Kingfish Are Running in St Pete Beach This Fall

Kingfish Are Running in St Pete Beach This Fall

Table of Contents

Updated: 9/14/2021

As water temperatures begin to drop, action-packed Kingfish runs are being found in St Pete Beach, Florida. As Kingfish migrate, we’re finding large groups of them, providing nonstop action and multiple hook-ups!

St Pete Beach Kingfish Report

Out on our St Pete Beach fishing charters recently, we’ve seen large migrations of Kingfish as the water temperatures drop to around 77 degrees. As it gets down to about 72 degrees, the height of migration will be in action! Here’s the secret:

Tips for Fishing for Kingfish in St Pete Beach

Where to Fish for Kingfish?

Within eyesight of the beach, we’ve caught these king mackerel, anywhere from 5-35 pounds! Kingfish love to spend their time off the beaches, piers, busting on bait or chasing deep fish schools in deeper waters.

When Is The Best Time to Catch Kingfish in St Pete Beach?

Just before dusk or in the early morning is considered prime time, but we’ve had success throughout the day. Although they can be caught year-round, fall is the time to go fishing for Kingfish, as the water temperatures are perfect for finding large groups in migration.

What Gear Do You Need to Catch Kingfish?

Kingfish are very aggressive and have razor-sharp teeth. So appropriate gear is a must! You need a reel with a good amount of spool capacity and good cracking power to handle their fighting spirit.

What Bait Do You Need to Catch Kingfish?

Kingfish love blue runners; it’s like candy to them. But they’ll also hit other live or dead bait fish as well as spoons, jigs and large fish plugs. We’ve recently found success fishing for Kingfish in St Pete Beach using sardines, threadfin herring and mackerel

How to Catch Kingfish in St Pete Beach?

The best bet is slow trolling, fly lining with no weight added to the rig. 1 to 3 knots is preferred. Trolling in bait fishing locations proves a success every fall! Here’s your reward:

Delicious Kingfish!

Kingfish are more than just fun to catch – they’re also delicious! They provide ample meat, and various restaurants around St Pete Beach, Florida will cook your catch for you. They can be fried, baked, broiled or smoked. As a warning, children and pregnant women should avoid consumption due to high mercury content.

Kingfish Records in Florida

Kingfish over 20 pounds are known as ‘smokers’. Those between 5-8 pounds are known as ‘snakes’. The world record for a Kingfish catch is a 97.8-pound kingfish found last year off Fort Lauderdale! Here’s how you can catch one yourself:

Book a Kingfish Fishing Charter in St Pete Beach

We know all the hotspots for catching these feisty mackerel in St Pete Beach and would love to help you get your hands on one! As the temperatures drop, now is the ideal time to go fishing as Kingfish begin to migrate. Where it’s inshore or deep-sea fishing that you desire, YACHTFISH Fishing Charters has you covered. Book your charter with YACHTFISH today to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Sharing is Caring...
Facebook
Twitter
Print
Pinterest
About the Author...
scott

scott

Related Posts...
Your St. Petersburg Fishing Charter Captain

GOOGLE REVIEWS
from our happy Guests

Patrick and Sam were awesome. Got us in the fish in no time. They were more than accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. There were 5 of us on the boat besides them and everyone spent ample time reeling in the fish. Easily caught our limit. Thank again Patrick and Sam.... read more
Steve Lambert Avatar
Had a great day on the water. The boat was first class and offered a smooth ride. Our guide Martin was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get us on some fish.
scott smith Avatar
We went fishing in Tampa Bay a few days after a major winter storm system. With cold air and water temperatures fishing was a little slow, but Ethan took us to many spots to maximize our opportunities. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and hard working. We ended up catching several... read more
Nathan Wills Avatar
Had a great day on the water. The boat was first class and offered a smooth ride. Our guide Martin was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get us on some fish.
scott smith Avatar
Excellent equipment, excellent experience. Our guide, Ethan, was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great day! Jake & Susie
Sue Stilwell Avatar
What a great experience from start to finish. I had a few hours of free time and decided to go fishing. Captain Patrick and mate Wes were top notch. We caught snook, redfish and jacks and also tried for tarpon while fishing in the back bays. ... read more
Rich Katz Avatar
We had a very good time fishing with Cpt. Pat. He is very knowledgeable and makes sure you have a great time no matter what your fishing skill level. He put us on lots of fish all day long. We all had a very good time, we... read more
Rob Williams Avatar
We had a GREAT time. The captain and mate did all they could to insure we had the very best experience. We caught five king fish including two well over twenty pounds and several snapper. It was virtually nonstop action. I highly recommend Yachtfish fishing charters.
Bob Hilton Avatar
I highly recommend YACHTFISH! Captain Patrick and his mate Wes were amazing! Got us on some fish and lemon sharks. The whole family had a blast.
Scott Householder Avatar
We were up in St. Pete staying with family following Hurricane Ian this week since we still don't have water. I happened by Yachtfish's boat and sign Monday and lucked out that they had this afternoon available. I have fished all over the world. I used to be a fishing... read more
Joseph Rich Avatar