Artificial Lures

King Mackerel Fishing Techniques

By Bill Rollins 31 January, 2023 7 mins read

You can catch many king mackerel by using a variety of fishing techniques. These include slow trolling, live bait, and plugs. Slow trolling, which can produce the largest king mackerel, is a better option than trolling with a large stinger rig. Below is a list of the most popular techniques for fishing king mackerel.

Kite fishing

Kite fishing is a good 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 technique allows other boats to pass under it without getting in the way. Leva may also set up multiple lines in order to cover a large 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 love to be near large, underwater structures like wrecks and reefs. They will then produce a wide range of bait. Kite fishing also allows you to fish in areas too shallow for traditional trolling techniques.

One of the primary advantages of kite fishing for king mackerel is that it lets you see fish while they are feeding. Sailingfish can sometimes be seen streaking along the surface towards their bait. Tuna and kingfish can also be seen below the surface. Kites can give the illusion of a hungry meal. Kite fishing offers you the ability to adjust your rigging for a better chance of catching king marlin.

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. Fish will be attracted to the bait by a kite. Also, make sure to add menhaden to the bait as this 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. Fish in the areas where the kings will be most likely to be. Fish in shallower water if possible as the kings are more likely to take you on.

During late fall, silver mullet are finishing their migration down the coast. These mullet can be used to bait kingfish and are eligible for tournament winnings. The Carolina spot run is held at this time. Many a tournament winner has been crowned with a big yellow spot. Another effective live bait kingfish fishing technique is putting blood worms on the hook. These worms are both edible and can help reduce the time to fill your livewell.

A stinger rig is often used by anglers when slow trolling with live baitfish. This rig has two hooks attached on a wire leader. The front hook is a single or treble hook that secures the bait fish through its nose. The rear hook, which is almost always a single or treble hook, can swing freely and hook into the baitfish. King mackerel are known to target the bait's rear end, which is why a stinger can dramatically increase your hookup rates. Never forget to lighten your drag.

Another technique is to use a float or a balloon above your bait. A float can serve two purposes. It keeps the bait afloat within the water column, and it provides visual references. If the water quality is good, you can use an egg-shaped or black rubber flotation. To inflate balloons, you should make sure they are four to six inches wide. Then, lower them two-thirds down to the bottom.

Plugs

Plugs work great when you are fishing for king mackerel. Plugs come in many colors and sizes, and they mimic local forage. Plugs have lips that are the correct depth, and they cover a wide water column. These fish are hard to catch, so plugs are the best option. Plugs should be made of 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 the fish's tail from being torn, use a long hook at the back of your bait. Trolling faster when you're using lures is possible. King mackerel can be aggressive but they can also be very elusive. You must be patient if you want to catch one.

Another great way to catch king mackerel is to fish for them in open water. Because they eat bait fish, these fish can relate to structure. Look for wrecks, ledges, and reefs, and don't forget about oil rigs. These fish are also available offshore. You'll be successful using the right techniques and lures. 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 to dive to the correct depth and maintain a speed of five to seven mph. You can find them in many sizes and cover a large area of water. Planers can also be used to cover large areas at once. They are excellent for catching large numbers of king marlin.

Slow trolling

King mackerel love slow-trolled bait, so a kayak can make a great tool for troll fishing. This type of fishing is best for bait that's live, since kings are not always attracted to high-speed trolling. Although artificial lures are still available, paddle boats are better for live bait. Kayakers can easily pedal at a steady pace of 1.5 miles per hours for the entire day. 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 freshest bait possible and create the most effective rigs. Virginia Beach offers live bait fishing and slow-trolled rigs. To catch kings, look for structure in the ocean. Reefs, wrecks, and channel edges are ideal locations. These structure types attract bait to the boat.

Slowly trolling around bait schools will increase your chances to catch the mackerel. King mackerel will move to the shoreline. To target them, you should find an area close to an inlet. Slow-trolling around these areas can produce great results. These areas may appear remote but the water is much cleaner than those in Brunswick County. You'll most likely catch a dolphin if you fish with a live bait rig.

A sonar can be used on a small boat. These devices can locate bottom structures and bait balls. King mackerel can also be found near such structures, in addition to the bait ball. You can hook a king mackerel by using a small boat that is equipped with a sonar receiver. 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 often live along the coast, near offshore oil rigs and other structures. If you want to have the best chance at catching one, go out early in morning or early afternoon.

Trolling is a popular method of catching king mackerel. Fishing for king mackerel requires the correct techniques and tips. Both live bait and trolling lures are effective. The best time to fish for king mackerel is just before the start of summer. Anchoring is not required. However, it will help in catching larger fish. To improve your chances of catching bigger fish, anchor your boat on a low-lying structure.

To find the best time to fish for mackerel, you should look at tide times. To catch mackerel, it is best to fish when the tides are high. As they are an indicator of a fish beneath the surface, look out for seabirds that can be seen diving offshore. Once you have found the right tide, tie a mackerel-rig to your hook, and cast out. You must use good mackerel flannel feathers.

A lure that can reach the proper depth is essential for catching king mackerel. While trolling, you can use spoons, jigs, and bait. You can use run-around, gill nets when you're aboard a boat. Bait fishermen use two hooks that have a metal leader. The first hook goes through the bait fish, while the second runs along the fish's top. King mackerel are particularly receptive to the tail section of bait fish.

FAQ

Are there many types of lures available?

Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures can be tailored to specific fish species. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. There are many types of lures. Some lures can even be shaped like real insects.

How deep should I cast my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits are sometimes equipped with boots. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.

Statistics

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