Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Scomberomorus cavalla
King Mackerel
Saltwater
About this species
A long, fast Atlantic mackerel, called kingfish, that migrates in large schools along warm coasts. It smokes off reels on searing runs when it hits a bait. Slow-trolling live baits and fast-trolling spoons behind planers with wire leaders is standard.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
5 – 100 m
Habitat Spots
NearshoreOffshore
Fishing Methods
TrollingLure
Bait & Rig
Slow-trolling live blue runners or thread-fin herring, and fast-trolling spoons behind planers on wire leaders.
Edibility & Taste
Dark, oily flesh suitable for grilling, smoking, or blackening; large fish over 10 kg can carry ciguatoxin in tropical areas.
Similar Species
Adults lack spots unlike the Spanish mackerel; the lateral line dips sharply at the second dorsal fin, and overall size is much larger.
Record Weight
45.5 kg