King Mackerel

Season in Southwest Florida

Peak months: Oct, Nov.

Charlotte Harbor October forecast: kings follow the Spanish south, peaking in November, 5 to 15 lb fish from a mile or two off the beaches. FWC: winter in south Florida, migrate north in spring. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

A boat fish here: 5 to 15 lb kings from a mile or two off the beaches out to 30 miles in the fall run (Visit Punta Gorda).

Beyond the pier end.

What to look for

Clean green water at the pier end, bait schools.

What to throw

Swimming minnow plug (Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow style)3/4 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in. Steady medium retrieve with occasional twitches and pauses.

Bait

Live menhaden (pogies), Live bluefish or mullet. Trolley/anchor rig, #4 to #6 wire stinger with 2 to 3 trebles.

Leader

Wire stinger rig.

Landing

Gaffed from piers by experienced anglers.

Handling

• Very sharp teeth
• Violent when landed

Keep hands clear of the mouth; subdue before unhooking.

Keep or release

Edible but strong; every Gulf state issues mercury consumption advisories for king mackerel (LSU). Florida rules apply.

Recipes for king mackerel

Typical: About 33 in, 10 lb. Large: 15 to 40 lb from piers. SC record 62 lb (1976).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: October 2026 fishing forecast (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC species profile: king mackerel (Official source)
• SCDNR species profile: king mackerel (Official source)
• Gregg Holshouser Grand Strand fishing reports, 2019-2020 (mirror) (Angler knowledge)

All the fish of Southwest Florida