Targeting King Mackerel in the Gulf

Put paging Capt ST in your subject. dude was on the go fast KM circuit for years. In fact, he's so good at targeting KM, that he lucked up and chummed up a wahoo this past weekend.

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In fact, he's so good at targeting KM, that he lucked up and chummed up a wahoo this past weekend.

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We usually throw out a rod and troll around a platform before tying off to fish. Have caught plenty this way. Have also loaded up trolling rip lines close in when they are there. Bigger question is why do you want to catch king mac's, cut bait?

I try not to catch King Mackerel.

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Why you want kings? Not good to eat.

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I have my reasons... Fishing some rodeos this summer that have a king category and they make awesome big snapper bait.

Sounds like I need some steel leaders. We have plenty of trolling baits. How close to the rig are we talking?

Flouro leaders work fine if you are fishing for bait as they are easier to rig for me anyway. I would use wire if I was targeting a big king for a prize. In my own experiance they are rarely alone so losing a few when fishing for bait is not a biggie.

As close as you like, I would try to stay within 100 ft or so but just have not tried futher out. I have never targeted kings on purpose so others probably know more about it than I do.

As close as you can get the bait to pass to it if the current isn't ripping. Some days going against the current is the ticket and some days better to go with the current.

Use single wire leader. 3' -5'.

I once made the mistake of putting a king mackerel steak on a BBQ pit. Stunk to high heaven.....ate a small piece and threw the rest away.

i love kingfishing

I think this is hilarious, I think of it every time I see a thread about them.