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.
Kingfish fishing FAQs
- When is the best time to catch Kingfish near Anna Maria Island?
- Spring and fall migrations.
- How big do Kingfish get?
- Commonly 10–30+ pounds.
- How do you catch Kingfish on an Anna Maria Charters trip?
- We slow-troll and drift live baits over nearshore and offshore reefs and bait pods on nearshore and offshore trips.
- Is Kingfish good to eat?
- Best eaten fresh or smoked — the rich, dark-streaked meat is a Florida classic on the smoker.
