UTERKing mackerel fishing in Biscayne Bay
In Biscayne Bay, king mackerel peak December–April and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Kings on the reef edge in 80–120 ft.
Mullet run peak: snook, tarpon, jacks on every inlet and beach. The best beach fishing of the year — follow the mullet schools. Bones and permit on the flats; kings begin to return nearshore.
King mackerel in Biscayne Bay, month by month
- JanuaryPeakKings on the reef edge in 80–120 ft.
- FebruaryPeakSnook opens; kings and cobia nearshore; the flats reload between fronts. Snook harvest opens the 1st — the inlets and bridges. Cobia and kings on the wrecks; bonefish and permit on the flats when the water tops 72.
- MarchPeakTarpon arrive at the inlets; permit and bonefish on the flats. Tarpon at Government Cut and Haulover on the night tides; permit tail on the bay flats; bones on the oceanside of Key Biscayne.
- AprilPeak
- MayLeaving
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAroundMullet run peak: snook, tarpon, jacks on every inlet and beach. The best beach fishing of the year — follow the mullet schools. Bones and permit on the flats; kings begin to return nearshore.
- NovemberArrivingArriving.
- DecemberPeakSnook closes mid-month; winter reef and inlet pattern. Last snook harvest to the 14th. Kings and cobia on the wrecks, snapper on the reef, bones only on the warm afternoons.
Where to fish king mackerel near Homestead, Key Biscayne, Miami
Biscayne Bay's grass flats and the finger channels between them, the bayside mangrove shorelines of the national park, the inlets (Government Cut, Haulover, Port Everglades), and the reef line within a couple of miles of the beach.
Fish Scouter charts 515 artificial reef, 391 wreck, 332 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Miami & Biscayne Bay map area — the kinds king mackerel hold on.
What to use for king mackerel
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Threadfin herring (greenbacks)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined, or slow-trolled. Fragile — handle them wet and fast.
- Cigar minnowsNose-hooked on a stinger rig for kings, or a 4/0 circle hook dropped to the bottom for grouper.
- Menhaden (pogies)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined or slow-trolled; cut in chunks for the bottom.
- Spanish sardinesNose-hooked and free-lined in a chum slick, or slow-trolled on a stinger rig.
- Speedos (redtail scad)Bridled through the nose on a kite or slow-trolled for sailfish, kingfish and blackfin.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–6/0
- Braid30–50 lb
Feeds in 66–82°F water, best at 68–76°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch king mackerel in Biscayne Bay?
Peak season is December–April. King mackerel are here year-round. January: Kings on the reef edge in 80–120 ft.
Where do king mackerel hold in Biscayne Bay?
Look on artificial reef, wreck — around Homestead, Key Biscayne, Miami, Haulover, Fort Lauderdale.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in Biscayne Bay?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), threadfin herring (greenbacks), cigar minnows, menhaden (pogies). Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–6/0, braid 30–50 lb.
What are the rules for king mackerel in Biscayne Bay?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
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