stocks to the Gulf of Mexico. Species of king mackerel in North Carolina waters are plentiful in these areas, and are an important part of the local economy. They can be eaten as steaks or canned in fresh and canned versions.

Size of the king mackerel

It doesn't matter how big you are when it comes king mackerel fishing! The fish can grow to up to 50 lbs, although most are just a few inches smaller. King mackerel are opportunistic carnivores and will feed on Blue Runner, Northern Mackerel, Striped Anchovy, Weakfish, and Cutlassfish. King mackerel is a popular choice for fishing along North Carolina's coast. These fish are common year-round residents of coastal areas.

King mackerel can be described as a pelagic sea fish that migrates along the Gulf Stream and the Eastern coast. They will follow mullet closer to shore, also known locally as "pogies". King mackerel are most common around bottom structures or near live bottom. The length of a queen mackerel varies depending on its size, but they typically measure between 30-40inches long.

King mackerel prefer warm waters and rarely venture into the cold waters of the Atlantic coast. During the fall and spring, they migrate southward and migrate northward. They can be caught in Maine's Gulf of Maine or as far north and Virginia as possible. The larger fish reach a maximum size of 5.5 feet and weigh up to 100 pounds. King mackerel fishing can be difficult in North Carolina. There are a few angling techniques you need to learn, but they are simple to master.

When choosing the right gear for this species, it is important to consider the size of the king mackerel. North Carolina's bag limit is three fish per person. The bag limit for the fish can vary from state to state. Recreational fishermen generally use spoons and/or gillnets when targeting king mackerel. These fish must be harvested by commercial fishermen who must obtain a permit.

Trolling with several baitfish is a good way to catch king mackerel. Slow trolling, which involves multiple baits being pulled slowly at slow speeds, is the best way to catch king mackerel. Live Atlantic menhaden, cigar minnows, and dead ribbonfish are the most common baits used. Fisherman often organize tournaments for king mackerel fishing, in which awards are presented to fisherman who catch and release 30 pound or more of the legal limit.

North Carolina waters: Location of the king mackerel runs

Three times a year is the peak king mackerel run on North Carolinian waters. These large fish can be caught during the winter, spring and fall months. These times are ideal for live bait, which can include treble hooks and 12- to 20 lb. You can also use tackle to catch these tasty fish. They are about 15-30 pounds in weight. However, they are sometimes larger and can weigh up to 60 pounds.

All year long, it is possible to find the location of the North Carolinian King Mackerel Run. This fish will move to spawn in one location. They usually spend winter in the Gulf of Mexico. They migrate southward along the coast to North Carolina in the spring. These fish can be caught in small boats, as long as they're not too far from the shoreline.

The Carolina coast is second to none during this time. The fishing is excellent from shore to thirty-miles offshore. Live and dead bait can be used to fish in waters from one mile up to 30 miles offshore. These giants can both be caught using live or dead bait. These kings can often be found in schools which makes it easy to catch them. There is a fishing event for everyone, no matter your level of experience.

Anglers may also catch the king marlin from boat or ocean fishing platforms. Slow trolling using a live bait or artificial lure is the best method. Anchoring is best done when the current or wind moves the bait. Anchoring is easiest done in shallower areas, and on top of a piece. If you're lucky, a king mackerel may come to your boat.

The king mackerel run is supported by both commercial and recreational fisheries in the state. North Carolina's 2017 fishery netted just over 1 million pounds. The commercial harvest accounted to 65 percent of total landings while the recreational catch was responsible for 34%. The recreational harvest however has dropped sharply from 2008. As a result, it was twenty-six percent below the 10-year average.

Cooking king mackerel

If you are a North Carolina resident, then you may have already had the opportunity to try cooking king mackerel. These delicious fish can often be found in the Gulf Stream or along East coast beaches. Brunswick Island lies at the center of this migration, which attracts king macaques closer to shore. King mackerel are most commonly found along the bottom. They follow bait schools to reach harbors and ocean-piers.

A thick fillet of king mackerel will need to first be cooked. Thicker fillets can be pan-seared to firm them up, and you can also add onion and jalapenos (seeds removed), and saltines. Use two tablespoons oil to lightly coat fish with marinade.

If you want to cook king mackerel, you can grill or smoke it. Before grilling it, season it with salt and pepper. Add a few slices of lemon to the skin for flavor and texture. Serve the grilled fish or smoked fish along with cilantro-rice, once they are cooked. You can also make the fish healthier by brining it with water and iodized sea salt, or using a brown sugar brine.

Spring and fall are the best seasons to catch king mackerel. They can be found throughout the year. They are attracted to larger fish in cooler temperatures. The most effective technique is slow trolling using multiple baitfish (such as live Atlantic menhaden or cigar minnows). Slow trolling will push multiple baits behind your boat. This method is more efficient than trying for large king mackerel at shallow depths.

Spanish mackerel are considered a better tasting choice than king mackerel. They migrate in the Carolinas' summer and fall. They have dark, firm meat and are caught using a Gotcha plug. These fish can be oily and fatty but grilling will allow you to enjoy them easily. They make wonderful dinners.

Recommended for You - Almost got taken down

FAQ

Are special licenses necessary to fish?

If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Many states allow anglers fish without the need for a license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.

How do I bait my hooks?

You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.

To fish, do you need a rod?

Yes, you do! A bobber is used to keep the bait from getting away when 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. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.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)