Kingfish caught in Boca Grande, Florida
Mackerels are a family of fish that I haven't spent a lot of time pursuing. I've caught some, mostly while fishing for other fish. However, the first time I ever went deep sea fishing (for my 12th birthday) the first fish I caught was a Sierra Mackerel. I wish I had the picture but one of the guys who went with us told me not to bring my camera because he would take all the pictures and send them to me. Sadly, he never did which is why on every single fishing trip since that one I have always brought a camera. Buddy, if you are reading this I'm still waiting for those pictures, which were from one of the happiest days of my young life at the time.
Mackerels tend to have sharp teeth so you need to use wire leaders for most species. Some of them, such as the Kingfish and the Narrow Barred Mackerel will make spectacular leaps when chasing their prey. A large Mackerel that I hooked off a reef in New Caledonia jumped 10 feet straight in the air to grab my popper. I was setting the hook downwards while it was 10 feet in the air. What a sight; pity his tail somehow sliced through my leader right at the boat. Anyway, despite catching a few nice ones I don't really feel like I know too much about how to target them. Here are some resources that should help you:
If you are in Florida this guy can put you on some nice Kingfish: www.anotherkeeper.com
Mackerels tend to have sharp teeth so you need to use wire leaders for most species. Some of them, such as the Kingfish and the Narrow Barred Mackerel will make spectacular leaps when chasing their prey. A large Mackerel that I hooked off a reef in New Caledonia jumped 10 feet straight in the air to grab my popper. I was setting the hook downwards while it was 10 feet in the air. What a sight; pity his tail somehow sliced through my leader right at the boat. Anyway, despite catching a few nice ones I don't really feel like I know too much about how to target them. Here are some resources that should help you:
If you are in Florida this guy can put you on some nice Kingfish: www.anotherkeeper.com
