King Mackerel

Season in Tampa Bay

Peak months: Apr, Oct.

Reel Coquina St. Pete chart: kingfish unlikely December to February, 3 stars April and October, 2 stars March, May, September and November, 1 star June to August. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Off the beaches and, at times, just outside the Skyway Bridge in spring and fall (Reel Coquina).

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; Gulf states issue mercury advisories (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

• Reel Coquina Fishing Charters (Capt. Pablo Koch-Schick, St. Petersburg), June 4, 2026: St. Pete monthly fishing calendar with star ratings and water temperatures (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR species profile: king mackerel (Official source)
• Gregg Holshouser Grand Strand fishing reports, 2019-2020 (mirror) (Angler knowledge)

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