king-mackerel
Species Facts

Science Name: Scomberomorous cavalla
Other Names: kingfish, southern mackeral
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 93 lbs. Puerto Rico
Environment: reef, offshore
Techniques: medium tackle, heavy tackle, trolling,
Description

The body of the king mackerel is iron-gray along the back, and silvery on the sides and belly with pale to dusky fins. Small king mackerel may have spots along the sides as do Spanish mackerel, but may be distinguished from the latter species by the lateral line, which dips sharply, and also by the color of the anterior dorsal fin, which is gray instead of black.

King mackerel prefer warm waters, and seldomly enter waters below 68° F. The affinity for warm water and the availability of food result in extensive migrations along the southeastern United States, south in the fall and north in the spring. They are caught as far north as the Gulf of Maine, but more often from Virginia south to Brazil, including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. King mackerel spawn from April to November, with males maturing between their second and third year, and females between their third and fourth year. Largest of the mackerels, the king mackerel may reach a length of 5.5 feet and weigh 100 pounds. They feed on other migratory fishes, squid and shrimp, and may be seen leaping out of the water in pursuit of prey.

Sport fishermen troll, cast, and drift fish for kings. Most of the larger fish are caught by trolling live bait, spoons, or diving plugs. The typical rig is a revolving spool reel spooled with 300 yards of 15 to 30-pound monofilament with a stinger rig consisting of a 2/0 bait hook with a No. 4-6 treble hook trailed behind, all attached to No. 3-5 coffee colored wire. Another effective method is trolling a large spoon along with a planer to get it deep. The best months for fishing vary and are dependent on water temperature, clarity and bait availability.