UTERKing mackerel fishing in The Everglades
In The Everglades, king mackerel peak November–March and are around October–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Winter grounds off Naples and the Ten Thousand Islands — Gulf-group kings stack here in the cold months.
Arriving from the north.
King mackerel in The Everglades, month by month
- JanuaryPeakWinter grounds off Naples and the Ten Thousand Islands — Gulf-group kings stack here in the cold months.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeakFish start north.
- AprilLeaving
- MayAround
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberArrivingArriving from the north.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish king mackerel near Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee
Mangrove islands, tidal creeks, oyster bars and the outside beaches from Marco south to Cape Sable, then Florida Bay's shallow basins and banks. Almost none of it developed. The most tide-driven water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 121 ledge / hard bottom, 49 artificial reef, 48 wreck spots in the The Ten Thousand Islands & Everglades 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 The Everglades?
Peak season is November–March. King mackerel are in The Everglades October–May. January: Winter grounds off Naples and the Ten Thousand Islands — Gulf-group kings stack here in the cold months.
Where do king mackerel hold in The Everglades?
Look on artificial reef, wreck, ledge / hard bottom — around Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Flamingo.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in The Everglades?
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 The Everglades?
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/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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