Kingfish, or king mackerel, are a classic Palm Beach catch: fast, aggressive and often found close enough to shore that you can see the beach.
- Season Strongest in the cooler months
- Where Reef edges, wrecks and the Gulf Stream, often within a few miles of the coast
- How Trolling live baits and lures
- Good eating Yes, best fresh and iced right away
- Watch out Very sharp teeth: let the crew handle the fish
Meet the king mackerel
King mackerel are long, silvery, streamlined fish with a mouth full of sharp teeth. They are fast and hit baits at speed. The largest, known to anglers as "smokers", are famous for line-stripping runs and a sometimes spectacular leap out of the water.
Kingfish season
The kingfish run along southeast Florida in the cooler months as baitfish migrate south. On our season chart that is roughly November through March, though results vary with the weather and bait. See season by month and fall fishing for how the run builds.
How we fish for them
- Slow-trolled live bait: the classic way to catch a big king. A lively baitfish drifting behind the boat is hard for a hungry king to resist.
- Trolled lures and rigged baits: useful for covering water and finding fish.
- Wire leader: a short wire leader is used because their teeth cut ordinary line.
Where they are
Kings hang around reef edges, wrecks, color changes and bait schools. Because those places are close in, a half-day trip can be enough. If you only have a few hours, kingfish are a good target. See also offshore, nearshore and inshore fishing.
Eating kingfish
Kingfish is a stronger-flavored, oily fish that is best fresh. It is excellent smoked or grilled, and popular for fish dip. Ice it right away and eat it soon. Bag and size limits apply, so see the rules basics.
Ready to put this to work? Request a trip with Good Mojo and tell us what you want to catch, or send us a question first.
Frequently asked questions
When is kingfish season in Palm Beach?
Kingfish are mainly a cooler-weather catch, with the run typically from about November through March.
Are kingfish good to eat?
Yes. Kingfish is oily and flavorful. It is best fresh, and especially good smoked or grilled.
Are kingfish dangerous?
They have very sharp teeth, so the crew handles the fish and removes the hook. Do not put your hands near the mouth.
How far offshore do we fish for kingfish?
Often only a few miles from the coast, along reef edges and wrecks, which makes kingfish a good fit for shorter trips.