UTERKing mackerel fishing in The First Coast
In The First Coast, king mackerel peak May–October and are around April–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Peak spring run.
The last of them on the reefs before they head south.
King mackerel in The First Coast, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot hereThe kings start; trout and reds spread through the marsh. Last of the sheepshead; the spring kingfish run starts late month on the nearshore reefs; trout and reds move out onto the marsh edges.
- AprilArrivingSpring run starts on the nearshore reefs and off the Mayport jetties.
- MayPeakPeak spring run.
- JunePeakTarpon at the jetties; reds in the flooded grass; flounder on the drops. The Mayport tarpon fishery — pogies at the jetties and along the beach. Reds up in the spartina on the top of the tide, flounder on the creek drops.
- JulyPeakSummer kings on the reefs and live-bottom — tournament season in Jacksonville.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeakThe last of them on the reefs before they head south.
- NovemberLeaving
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish king mackerel near Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Jacksonville
Spartina marsh, oyster-lined creeks and the Intracoastal from Ponce Inlet to the Georgia line, the St. Johns River and the Mayport jetties, St. Augustine and Matanzas inlets, and the beaches. More like Georgia's lowcountry than the rest of Florida.
Fish Scouter charts 191 wreck, 130 artificial reef, 43 ledge / hard bottom spots in the The First 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 The First Coast?
Peak season is May–October. King mackerel are in The First Coast April–November. May: Peak spring run.
Where do king mackerel hold in The First Coast?
Look on artificial reef, wreck — around Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Mayport, Fernandina Beach.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in The First Coast?
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 First Coast?
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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