The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper


Vol. 16 No. 1 - November 4, 2015

reel time

The king of fall

Reel time

submitted
Captain Justin Moore holds a large king for Brook
Nutter, of Tampa. The kingfish was caught off
Anna Maria Island.

 

 

There’s nothing quite as exciting as seeing a kingfish explode on a top water plug or bait and then have the line scream off your reel as it goes into hyper drive. Although there are a number of fish that pass through local waters seasonally (spring and fall), kingfish in particular provide electrifying action to area anglers. Kings generally appear when the water temperature reaches into the low 80s when they migrate into inshore water in search of baitfish. They are very aggressive and will strike a variety of live baits, plugs, spoons, feathered jigs and flies.

In the past, kings were pursued with heavy tackle, but light tackle has become much more popular. Lighter tackle yields more hook-ups and is more exciting. A 20-pound outfit is more than adequate. Many anglers pursue kings with gear as light as 8 pounds. Kings are seldom lost to structure in the open Gulf, so the most important consideration is rigging. Kingfish hit hard and make long runs. A smooth drag is a must as well as a sharp hook and protection from their razor sharp teeth.

Anglers fishing for kings generally employ an 8- to 12-inch strand of wire. Fly fishermen and those who use live bait can also use wire or substitute extra-long shank hooks and heavy monofilament leader. They’ll get more hits with mono leaders, and more cut-offs, but the action you’ll get is worth it. Wire can spook fish in clear water and is best used in low light situations – on cloudy days, early mornings, and late afternoons. Wire made by companies like American Fishing Tackle is constructed with seven strands of stainless steel, can be tied like mono, is easy to work with, kinks less and can be tied like monofilament.

The best way to locate kingfish is to find the schools of baitfish they pursue. Structure in the Gulf (wrecks, patch reefs, ledges) and, as the waters cools, the edges of the local passes are prime areas. A GPS and fish-finder are great assets in the search, but anglers who don't have this equipment can find fish by locating baitfish and breaking fish. The action will usually have a contingent of sea birds overhead. While live baiting usually takes the largest fish, trolled plugs, spoons, feathers, and flies are all effective.

The most efficient way to attract kings is by deploying a chum bag and then chumming with dead and live bait. Position your boat near structure, live bottom, baitfish schools or feeding birds. After a chum line has been established, begin adding pieces of cut bait and, finally, a few live shiners to the water. If the action is hot, a chum bag isn’t necessary.

Slow trolling ladyfish and blue runners can also be effective if shiners are scarce. If you prefer not to chum, locate schools of bait fish on the surface and work the edges by drifting or with the aid of a trolling motor. A quiet approach will avoid spooking the baitfish, kingfish and other predators that may be patrolling the area. Cast to the edges of the school where kingfish patrol looking for wounded prey. Never motor through the middle of the action.

One way to target kings that is very effective is top water plugs and big top water flies. There is nothing quite like a big king smashing a plug or fly on the surface. The bigger and nosier the fly or plug the better. Whether you seek kingfish on flies, live bait or trolling, you’re in for some of the most exciting action to be found off our coast. Rig light, protect from the kings’ sharp teeth and hold on!


AMISUN ~ The Island's Award-Winning Newspaper