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The Best Way to Catch King Fish

Kingfish refers to any number of large sporting fish such as king mackerel, cobia and white croaker. While the best way to catch kingfish can vary according to the waters, resources and fishermen involved, there are, nevertheless, expert strategies professionals utilize that can also serve amateurs quite well. An understanding of and careful attention to these tips and tactics can help even the casual angler catch what are also called "Smokers" more easily than he might without these secrets for success.

Things You'll Need

Bait

Instructions

- 1
  Get the best bait. The choice of bait can make all the difference between success and disappointment. Many tournament champions rely on live porgies, a type of Sparidae fish, although these can be difficult to secure. Fishermen frequently cast a net to catch them in backwaters, close to beaches and near piers. They are most easily caught in early morning hours and are best when used soon after. If they cannot be used immediately, fishermen should store porgies in a round container with a circulation system that pumps outside water. Storing them in this manner helps to remove toxins, to aerate the water and to help the porgies swim without damaging themselves in a container with corners.
- 2
  Keep the bait alive. Fishermen should hook the treble hooks of the tail leader through each porgy's nose and near the top center of its back. These placement techniques help to keep the fish alive. The header leader should be approximately 44 lbs. test and 6 feet long while the tail leader should be approximately 58 lbs. test and 7 inches long. Stainless steel wire makes the best leader material and allows the bait to swim with little line resistance.
- 3
  Stagger the lines. Fishermen must troll at least two lines: a downrigger line set astern approximately 20 feet and a flat line set astern approximately 30 feet. You must stagger the downrigger and flat lines in depths and set astern in 10-foot differentials. Line choice is critical as heavier lines may be more resistant as well as more visible.
- 4
  Control the troll. Trolling too fast can cause the porgies to flip about and to swim unnaturally. Anglers should also keep a watch out for bait clusters to more easily determine if and when downriggers should be adjusted. Remedy any thick clusters by allowing the bait to swim naturally. Keeping a lively porgy on the line will help to avoid clustering.
- 5
  Identify the feeding pattern. Be attentive to where strikes occur and troll accordingly. Once a pattern is identified, it is be easier to catch kingfish that might otherwise seem elusive.

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