King Mackerel Fishing Lures
King Mackerel: Fast and aggressive, King Mackerel are targeted with trolling techniques using live bait or spoons. Wire leaders help prevent cut-offs from their sharp teeth.
Common Lures for King Mackerel fish
Catching King Mackerel, a sought-after game fish known for its speed and agility, requires specific lures that can attract their attention and withstand their sharp teeth. Here are some common lures used to target King Mackerel:
Spoons: Large, shiny metal spoons are very effective for King Mackerel. Their reflective surface and erratic wobbling action mimic injured baitfish. Trolling spoons behind a planer or downrigger can help reach the depths where kings often hunt.
Jigs: Heavy jigs can be effective, especially when King Mackerel are feeding on baitfish near reefs or wrecks. Vertical jigging with metal jigs or bucktail jigs can provoke strikes from aggressive Kings.
Live Bait Rigs: While not a lure in the traditional sense, rigs designed for live bait such as blue runners, threadfin herring, or cigar minnows are highly effective for King Mackerel. Duster rigs or stinger rigs help prevent cut-offs and increase hookup rates.
Trolling Plugs: Deep-diving plugs and minnow lures that can reach the subsurface areas where Kings feed are effective, especially when trolled over known King Mackerel haunts or along temperature breaks.
Feathered Lures: Feathered jigs or skirted lures, often used in conjunction with trolling, can attract King Mackerel by simulating the look and motion of small fish or squid.
Cedar Plugs: A classic among offshore anglers, cedar plugs have a simple design but are surprisingly effective for catching King Mackerel. Their natural wood material and action when trolled mimic a wounded baitfish.
Rapala Lures: Large Rapala lures, especially those designed for high-speed trolling, can be effective for targeting King Mackerel. The swimming action and vibrations can entice Kings to bite.
When fishing for King Mackerel, it’s important to use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, as their teeth can easily slice through monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. Additionally, varying your trolling speeds and the depth of your lures can help you find what the Kings are responding to on any given day. Given their predatory nature, King Mackerel often respond well to fast-moving lures that trigger their instinct to chase.
