fishing gear

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Bob Thomas 20 January, 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. Here's a look at some of the most common fishing techniques for king mackerel.

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 allows other boats to pass below it without worrying about the line. Leva also sets up multiple lines to cover a large surface.

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. 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. Sailingfish can sometimes be seen streaking along the surface towards their bait. Kingfish and other species can be seen feeding beneath the surface. Kites can give the illusion of a hungry meal. Kite fishing gives you the opportunity to change your rigging and increase your chances of 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

Although there are many ways to catch king mackerel in the ocean, it is best to use 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. You should fish in the most popular areas for king mackerel. When possible, fish in shallower waters to increase the likelihood of kings biting.

In the late fall, silver mulet will be finishing their migration along the coast. These mullet can be used to bait kingfish and are eligible for tournament winnings. This is also the Carolina spot run. Tournament winners have been crowned by a big yellow spotted spot. You can also use blood worms to catch kingfish live bait. These worms are edible and also shorten the filling time of the livewell.

A stinger rig is often used by anglers when slow trolling with live baitfish. This rig has two hooks attached to a wire leader. The bait fish's nose is secured by the front hook. It can either be a single hook or a treble hook. The rear hook is almost always an treble hook. It can swing free and gently hook into your bait fish. King mackerel tend to attack the rear half of the bait, so using a stinger rig drastically increases your hookup rate. Be sure to adjust your drag gently.

Another option is to place a float (or balloon) above your bait. The float has two functions: it keeps your bait afloat in water and provides 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

When trolling for king mackerel, plugs work very well. They are available in a range of sizes and colors, and can be used to mimic local forage. Plugs have lips of the proper depth that cover a wide area of water column. These fish are best caught with plugs. Gold is the top color for plugs. Using the right plug for the right conditions will increase your odds of hooking a king.

When using live bait, you should choose a lure that is large enough to easily attract king mackerel. To avoid the fish's tail from being torn, use a long hook at the back of your bait. You can troll more quickly if you use a lure. King mackerel can be aggressive but they can also be very elusive. It takes patience to catch a king mackerel.

A great way of catching king mackerel in open waters is to fish for them. Because they eat bait fish, these fish can relate to structure. You should look for wrecks and ledges and reefs. Don't forget oil rigs. These fish can also be found 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.

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. Planers come in different sizes and can cover a lot of water. Planers can also be used to cover large areas at once. You can also use them to catch large quantities of King Mackerel.

Slow trolling

King mackerel like slow-trolled bait. A kayak can be a good tool to troll fish. This method of fishing works best with live bait as kings do not like fast trolling. While you can still use artificial lures, paddle boats work best for live bait. For most of the day, kayakers can maintain a steady speed of 1.5 miles an 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 fresh bait whenever possible to create the best rigs. Virginia Beach can be fished with live bait and a slow-trolled line. For kingfishing, you need to look for structure in your ocean. Reefs, wrecks, and channel edges are ideal locations. These types of structures are attractive to boats.

Slow-troll around bait schools during this time to increase your chances of catching mackerel. King mackerel will move to the shoreline. To target them, you should find an area close to an inlet. These areas can yield great results if you slow-troll. These areas may appear remote but the water is much cleaner than those in Brunswick County. A live-bait rig is a good choice if you want to catch dolphins while fishing.

You can also use a small boat with a sonar. These devices pinpoint the location and depth of bottom structures or bait balls. These structures are often the location of bait balls. King mackerel will also cluster close to them. To maximize your chances at hooking a King Mackerel, you should consider a small boat fitted with a sonar device. King mackerel will often be found in areas where the bottom is very rough.

Best time to catch king mackerel

King mackerel migrates in the spring and summer with baitfish. Many will be caught in the Florida Keys in the winter, but there are many pelagic species available in the spring as well. King mackerel will often be found on the shoreline, close to offshore oil rigs. To have the best chance of catching one you should go out in the morning or evening.

Trolling is a popular method of catching king mackerel. There are many tips and techniques to fish for king mackerel. Fishing with trolling or live bait is effective. Just before summer starts, is the best time to fish king mackerel. Anchoring is not required. Anchoring will not help you catch bigger fish. Anchoring your boat to a shallow part of structure will increase your chances of landing larger fish.

The tide times will help you determine the best time for fishing for mackerel. You will have the best chances of catching mackerel when the tide is high. If you see seabirds swimming offshore, they could be an indication that there's a fish below. Once you've found the right tide time, tie a mackerel rig to your hook and cast out. Use only high-quality mackerel feathers.

A lure that can reach the proper depth is essential for catching king mackerel. Trolling for them can be done with jigs or spoons as well as bait. You can also use run-around nets if you're on a boat. Bait fishermen use 2 hooks with a metallic leader. The first hook goes through the bait fish, while the second runs along the fish's top. King mackerel love the tail portion of bait fish.

FAQ

What should I wear while fishing?

Wear clothes that are waterproof. Sunscreen, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen are all great options. Consider adding insect repellent.

How can I get started in fishing?

There are a few things you should know about fishing if you're new to the sport. You need to be familiar with the types of fish that are found in your area. To find them, you must also know their favorite places to be found. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, practice casting. This involves learning to throw a lure in the air and let it sink back onto the water. Practice makes perfect!

Where can I buy my fishing supplies?

All of these items can be purchased at most sporting goods shops. If you're looking for something more specific, you might want to look online. Many websites sell everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and lures.

How deep should I cast my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Keep your arm straight when casting a line. This will ensure that the line doesn’t twist.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)