Lake Fishing

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Bill Rollins 12 June, 2023 7 mins read

Many techniques are available to catch large quantities of king mackerel 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 we look at the most popular fishing techniques used for king mackerel.

Kite fishing

King mackerel can be caught using a kite. 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 rig multiple lines to cover large areas.

It is common to fish near large structures underwater when kite fishing. Natural reefs, wreckage and other areas provide ample cover for the king mackerel. You can strategically place your kite near these structures by using it as a guide. 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 can also be used to fish in shallow areas not accessible by traditional trolling methods.

Kite fishing is a great way to spot king mackerel while they are being fed. Sailingfish can sometimes be seen streaking along the surface towards their bait. Kingfish and tuna, on the other hand, can be seen feeding below the surface. A kite can give the appearance of a meal. 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. To separate baits, you could also use barrel weights. You can use a kite to attract fish to 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 are known for nibbling on bait fish without hooking them, so it's essential to always keep a bait near the boat. If possible, fish in areas where the King Mackerel are most likely. 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 make excellent kingfish bait and can even be used to win tournaments. This is also when the Carolina spot runs take place. A big yellow spot has won many tournament winners. 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.

Anglers will often use a “stinger” rig for slow trolling with livebait fish. This rig has two hooks attached on 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. 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.

Another method is to use either a float or balloon above your bait. A float does two things: it keeps the bait in the water column and gives you visual reference. A black rubber float, or an egg-shaped float, will work if the water is clear. Balloons should be inflated to four to six inches in diameter. Drop them to the bottom by lowering two-thirds.

Plugs

Plugs work great when you are fishing for king mackerel. 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. The best option for catching these rare fish is to use plugs. Plugs should be made of gold. The right type of plug for the right conditions will improve your chances of hooking the king.

Use live bait that is large enough for king mackerel to be attracted by. Use a long hook in the back of the bait to avoid tearing the fish's tail. Trolling faster when you're using lures is possible. King mackerel can be aggressive but they can also be very elusive. To catch one, patience is key.

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

When you are trollng, you can rig your live bait by using a squid rod. 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. You can use them to cover a wide area of the 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 fishing method is best for live bait, as kings don't always like high-speed trolling. You can still use artificial lures but paddle boats work best with live bait. For the duration of the day, kayakers can also pedal at 1.5 miles per hour. This is the ideal speed to king mackerel, and it is why this technique is often preferred.

Slow trolling with live bait can be one of the most effective ways to catch King Mackerel. Tournament fishermen use only the best bait and create the most efficient 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. Ideal locations are wrecks, reefs, and channel edges. 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 will move to the shoreline. To target them, you should find an area close to an inlet. You can achieve great results by slow-trolling these areas. These locations might seem remote but the waters off Carolina Beach are far cleaner than those of Brunswick County. You'll most likely catch a dolphin if you fish with a live bait rig.

Alternatively, you can use a small boat equipped with a sonar. These devices can locate bottom structures and bait balls. King mackerel can also be found near such structures, in addition to the bait ball. A small boat with a sonar system can increase your chances of hooking the king mackerel. If the bottom structure is rocky, king mackerel may be near it.

Best time to catch king mackerel

King mackerel migrates in the spring and summer with baitfish. 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 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. Fishing for king mackerel requires the correct techniques and tips. Both live bait and trolling lures are effective. It is best to fish for king mackerel just before summer begins. Anchoring isn't necessary. Anchoring can help catch larger fish. If you're going to anchor your boat, make sure to anchor over a shallow piece of structure to increase your chances.

To find the best time to fish for mackerel, you should look at tide times. 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've found the right tide time, tie a mackerel rig to your hook and cast out. Use quality mackerel feathers.

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 use run-around, gill nets when you're aboard a boat. Bait fishermen use two hooks and a leader made of metal. The first hook runs through bait fish and then the second through fish's back. King mackerel are particularly receptive to the tail section of bait fish.

FAQ

What length is the perfect fishing rod length?

The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. A 6'6 inch rod would work well if you're targeting smallmouth bass. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.

What is the best fishing spot?

You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas provide plenty of food for the fish.

Where can I find great fishing spots?

There are plenty of places where you can fish around the world. Many people love fishing in public parks and private ponds.

What should I wear while fishing?

Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. You should also bring insect repellent.

Which is the best time of year to fish?

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

Statistics

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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)