King Mackerel

     King Mackerel or Scomberomorous cavalla is a very close resemblance to the Spanish Mackerel. King Mackerel, also known as Kings, have a streamlined body with blueish green scales.  Young Kings often have yellow spots and are mistaken for Spanish Mackerel. The average size of a King is 20 pounds. The record King was caught weighing 90 pounds.
     When fishing for King the most effective method is trolling. While trolling there are two types of bait you can use; live bait or spoons.  Cigar minnows and Menhaden are the best bait fish to use as live bait. Keep in mind that King Mackerel rarely bite dead fish, so you must change fish often in order to keep the King's interest. Spoons, which are shiny metal lures, also work very well as King bait. When using spoons you should use a size No. 3 or higher. Any spoon smaller than a No. 3 will break easily if you connect with a large King.
     King can be an offshore fish and an inshore fish, but it is mostly caught offshore. There is no set location you should go when trying to catch King. King are always on the move and constantly in different areas. If you are fishing offshore you will have to troll around until you land a king. A good hint for King in the area is flocks of birds above the water. If you are fishing for King inshore the conditions must be perfect. In order to catch an inshore King it needs to be hot outside, there needs to be Spanish Mackerel in the area, and there needs to be jumping Menhaden in the area.
     King Mackerel is a good fish to catch and eat, if you catch one big enough you will be able to serve your whole family dinner. Here is a recipe courtesy of "All-Fish-Seafood-Recipes.com"


Ingredients:

• 6 King mackerel steaks, 1 1/2 inches thick
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 lemons, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Light grill, set to medium heat, cover surface with aluminum foil.
• Rub all sides of each King mackerel steak with olive oil, rub salt, pepper, and garlic onto the top and bottom of each steak.
• Place the King mackerel steaks onto aluminum foil, cover each with lemon slices.
• Cook 5 minutes, remove lemon slices, flip, place lemon slices back on top.
• Grill until the mackerel steaks flake easily with a fork.
• Serve the Grilled King Mackerel immediately.

Works Cited

"Grilled King Mackerel Recipe (Mackerel ~ Broiled/Grilled)." All-Fish-Seafood-Recipes.com. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.all-fish-seafood-recipes.com/index.cfm/recipe/Grilled_King_Mackerel>.

"King Mackerel, Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/mackking.html>.

Marsh, By Mike. "King Mackerel Fishing on Artificial Lures." Game & Fish Magazine Online. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.gameandfishmag.com/fishing/salmon-steelhead-fishing/gf_aa066203a/#cont>.