King mackerel in Florida
Where to catch king mackerel, plus limits and records.
- 90 lbrecord
Photo: ScubaBear68, CC BY 2.0
King mackerel fishing in Florida
King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record king mackerel weighed 90 pounds (Key West, 1976).
Know your king mackerel
Home water for king mackerel
“Coastal to offshore waters.”
“Often around piers.”
“They may occasionally be found in deep water.”
How king mackerel feed and spawn
“Spawn offshore in mid-summer.”
“Schooling fish that migrate from south Florida waters in winter northward in spring.”
“Feed mainly on fishes.”
Seasons for king mackerel
“Spawn offshore in mid-summer.”
“Schooling fish that migrate from south Florida waters in winter northward in spring.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida king mackerel limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf state waters and Monroe County | 3 a day | 24 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Atlantic state waters (excludes Monroe County) | 2 a day | 24 in minimum | Open year-round |
Hook and line and spearing only.
Hook and line and spearing only.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record king mackerel
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 90 | Key West | 1976 |
| All tackle | 2.8 | Santa Rosa Beach | 2021 |
| Fly | 55 | Key West | 1995 |
| Fly |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for king mackerel
Most king mackerel are caught over structure offshore; these counties have the most FWC artificial reef deployments.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
Questions about king mackerel in Florida
What are the Florida rules for keeping king mackerel?
3 a day (Gulf state waters and Monroe County), size: 24 in minimum.
What does the Florida record king mackerel weigh?
It went 90 pounds, set in 1976.
Which Florida waters hold king mackerel?
See the bays and reef counties listed for king mackerel above.
Are king mackerel stocked in Florida?
FWC reports show no king mackerel stocking lately.
What size king mackerel counts for a Big Catch certificate?
No Big Catch size is listed for king mackerel.
What is the taxonomic name of king mackerel?
Scomberomorus cavalla.
Can I fish for king mackerel without a license?
Yes, a Florida saltwater license from age 16 unless exempt.
Can I keep king mackerel year round?
FWC lists no closure for king mackerel.
What sources cover king mackerel here?
FWC, which sets Florida fishing rules.