fishing gear

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Mike Richardson 30/04/2022 7 mins read

There are many ways to catch king mackerel. These include slow trolling with live bait and plugs. The majority of king fish are taken by anglers fishing with a small stinger rig. However, slow trolling can produce some of the most massive king mackerel. Here's a look at some of the most common fishing techniques for king mackerel.

Kite fishing

A kite is a great way to catch king mackerel. Kite fishing allows you to fish without the hassle of traditional flat-line fishing. It also keeps your baits in the water, so there is no need to spool them. This allows other boats to pass below it without worrying about the line. Leva can also install multiple lines to cover an extensive area.

One common technique for kite fishing is to fish close to large underwater structures. King mackerel can find plenty of cover in natural reefs and wreckage. If you plan to fish near such structures, you can use a kite. 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 also allows you to fish in areas too shallow for traditional trolling techniques.

Kite fishing for king mackerel offers the unique advantage of being able to see fish while they're feeding. Sailfish, for example, can be seen streaking toward the bait. Tuna and kingfish can also be seen below the surface. The illusion of a meal can be created by a kite. Kite fishing offers you the ability to adjust your rigging for a better chance of catching king marlin.

One of the most common kite fishing techniques for king mackerel is using a bait that floats on the water. To separate the baits you can also use weights in the barrel. The fish will eat your bait if you use a kite. It is important to keep the bait floated with menhaden as it will attract large king mackerel.

Live bait

Although there are many methods to catch king mackerel you can use live bait. King mackerel can be seen eating bait fish without being hooked, so it is important to have bait on hand. If possible, fish in areas where the King Mackerel are most likely. If you can, fish in shallower water where the kings are likely to bite.

The migration of silver mullet down the coast is completed in late fall. 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. The blood worms are an effective method of live baiting kingfish. These worms are both edible and can help reduce the time to fill your livewell.

Anglers use a stinger to slow trolling live bait fish. This rig includes two hooks attached with 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 an treble hook. It can swing free and gently hook into your bait fish. The rear half of the bait is where King mackerel will attack, so a stinger rig greatly increases your chances of hooking up. Never forget to lighten your drag.

Another technique is to use a float or a 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. Balloons should be inflated to four to six inches in diameter. Drop them at the bottom for two-thirds.

Plugs

Plugs are a great tool for trolling for king mackerel. They come in a variety sizes and colors that mimic local food sources. Plugs have lips that are just the right depth and cover a broad water column. These fish are best caught with plugs. The best color for plugs is gold. The right plug for the right conditions increases your chances of hooking up with a king.

Use live bait that is large enough for king mackerel to be attracted by. To avoid damaging the fish's tail, place a long hook in front of the bait. Trolling faster is possible if you are using a lure. While king mackerel are aggressive, they are elusive. If you want to catch one, you need to have patience.

Another great way to catch king mackerel is to fish for them in open water. Because they feed on bait fish, these fish are often drawn to structures. You should look for wrecks and ledges and reefs. Don't forget oil rigs. These fish can also found offshore. If you use the right lures and techniques, you're sure to be successful. Although live bait is the best method of catching king mackerel you should still use a spool.

While you're trollng, try rigging your live bait with a squid rig. Planers allow your lure dive to the proper depth and keep a speed between 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. They are excellent for catching large numbers of king marlin.

Slow trolling

King mackerel will eat slow-trolled bait. This is why kayaks can be useful for troll fishing. This type of fishing works best for live bait since kings can't be lured by high-speed 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 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 best bait available and make the most of the rigs they have. Virginia Beach has live bait and slow-trolled fishing rigs. For kingfishing, you need to look for structure in your ocean. 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 migrate right to the shoreline. You'll need to locate an area nearby an inlet, beach or other suitable location to target. These areas are great for slow-trolling. Although these areas may seem remote, Carolina Beach's waters are cleaner than Brunswick County's. If you're fishing with a live-bait rig, you'll likely catch a dolphin along the way.

A sonar can be used on a small boat. These devices can pinpoint the location of bait balls and bottom structures. King mackerel are also known to gather near these structures. To maximize your chances at hooking a King Mackerel, you should consider a small boat fitted with a sonar device. When the bottom structure is rough, king mackerel will be in the vicinity.

Best time to catch King Mackerel

King mackerel migrate with baitfish in the spring and fall. The majority of the pelagic species will be caught off Florida Keys in winter. However, they are abundant in 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.

Trolling is a great way to catch King Mackerel. Fishing for king mackerel requires the correct techniques and tips. Live bait or lures fished using trolling are both effective. Just before summer starts, is the best time to fish king mackerel. Anchoring is not needed. It will catch larger fish. Anchoring your boat to a shallow part of structure will increase your chances of landing larger fish.

You should consider tide times when looking for the best time of day to fish for mackerel. If the tide is high, your chances of catching mackerel are higher. You should be on the lookout for seabirds diving offshore. They will indicate that there are fish below the surface. 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. 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 two hooks and a leader made of 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

Are there different types or lures?

There are many types of lures. Some lures are specifically made for certain fish species. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. There are many sizes and shapes of lures. Some lures look like real bugs.

Where can I buy my fishing supplies?

These items are available at most sporting good stores. However, if you are looking for something specific, you may want to check online. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

You need protection from the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suit are made without boots.

Which is the best spot to fish?

The best place to fish is near freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. These areas provide plenty of food for the fish.

How often should I change my lures?

Every few days, lures should be changed. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.

What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?

Live shrimp is the best bait for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are cheap, easy to catch and great tasting!

Statistics

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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
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)