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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 17, 2002
King mackerel are a strong presence along our coast. Water temperatures over 80 have not hampered the migration, mainly because of influxes of baitfish. Reports of 20- to 30-pounders have been common from Blind Pass to Hudson.
Live bait and trolling artificials have produced.
Each cold front will bring pushes of kings from the Panhandle, and by November the action will bust loose.
The first lines we put out at daylight Monday were attacked by giant smokers, and the action didn't stop. Fish skyrocketed as far as we could see. With calm seas, we could see underwater attacks as kingfish pushed large wakes pursuing ballyhoo. Like playing a game, the huge kings circled the baitfish until attacking, and a bite was guaranteed with any bait.
Huge Spanish mackerel have been mixed in with the kings. Some of the macks are 5-6 pounds. They don't get as big as kingfish but pound for pound they fight harder, and they are better to eat, with not as many oils in the fillets. Spanish mackerel make great sushi if sliced thin and dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.
-- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com.