Big Game Fishing - Kingfish Baits

With winter seemingly a distant memory, it is once again that time of year for game fishing enthusiasts to take to the waterways in search of the Kingfish. For people new to fishing, understand that while game fishing can be enjoyed by just about anyone, once you get into it, you will develop your own routines. Here is a look at the type of baits we like to use when fishing for the Kingfish Mackerel.

Shad for Kingfish

The top selling bait for Kingfish game fishing enthusiasts is called a menhaden shad. More commonly known as “pogies” by people more experienced in the industry, you can usually find a school of menhaden shad at the surface of the water where you would locate a Kingfish. In order to catch a menhaden shad, or group of them, you will want to use a casting net, as you can scoop up the entire school.

For the reason that Kingfish Mackerel are one of several fish that enjoy eating live bait, you will want to create what is called a circulating live well within your boat. Essentially, the live well acts as a tub, and your goal is to move the menhaden shad from the waterways to your live well as quick as possible so they do not die. From there, you will want to attach a hook to the mouth of the menhaden shade, and then toss them back in the water, for a Kingfish to latch onto.

What’s more, because Kingfish Mackerel make their home near ship wrecks, the best kind of bait to use to attract them are fish that also gravitate towards ship wrecks. For instance, blue runners and goggle eyes tend to live in offshore ship wrecks comparable to Kingfish. Your best chance to scoop up the blue runners and goggle eyes is by using a Sabiki Rig. This type of casting net can scoop up entire schools of both bait species.

On days when you are unable to make it out to the water, try out some great online fishing games to keep yourself entertained and your skills sharp.

image: Florida Keys Public Libraries