UTERKing mackerel fishing in Florida's Big Bend
In Florida's Big Bend, king mackerel peak May and October and are around April–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Still on the outer rock piles.
Fall run on the outside rocks.
King mackerel in Florida's Big Bend, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilArrivingSpring kings on the outside rocks.
- MayPeakStill on the outer rock piles.
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberArriving
- OctoberPeakFall run on the outside rocks.
- NovemberLeaving
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish king mackerel near Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River
A hundred miles of undeveloped coast: vast turtle-grass flats, limestone rock piles and ledges in ten feet of clear water, spring-fed rivers, oyster bars and salt marsh. No passes, no barrier islands — the Gulf just starts.
Fish Scouter charts 1,282 ledge / hard bottom, 336 artificial reef, 211 wreck spots in the The Big Bend & Nature Coast 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 Florida's Big Bend?
Peak season is May and October. King mackerel are in Florida's Big Bend April–November. May: Still on the outer rock piles.
Where do king mackerel hold in Florida's Big Bend?
Look on artificial reef, ledge / hard bottom — around Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Homosassa.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in Florida's Big Bend?
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 Florida's Big Bend?
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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