King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) reach a maximum size of 100 pounds. King Mackerel have long tapering bodies common of all Mackerels. Their coloration is dark gray above fading to white on the belly. With finlets running along the top and bottom of the fish forward of the tail fin. King Mackerel occur in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
King Mackerel are schooling fish. King Mackerel are pelagics that live in the open oceans. King Mackerel are commonly caught in water of 30′ to waters as deep as 600′ off the Louisiana coast. King Mackerel are not a highly prized food fish but are considered a prized gamefish. There are two primary ways that these fish are caught. One is by drifting live or cut bait, sometimes around shrimp boats or oil rigs or by trolling. Both natural and artifical baits can be used for trolling. Most King Mackerel Tournaments are won by slow trolling live baits.
Key Notes and Tips:
- King Mackerel feed almost exclusively on smaller fish.
- King Mackerel or often spotted jumping 20′ or more into the air. This is done as the fish rush upwards on their prey from below.
- Kings can be caught at night as they feed well in the dark of night.
- Click here to see a picture of a nice Yellowfin!