How to Catch a Big Kingfish

The Kingfish is the largest member of the mackerel family. And it comes with big teeth, too. Because of those teeth, the fish can be maddeningly hard to catch.

The range of the king mackerel is from Texas around the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard, occasionally as far a Massachusetts. The fish comprise two separate stocks that, according to all the tracking data, do not intermingle. Anglers should plan their outings to intercept one of these schools on their migrations.

Strangely, the stock of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, though they spawn off Texas, prefers to spend the winter months off the east coast of Florida. Cape Canaveral to Key West is hot from December through March, and then the fish depart and can be followed on their path around the Gulf to the spawning grounds off Texas, then back again.

The Atlantic stock spends its winter in deep water and is rarely caught during this time. But in April they head ashore to spawn, and inhabit the coastal waters from then until November.

Whichever stock of kings you fish, the game is the same. Offer them bait they can't refuse and hold on tight. Sometimes, however, the fish get picky, and then it's time to use some pro tricks.

Since the fish's teeth can slice anything they come in contact with (fingers included), wire leader is essential. However, a smaller gauge wire can make a big difference in the frequency of bites. Number 4 wire is a good choice when the fish are really finicky; remember to twist it carefully to preserve the strength.

At times the fish are just hanging out at a certain depth; they make marks on the depth finder, but won't come up for the bait. A weight is a help, but a downrigger will be better to get the bait to the exact desired depth.

Finally, when all else is not attracting attention, a kite might work. With the kite, the fish doesn't see the line or the leader which is entirely out of the water. The splashing bait fish infuriates kings and they will sometimes clear the water in their mad dash to devour the meal.

And finally, vary the bait. Goggle-eyes usually work, but sometimes a blue runner is better. Sardines, Menhaden, Threadfin Herring, Pilchards, Spanish Sardines, Cigar minnows, almost anything might work, depending on the local forage and the mood of the fish. But for the best chance, tinker mackerel and red-tailed shad (known in many places as Speedo's) can't be beat. They're Kingfish candy that's almost guaranteed.