Fishing Tips

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Dylan Smith 27 February, 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), plugs, and plugs. Most king fish are caught by anglers using a stinger rod, but slow trolling can bring in the largest king mackerel. Below are some of the most well-known fishing techniques for king marlin.

Kite fishing

The use of a kite is an effective 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 also allows other boats to pass beneath it without fouling the line. Leva can also rig multiple lines to cover large areas.

Fishing near large underwater structures is a common method of kite fishing. King mackerel can find plenty of cover in natural reefs and wreckage. It is a good idea to use a kite to fish close to such structures. King mackerel like to congregate close to large, deep-water structures like wrecks and reefs. This allows them to fish for a variety in bait. Kite fishing also allows you to fish in areas too shallow for traditional trolling techniques.

One of the main advantages of kite fishing with king mackerel to catch king mackerel, is that you can see them while they are eating. You may see some species, like sailfish, streaking towards the bait. Tuna and kingfish can also be seen below the surface. A kite can create an illusion of a wounded meal. Kite fishing allows for you to experiment with your rigging which can increase your chances at catching king mackerel.

King mackerel are attracted to float-on baits. This is the most common method of kite fishing. 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

There are many options for fishing for king mackerel. However, the best way to do it is with live bait. King mackerel will eat bait fish and not hook them so make sure you have a bait nearby. You should fish in the most popular areas for king mackerel. 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 great kingfish bait and can be used for tournament wins. This is also the time of the Carolina spot run, where a big yellow spot has taken out many a tournament winner. Another effective live bait kingfish fishing technique is putting blood worms on the hook. These worms not only taste good but they also reduce the time it takes for the livewell to fill up.

Anglers will often use a “stinger” rig for slow trolling with livebait fish. This rig has two hooks 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 or single hook that can swing open and catch the bait fish lightly. A stinger rig significantly increases the hookup rate as king mackerel often attack the bait's rear portion. Remember to use a light drag.

Another way to make your bait more visible is to use a floating or balloon as a float. The float has two functions: it keeps your bait afloat in water and provides visual reference. If the water is clear, a float that's egg-shaped or made of rubber will suffice. The balloons should be inflated to four to six feet in diameter. Drop them at the bottom for two-thirds.

Plugs

Plugs are a great tool for trolling for king mackerel. Plugs come in many colors and sizes, and they mimic local forage. Plugs are able to cover large areas of water with their lips. These fish are best caught with plugs. Plugs are best in gold. The right type of plug for the right conditions will improve your chances of hooking the king.

Live bait should have a lure large enough to draw king mackerel. To prevent the fish from biting its tail, you should use a long hook on the back of the bait. Trolling faster is possible if you are using a lure. King mackerel are often aggressive, but they are very difficult to catch. If you want to catch one, you need to have patience.

You can also fish in open water for king mackerel. Because they eat bait fish, these fish can relate to structure. Look for wrecks. Look out for ledges. These fish can also be found offshore. You'll be successful using the right techniques and lures. Although live bait can be one of the best methods to catch king marlin, you will need to use a line spool.

Try rigging your live bait using a squid-rig while you are trollng. Planers allow your lure dive to the proper depth and keep a speed between five to seven mph. They come in a variety of sizes and can cover a wide area of water. Planers can also be used to cover large areas at once. These planers are great for catching large quantities king mackerel.

Slow trolling

King mackerel are attracted to slow-trolled bait. Kayaking can be an effective way to troll fish. 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 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. Ideal locations are wrecks, reefs, and channel edges. These types of structure attract bait to the boat.

To maximize your chances of catching mackerel, slow-troll around bait schools. King mackerel migrate right to the shoreline. You'll need to locate an area nearby an inlet, beach or other suitable location to target. These areas can be found by slow-trolling. These locations might seem remote but the waters off Carolina Beach are far cleaner than those of Brunswick County. If you're fishing with a live-bait rig, you'll likely catch a dolphin along the way.

Alternately, you could use a small vessel equipped with sonar. These devices can locate bottom structures and bait balls. These structures are often the location of bait balls. King mackerel will also cluster close to them. If you want to maximize your chances of hooking a king mackerel, you can try a small boat equipped with a sonar device. When the bottom structure is rough, king mackerel will be in the vicinity.

The best time of year to catch king mackerel

King mackerel migrates with baitfish in 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 will often be found on the shoreline, close to offshore oil rigs. The best time to catch one is in the morning and evening.

King mackerel are frequently caught while trolling. The correct techniques and tips are essential for fishing for king mackerel. Live bait or lures fished using trolling are both effective. The best time to fish for king mackerel is just before the start of summer. Anchoring does not need to be done. However, it will help in catching larger fish. Anchor your boat above a shallow section of structure if you want to increase your chances.

You can use tide times to determine the best time and place to fish for mackerel. When the tide is high, you'll have the best chance of catching mackerel. You should be on the lookout for seabirds diving offshore. They will indicate that there are fish below the surface. Once you've determined the best tide time for your area, tie a mackerel line to your hook. Cast out. Make sure to use decent mackerel feathers.

For king mackerel fishing, a lure should reach the right depth. While trolling for them, you can use bait, spoons, or jigs. You can also use run-around nets if you're on a boat. Bait fishermen use a pair of hooks with a lead metal. The first hook goes through the bait fish, while the second runs along the fish's top. The tail section is especially attractive to King Mackerel.

FAQ

What happens if I lose a fish while fishing?

It is part of the game to lose a fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another one.

How do I know if my lure works?

You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If you can see movement in the water, your lure is working correctly.

Do I need special permits to fish?

No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers to fish without any type of license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.

Is it possible for me to fish both at night and during the day?

You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Artificial lights are used by fishermen to attract fish. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
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)