UTERKing mackerel fishing in Tampa Bay
In Tampa Bay, king mackerel peak April–May and October–November and are around March–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Peak spring run: kings on the nearshore reefs off Egmont and Pinellas — slow-troll live threadfins.
Fall run: kings back on the nearshore reefs and wrecks on the threadfin schools.
King mackerel in Tampa Bay, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchArrivingSpring run arrives with the bait late in the month.
- AprilPeakPeak spring run: kings on the nearshore reefs off Egmont and Pinellas — slow-troll live threadfins.
- MayPeakStill on the reefs early.
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall run: kings back on the nearshore reefs and wrecks on the threadfin schools.
- NovemberPeakPeak fall before they go south.
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish king mackerel near Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa
Florida's biggest open-water estuary, ringed with grass flats, mangrove islands, oyster bars and the Skyway's endless pilings, then the barrier-island passes — Johns, Pass-a-Grille, Longboat, New Pass, Big Sarasota, Venice — and a dense field of artificial reefs a few miles off the beach.
Fish Scouter charts 943 ledge / hard bottom, 521 artificial reef, 191 wreck spots in the Tampa Bay & Sarasota 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 Tampa Bay?
Peak season is April–May and October–November. King mackerel are in Tampa Bay March–November. April: Peak spring run: kings on the nearshore reefs off Egmont and Pinellas — slow-troll live threadfins.
Where do king mackerel hold in Tampa Bay?
Look on artificial reef, wreck — around Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice.
What is the best bait for king mackerel in Tampa 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 Tampa 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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All about king mackerel · Tampa Bay & Sarasota, the whole year