The King Mackerel, or Kingfish (Scomberomorus cavalla), is a large, fast-swimming pelagic predator found in the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. This species is important for both commercial fisheries and the recreational angling industry, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. Valued for its size and strong fighting ability, the King Mackerel’s annual migration and aggressive feeding habits make it a reliable target for fishermen. It contributes substantially to the regional economy and serves as a traditional food source.
Identification and Physical Characteristics
The King Mackerel has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body designed for speed in open water. Its coloration is typically iron-gray to olive on the back, transitioning to silvery sides and a white belly. Adults usually weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, though trophy-sized females can exceed 90 pounds.
A distinctive feature separating the King Mackerel from relatives like the Spanish Mackerel is its lateral line. The line starts high on the shoulder but drops abruptly at mid-body, just below the second dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin is entirely colorless and folds back into a groove, unlike other mackerel species that may have a black patch there. The fish has a large mouth armed with a single row of about 30 strong, triangular teeth on each side of the jaw, making it an efficient predator.
Range and Seasonal Migration
King Mackerel are a subtropical species found in the coastal waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, extending from the Gulf of Maine down to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They are highly migratory, with movements dictated by water temperature, preferring a range between 68°F and 85°F. Since they rarely tolerate waters cooler than 68°F, this drives their predictable north-south seasonal shifts.
The population is divided into two distinct groups: the Atlantic stock and the Gulf of Mexico stock. In spring and summer, the fish move northward along the coast, with the Atlantic group reaching the Carolinas and the Gulf group moving along Texas and Louisiana. In fall and winter, these schools retreat south to warmer waters, often congregating in a winter mixing zone off the southern coast of Florida.
Why King Mackerel Are a Top Game Fish
King Mackerel are highly sought-after game fish due to the challenge they present to recreational anglers. Their reputation comes from their speed and the powerful runs they make once hooked. Capable of speeds exceeding 30 mph, the initial strike and subsequent fight test an angler’s tackle and skill.
The most common technique used to catch King Mackerel is trolling, which involves pulling live or dead baitfish, spoons, or artificial lures behind a moving boat. Live bait fishing, using species like menhaden or blue runners, is productive, often rigged with a stinger hook. Anglers must use a wire leader to prevent the fish’s sharp teeth from cutting the line, a necessary precaution given their aggressive feeding habits. The fight is characterized by long, powerful bursts of line being pulled from the reel, and large Kingfish sometimes “skyrocket,” leaping high out of the water. The pursuit of these fish is the focus of numerous fishing tournaments throughout the Southeast.
Eating King Mackerel and Mercury Concerns
King Mackerel flesh has a firm texture, rich flavor, and high fat content, making it suitable for grilling, smoking, or preparing as fish steaks. However, as a large, long-lived predator, King Mackerel accumulate methylmercury in their tissue through bioaccumulation. This concentration is why the species requires consumption advisories.
Health organizations note that King Mackerel contain high levels of mercury, averaging 0.73 parts per million (ppm). Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children are advised to avoid eating King Mackerel altogether. The general population is advised to limit consumption of larger King Mackerel, as mercury levels are higher in older, bigger fish.