What's Biting FL
Southwest and Ten Thousand Islands

King Mackerel in Southwest and Ten Thousand Islands

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 309Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 4.8 ft
Sat, Oct 318Heat, fish early or late. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 4.1 ft
Sun, Nov 17Rain likely 78%. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.4 ft
Mon, Nov 27Strong tide swing 2.9 ft
Tue, Nov 38Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.7 ft
Wed, Nov 48Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.7 ft
Thu, Nov 58Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.2 ft

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
Gulf State Waters and Monroe County
open now
Open year-round
24" fork length3 per harvesterhook and line and spearing only

Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.

See all King Mackerel rules statewide.