UTERKing mackerel fishing in Indian River Lagoon
In Indian River Lagoon, king mackerel peak April–June and October–November and are around March–December, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Peak spring off Canaveral — slow-troll live pogies.
Fall run on the reefs.
King mackerel in Indian River Lagoon, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchArrivingSpring kings arrive on the Canaveral reefs.
- AprilPeakPeak spring off Canaveral — slow-troll live pogies.
- MayPeakTarpon show in the lagoon and inlets; trout before the heat. Tarpon in the Indian River and at the inlets; snook at Sebastian (closes the 31st); trout at dawn before the flats warm.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall run on the reefs.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish king mackerel near Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville
Mosquito Lagoon, the Banana River and the northern Indian River Lagoon — shallow, clear, grass-and-sand flats famous for sight-fishing tailing redfish and giant trout — plus Port Canaveral and Ponce Inlet, the beaches, and the nearshore reefs.
Fish Scouter charts 118 wreck, 85 artificial reef, 17 ledge / hard bottom spots in the The Space Coast Lagoons 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 Indian River Lagoon?
Peak season is April–June and October–November. King mackerel are in Indian River Lagoon March–December. April: Peak spring off Canaveral — slow-troll live pogies.
Where do king mackerel hold in Indian River Lagoon?
Look on artificial reef, wreck — around Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, Port Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in Indian River Lagoon?
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 Indian River Lagoon?
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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