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King Mackerel

King Mackerel

King mackerel are highly migratory pelagic fish that live in open ocean waters near the North Carolina coast, making inshore and offshore migrations triggered by water temperature and food supply.

Scientific Name: Scomberomorus cavalla

Also known as kingfish, kings, snakes, smokers

Physical Characteristics:

King mackerel are long, slender fish with greenish-blue backs and silvery sides. They have large, forked tails and a distinctive lateral line that starts high and dips sharply downward at the second dorsal fin.

Most catches range between 30-45 inches, though they can reach up to 72 inches. Any king mackerel weighing more than 30 pounds or measuring over 54 inches is considered citation-sized.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

King mackerel live in open ocean waters near the North Carolina coast. In winter, they congregate just inside the Gulf Stream along the continental shelf edge. During summer and fall, they move inshore along beaches and near inlet mouths. King mackerel are highly migratory, moving north in summer and south in winter in large schools, with both Atlantic and Gulf stocks mixing in waters south of the Florida Keys between November and March.

Key Locations

Prime locations include waters off Hatteras, Oregon Inlet, Cape Lookout, Wrightsville Beach, Southport, Oak Island, and the Brunswick Islands.

Specific Spots

Target nearshore wrecks within 15 miles of inlets, artificial reefs, live bottom areas with ledges. They commonly occur in depths of 12-45 feet where principal fisheries operate, with depths from 8-100 feet. Larger kings often occur inshore in inlet mouths and harbors.

King Mackerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for King Mackerel in North Carolina?

Live Atlantic menhaden (pogies) and cigar minnows as preferred baits, along with dead ribbonfish. Rig with single-strand #5 wire leaders (12-18 inches) with stinger setups: a single 5/0 live-bait hook in the bait's nose and a #4 treble hook behind the dorsal fin.

When is the best time to fish for King Mackerel in North Carolina?

King mackerel fishing in North Carolina peaks during different seasons depending on location. The fall run (September-November) is legendary, with huge schools of big kings descending on inshore waters off Hatteras Inlet starting in October through December.

How do you catch King Mackerel in North Carolina?

Slow trolling at 2-3 knots is the most effective technique. For artificials, troll Rapala CountDown Magnum 18s and 25s at 6 knots, or Drone 3½ spoons behind 24-ounce inline sinkers.

What do King Mackerel eat?

King mackerel are voracious, opportunistic carnivores that favor menhaden, mullet, thread herring, sardines, and squid.

Where do King Mackerel live in North Carolina?

King mackerel live in open ocean waters near the North Carolina coast. In winter, they congregate just inside the Gulf Stream along the continental shelf edge. During summer and fall, they move inshore along beaches and near inlet mouths.

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