Kingfish Fishing In the Florida Keys

Kingfish is a medium-size fish typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but can reach up to 90 pounds and more. Their entire body is covered with very small scales. Their markings include a lateral line that starts high on the shoulder, dips abruptly at mid-body, and then continues as a wavy horizontal line to the tail. They are olive on the back, which fades to then to white on the belly. King mackerel are commonly caught from 40 feet out to 200 feet. They are opportunistic feeders, and their size influences what they want to eat. We catch them on live or dead baits and artificial lures. They are considered a very healthy fish to eat due to their high oil content, but many Florida Keys locals and visitors find kingfish a little too ‘fishy’. Because of this, it makes its way into many of the delicious smoked fish dip recipes you’ll find at local Marathon, FL restaurants.