What's Biting FL
Florida Keys

King Mackerel in Florida Keys

King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla · Photo: NOAA's Fisheries Collection , SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi , Public domain

Slow troll live baits or spoons along reefs, wrecks and bait schools in 30 to 120 feet. Spring and fall runs along both coasts.

Next seven days

DayBiteWhy
Fri, Oct 308Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Sat, Oct 318Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Sun, Nov 17Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Mon, Nov 26Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Weak tides
Tue, Nov 36Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Weak tides
Wed, Nov 47Light wind. Weak tides
Thu, Nov 57Light wind. Weak tides

Seasonal pattern

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 68–80°F.

Regulations that apply here

Applies to: state waters

Species / zoneSeasonSizeBagNotes
King Mackerel
Atlantic State Waters (excludes Monroe County)
open now
Open year-round
24" fork length2 per harvesterhook and line and spearing only

Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.

See all King Mackerel rules statewide.