Kingfish Fishing Tampa Florida

These fast and aggressive predators are known for their thrilling runs and are highly sought after by sport fishermen.

Best Time to Catch Kingfish

The best times to target kingfish in the Gulf of Mexico are during the spring and fall migrations when water temperatures are ideal. In the Tampa Bay area, the peak seasons are typically from March to May and then again from October to November. During these times, kingfish move closer to shore, making them more accessible to anglers.

Effective Baits and Lures

Kingfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily focusing on small fish. Live baits such as white bait (scaled sardines), threadfins, and greenbacks are particularly effective because they closely mimic the kingfish’s natural prey.

When using live bait, a common technique is slow trolling or drifting to cover more area and entice bites. For artificial lures, spoons, dusters, and deep-diving plugs are excellent choices. These lures should be trolled at different depths to match the feeding depth of the kingfish during different times of the day.

Fishing Techniques

To successfully catch kingfish, anglers should focus on areas with known underwater structure or temperature breaks, which kingfish often patrol for food. Trolling is a highly effective method because it allows you to cover a lot of water.

Anglers often use downriggers to keep the bait at the desired depth where kingfish are most active. It’s also important to use sturdy tackle, as kingfish have sharp teeth and can easily cut through weaker lines.

Be Prepared for Anything

As showcased in the Landed Fishing’s video from an early season trip out of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico offers a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable fishing experience. In one outing, you might target kingfish and end up encountering Spanish mackerel or even tuna.