Kingfish (Scomberomorus cavalla) begin showing in the Key West area starting mid December and continue to grow in numbers throughout the winter months into April. These waters are famous for some of the largest Kings, or smokers as the are sometimes called, to be found in the world. We have won the S.K.A tournament on several occasions and have held the record for the three largest Kingfish ever caught in the tournament at one time. We have taken several giants topping the 70 pound mark including the current I.G.F.A world record, a 73 pounder on 12 pound test line.
Although slow trolling live baits is a proven means of taking these giants, chumming with live pilchards (a small bait fish) and casting with artificial lures and flies provides some of the most visual and exciting fishing to be found during the winter months. These Kings will skyrocket the baits and lures, sometimes reaching heights of 15 feet into the air, only to re-enter the water and run 200 or more yards. This is a real sportsman’s adventure.
Kingfish can be cooked in several different ways. Recipes for cooking Kingfish as well as other types of fish can be found on our Weekly Recipes page.
Kingfish Photo Gallery
Kingfish Fishing Locations
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is the last, great vestige of sportfishing in the northern hemisphere. This remote group of islands are surrounded by more than ten thousand square miles of fishing resources that have remained relatively untapped due to the time that it would take to cover this vast and remote area.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, for our purposes, begins at the North side of the flats, along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats.
Key West
Key West offers the sportfishing enthusiast the largest variety of gamefish in the world. Other locations will argue that they are the sportfishing capital of the world, or the best for this species or that particular fish. There are more “I.G.F.A. World Records” from the waters of Key West than the next closest, several locations combined.
Marquesas
Marquesas is a magical word that conjures thoughts of tropical breezes, emerald green water surrounding a tropical island paradise. A ring of islands surrounded by acres and acres of pristine water and shallow flats where giant Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mutton Snappers, great Barracudas and monster Sharks of all kinds prowl the flats.
