Where are king fish locations in Florida? If you’re looking for an exciting fishing adventure in Florida, targeting kingfish may be just what you need. These powerful and fast-swimming fish can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and there are many locations throughout Florida where they can be caught. Kingfish fishing can provide a thrilling experience with the potential for a big catch. However, finding the right place is vital to a successful fishing trip.
What is a Kingfish?
The names king mackerel and kingies also know as Kingfish. These are all common names for fish from the Scombridae family. Kingfish are the largest mackerel fish and are also the most aggressive.
Kingfish can be found in both tropical and temperate water around the world. They can be found from the Carolinas to Cuba, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. Kingfish migrate and can be seen all year around in Florida because they respond to changes in water temperature.
Named after its long dorsal fin, the Kingfish is named for its color and length. The Kingfish is a blue-colored fish with a long, forked tail and tall dorsal fin. A kingfish typically weighs between 5 to 15 pounds. However, Kingfish can reach weights up to 60 pounds. A smoker is a kingfish that weighs more than 30 pounds. The reels smoke as the fish runs, and the line peels off against the drag. The typical tournament-winning Kingfish off St. Petersburg weighs between 40-60 lbs.
These pelagic fish live in large groups, from inshore to offshore.
They are oily and best smoked. Kingfish can also be grilled over a fire and covered with salad dressing. If appropriately prepared, Kingfish can also be made into great sushi.
Where Do Kingfish Live?
King fish locations can be found in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. In the Atlantic, kingfish are often found along the east coast of Florida, from Miami to Jacksonville. During winter, kingfish tend to move south to escape cooler water temperatures. They can be found in more significant numbers off the coast of South Florida, including the Florida Keys. During the spring and summer months, they can be found in more significant numbers further north along the east coast of Florida.
In the Gulf of Mexico, kingfish are often found off the west coast of Florida, from the Florida Keys to Pensacola. Depending on water temperature and migration patterns, they can be caught nearshore or offshore.
Some of the most popular locations for kingfish fishing in Florida include:
- The Florida Keys
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Palm Beach
- Jupiter
- Stuart
- Fort Pierce
- Daytona Beach
- Jacksonville
- Pensacola
There are many other locations where kingfish can be found in Florida, so it’s always a good idea to check with local fishing charters, tackle shops, or online resources to find out where they are biting. Remember to always follow state regulations for size and bag limits and any closed seasons or areas before fishing for kingfish in Florida.
What You Need to Know Before Going Out on a Fishing Charter Kingfish
Fishing charters will take anglers offshore to catch Kingfish when they are found in Florida waters. An angler can expect to spend 4-8 hours on a king fishing trip. This is a lot to spend on the water, so king fishing trips need advanced planning.
Charters are often booked months in advance, so book your trip early if king fishing is something you want.
Before you book your king fishing trip, contact the boat owner to confirm where they will be fishing depending on water temperature or kingfish migration patterns. Many guides are knowledgeable about king fishing, including information on kingfish migrations. Before you book your tour, check the limit on king mackerel size and any other saltwater fishing regulations in your area. A good fishing charter captain will know how to do this.
Remember that the kingfish season can extend through winter and summer, so kingfish guides are still available year-round, even though Kingfish are less common.
Tips and Tricks to Catch a Kingfish
Because of the sharp teeth of Kingfish, anglers for kingfish use either a stinger or long shank hook. These beautiful fish are often caught using a trolling planer, spoons, and different colored trolling lures.
Your captain can help you choose the best king fishing gear for your trip once you are on the open water.
Kingfish will often eat the bait whole. Kingfish will often strike at and swallow baits. This means that fishing lures for Kingfish must have hooks big enough to hold the fish without breaking off or being eaten whole by them.
Kingfish are known to skyrocket on lures and often explode on baits. Sometimes they will buzz bait in half and then reanalyze and eat the rest of the baitfish.
King fishing lures include Kingfish topwater lures, live bait rigs for king mackerel, Kingfish trolling lures, and soft kingfish lures.
Like all kinds of sport fishing, charter captains have their favorite king fishing techniques.
Book Your Fishing Charter Today
Salty Knots Fishing Charters is perfect for anyone looking to catch king fish in some of the best fishing locations in Florida. We provide all the necessary fishing gear and equipment, so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure and a willingness to catch some fish!
So, what are you waiting for? Book your fishing charter today and experience the thrill of the catch in the beautiful waters off the coast of Florida.
Services We Offer
Whether you are an experienced fisherman or a beginner, Salty Knots Fishing Charters will provide you with an experience you will remember. Our services include Offshore Deep Sea Charters. Salty Knots Fishing Charters also offers beautiful sunset cruises along the world-famous St. Petersburg beach!
