Kingfish caught near Anna Maria Island

Kingfish

Also called: King Mackerel

Kingfish are sleek, toothy speed demons that tear through bait schools just off the beaches and reefs. A king's first run will empty line off your reel in seconds.

Their spring and fall runs bring fast, heart-pounding action and the chance at a 'smoker' king.

Size
Commonly 10–30+ pounds
Fight
Screaming, reel-smoking runs
On the table
Good fresh; great smoked
Best season
Spring and fall migrations

How we catch Kingfish

We slow-troll and drift live baits over nearshore and offshore reefs and bait pods on nearshore and offshore trips.

On the table

Best eaten fresh or smoked — the rich, dark-streaked meat is a Florida classic on the smoker.