It’s the weekly fishing report brought to you by Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort over here in Terra Ceia Bay, Florida, USA. It’s that time of the year when the waters finally pushed eighty degrees, and with that, guess what showed up off the beaches? Kingfish are here, and Tarpon and the big mangrove snapper are here. Fishing just got on fire!
Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, is a favorite target for anglers in Tampa Bay. These fish can be found in large numbers throughout the bay and are known for their fast, powerful runs. Kingfish can grow up to 72 inches in length and can weigh over 100 pounds, making them one of the larger fish species that can be caught in the area.
Anglers often use live bait such as mullet, blue runners, or pilchards to catch Kingfish. They can also use artificial lures such as spoons, plugs, and jigs. Kingfish prefer to swim in schools near the water’s surface, so it is best to look for them in areas where the water is relatively shallow. A good way to find Kingfish is to look for birds feeding on schools of baitfish, which often indicates the presence of Kingfish below.
Once hooked, Kingfish are known for their acrobatic displays, jumping out of the water and shaking their heads vigorously in an attempt to shake off the hook. Anglers must be ready to reel quickly to keep the fish from escaping. Using a heavy leader when fishing for Kingfish is also essential, as their sharp teeth can easily cut through lighter lines.
In addition to their sporting qualities, Kingfish are highly prized for their meat. Kingfish has a firm, white flesh that is often compared to tuna. Many anglers choose to catch and release these fish to help preserve their populations, but those who decide to keep them must follow strict size and bag limits set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Please click here to read past articles on Kingfish and learn about their habitats and hunting techniques. You will find many of the bait they’re searching for within our bay or nearby bridges. After our most recent artificial reef installation, we see more and more bait near the dock. Our water clarity has gone down quite a bit due to a bunch of sting rays up here fluttering around looking for a little shrimp that lives in this mud flat up here in the Terra Ceia Bayou. This is your chance to catch bait and a big fish in Tampa Bay!
You’ve got through Sunday to take advantage of the nice weather ahead. Come Sunday, we’ll finally get a cold front pushing in out of that northeast. That weather will bring us some opportunities for hungry fish before those east winds come. But look for that water to clear up next week as those east winds push much of this debris out.
I’m Captain Erik, and this is your weekly fishing report. Join us any time of the season at Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort, and catch us online next week!
