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Keeping An Eye Out For Kingfish

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By FRANK SARGEANT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 13, 2009

St. Patricks Day, March 17, marks the traditional arrival of the first king mackerel in the Tampa Bay area, and from the looks of things the fish should be right about on time again this year.

There were reports of kings at Boca Grande, about 80 miles south of the Bay Area, last weekend. With warming weather, the baitfish they feed on will be on the move.

The bait schools typically follow the 68 degree water temperature curve as it pushes northward, and the gamefish are right behind them. They will be joined by Spanish mackerel, jacks, ladyfish, bonita and cobia in the passing parade.

The bonanza typically lasts until around mid-April, or whenever the water temperature exceeds 75 degrees. After that, the bait and most of the fish will have headed farther north to summering areas off the Panhandle.

Best way to catch a big king is to slow troll a blue runner or a large threadfin around the larger passes and over wrecks and artificial reefs. For school kings weighing 7 to 10 pounds, towing a Drone spoon on a number 2 planer will do the job.

The size limit on kings is 24 inches, fork length, and the bag limit is two daily.

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