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Kingfish Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Kingfish Fishing Charters

Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
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Fishing in South Padre Island

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

South Padre Island Deep Sea

92% (13)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,359
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Fishing in Islamorada

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Offshore Thrills

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,210
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,485
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

92% (12)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $935
Fishing in Stock Island

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (3)
63 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,760

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Kingfish Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
trip description for Into the Depths- Captain Daniel in Port Aransas

Hit the water with Captain Daniel and experience an action-packed day of fishing! This 8, 10, or 12- hour deep-water adventure allows you to target a bigger variety of fish, such as Red Snapper (depending on the season), Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. The crew of Captain Daniel will guide you every step of the way. You will fish for big game fish, troll weed lines, and bottom fish around rocks, wrecks, and structure. The crew especially loves teaching kids and beginners everything about the different fish species available in this area, as well as fishing techniques. Captain Daniel will supply fuel, bait, top-of-the-line rods and reels, tackle, and ice. All you need to bring is a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp for those over 16 years of age, food and drinks of your choice (no bananas), and comfortable life jackets if you are traveling with children. Enjoy an incredible day on the water with Captain Daniel! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Port Aransas

Into The Depths- Captain Daniel

100% (1)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,200
Fishing in Freeport
Fishing in Freeport
Fishing in Freeport
trip description for A Nearshore Party in Paradise in Freeport

Head out to Freeport, Texas if you’re in for a true fishing adventure and pay a visit to Captain Rodney! Captain Rodney will show you various reefs and wrecks, all brimming with quality fish and surrounded by beautiful nature. Captain Rodney and his crew will help you chase Blacktip Shark, Cobia, King Mackerel, Red Snapper (depending on the season), and many more fish species. For these 5-hour trips, Captain Rodney chooses between three 27' ProKat catamarans - both provide a truly great fishing experience! These trips are great for families - Captain Rodney loves teaching little ones about the various species that call the Gulf of Mexico home. This trip is different from out nearshore in that we will run out to 9 miles and look for Snapper, Kingfish, Mahi and more. Make sure to bring a valid Texas fishing license as well as snacks and drinks of your choice (no glass). Captain Rodney will provide the rest - rods, reels, tackle, and an icebox for your day’s catch. Enjoy your day on the water with Captain Rodney! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

A Nearshore Party In Paradise

100% (5)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $935
Fishing in Clearwater
Fishing in Clearwater
Fishing in Clearwater
trip description for Crushing Clearwater Offshore in Clearwater

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Come join Captain Steve or Captain DJ on board their beautiful 34' Crusader sportfishing vessel, and get out there on a thrilling charter fishing trip in the beautiful waters of Clearwater, FL! On this offshore trip, you'll be targeting a range of species across the whole water column. Up towards the surface, you'll troll and cast for Barracuda, Kingfish, Bonito,and Spanish Mackerel, while down on the bottom you'll drop lines for Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try your hand at fishing, our experienced captains and crew have got you covered. The 34' Crusader is a purpose-built fishing vessel equipped with top-of-the-line fishing gear, comfortable seating, restrooms, and all the amenities you need for a successful day on the water. Licensed to carry up to 6 passengers, this safe, clean, comfortable vessel carries state-of-the-art Furuno GPS bottom-sounder and radar and is equipped with Coast Guard approved safety equipment, EPIRB radio beacon, life preservers, flares, and throwable life ring. There is a bathroom, tuna tower, outriggers for offshore trolling, fish-fighting chairs, and plenty of seating on board. 4 hour, 5 hour, and 6 hour charters are offered in the morning and afternoon and are generally bottom fishing in winter and trolling in spring, summer, and fall. 8 hour, 10 hour, and 12 hour charters require a morning departure (7am at the latest) and are the perfect length for bottom fishing, trolling, and live baiting. Red snapper season begins June 1st through July and requires a 10 or 12 hour trip! Captain Steve and Captain DJ have years of fishing experience out of Clearwater combined, so you'll be in great hands when you set out to bag some fish! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (5)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $968
Fishing in Marathon
Fishing in Marathon
Fishing in Marathon
trip description for Marathon Premier Fishing in Marathon

Come and explore a range of exciting fishing with Captain Brad. Based out of Marathon, FL you’ll have access to several kinds of fishing. Flats, reefs, and wrecks in the close offshore waters are just on your doorstep. The fishing is hot year-round, and Captain Brad carried with him a lifetime’s experience on the waters. On these shorter trips will see you head to the nearshore reefs and wrecks to reel yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton snapper, along with grouper, mackerel, and barracuda. With its beautiful coral reefs, Marathon is directly in the middle of 170 mile long natural reef. You can also motor a little further offshore to troll for some delicious species like Spanish and King Mackerel and maybe even a Blackfin Tuna! Note: for these shorter trips it's usually either-or. Whatever you choose, head out to sea aboard a 40’ D&A Custom sportisher. A versatile vessel, she’s suited to all kinds of fishing. While 4 people can fish at once, there’s plenty of space for 2 more to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery. Bring your own drinks and snacks to put in the captain’s cooler – just also bring an ice box for your catch. Powered by twin 480 HP Cummins engines, and with the onboard fishfinder and GPS, you’ll hit the sweet spots right away. The Florida Keys are a beautiful location to catch some of the finest fish in the world, so get out there with Captain Brad for the trip of a lifetime! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Premier Fishing

100% (8)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,045
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West "Flex" Sportfishing in Key West

Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With Captain John, you can do just that. Spend your half, 3/4, full or extended day trip exploring the beautiful flats around Key West as you chase down tarpon, permit, barracuda, sharks, snappers and more. This back country/flats charter is a popular choice for both longtime anglers and families because of its wide range of fishing opportunities. Hop on the 24' Yellowtail and the highly-rated Captain John will take you where you need to be. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $715
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Slam in Key West

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 36-foot sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,155
See All Kingfish Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a kingfish fishing charter

What are the best kingfish fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 750 kingfish trips, and the most popular trips are Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio, and Offshore Thrills guided by Paul.

Our guides are rated a 4.87 out of 5 based on 2639 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly kingfish guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly kingfish guides.

What types of kingfish fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for kingfish as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but light tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do kingfish fishing charters cost?

for kingfish prices can range anywhere from about $693 to $4,400, but the average price for a half day trip for kingfish is $1,233. The average price for a full day trip for kingfish is $2,590.

What month is best for kingfish fishing?

The most popular season for kingfish fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 20 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for kingfish and what are the bag limits for kingfish?

See here for more information on kingfish fishing licenses, kingfish bag limits, and fishing season regulations for kingfish. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right kingfish rules and regulations.

What is a King Mackerel / Kingfish?


The king mackerel, commonly known as kingfish, uncommonly known as Scomberomorus cavalla, is a migratory member of the mackerel family and is native to the Atlantic Coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico down to the coast of Brazil.


Kingfish are one of the largest members of the mackerel family (smaller than its cousin the wahoo, for instance). They are a popular fish to target in the summer months and are great for nearshore fishing - you don’t need to head out too far from shore to catch them and they are usually around in good numbers.

The kingfish is similar in appearance to some other members of the mackerel family and at first glance have few distinct characteristics. They are a grey/silver fish with minuscule scales and small dorsal and pelvic fins. Juvenile fish can show yellow spots on their rear end similar to a spanish mackerel.

Kings are a popular fish for both sport and commercial operations, as it is both a powerful fish to catch that sometimes jumps and can go on some tough runs, and is also fairly abundant. They are also schooling fish, so once you’re on them, you’re on them.



### How big do King Mackerel / Kingfish get?


While they are known to get to be huge reaching 100 pounds, 70+ inches, and almost 20 years. Giant kingfish are sometimes called smokers because of their ability to peel line off of a reel so fast that it starts smoking. Kingfish are generally caught at much more reasonable weights between 10 and 30 pounds. Females are the bigger of the two genders, with males generally maxing out at around 15 pounds.

To spawn, females will shed between 50,000 and millions of eggs over the course of the spawning season and males will simultaneously release sperm, whose union is entirely by chance in the sea. Yearling fish can be 3-4 pounds and 24 inches fork length (the length from head to the split in their tail).

What's the biggest King Mackerel ever caught?

The current IGFA all tackle world record kingfish is 93 pounds, caught out of San Juan in 1999 by Steve Graulau. The Florida record stands at 90 pounds, and its not unusual for 70+ pound fish to be caught off Key West.

Where is the best place to catch Kingfish?


Kingfish can be found both inshore and offshore, but are frequently fished within a few miles in depths between 50 and 150 ft. They can be found around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, but can also swim solo when older and are frequently caught from the surf or around inlets.

They range all over the western Atlantic Ocean and are found from about North Carolina (although they can be found up to the Gulf of Maine) on the north end to Rio de Janeiro on the southern end. Florida is a great place to fish them because this is where stocks from both the Atlantic and the Gulf mingle, and they can both be found in good numbers.


Because kingfish are migratory, their numbers will vary based on the season and location, but the big kingfish generally return to the same areas year over year (for those curious, generally Texas, Louisiana, and Florida).

When should I catch Kingfish?

In the US, the season is always open for king mackerel, assuming you can find them! That being said, there is often a size limit of between 24 and 27 inches depending on the state, and a bag limit per angler per day of 2 for Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, and 3 for the Carolinas and Georgia.

Since kingfish prefer warmer waters, they can be year round on the southern half of Florida but across the Gulf and further up the Atlantic the fishing will be best in the summer months.


There are two big groups of migratory kings that have been identified, with one preferring the Texas coast in summer to mid-Florida November to March. An Atlantic group engages in a similar pattern, spending time in the Carolinas and Virginia in the summer months and the other side of Florida in the winter.

How do you catch Kingfish?


Kingfish are schooling fish so when the bite heats up, you’re liable to get a number of fish to the boat, but its important to make sure you have the right gear - many an angler has gotten broken off by their sharp teeth. You also want to make sure you have enough line so you don’t get spooled by a particularly large king as they are known to go on big runs.

Most king mackerel are caught trolling, and often bite the tail, so make sure you set a hook in the back of your lure. Kingfish have not only sharp teeth but also good eyesight, meaning you want some sort of wire leader to avoid getting broken off but you want to keep it thin enough so it doesn’t spook any fish. Kingfish can be caught on live bait or lures. 


Are Kingfish good to eat? What are the best King Mackerel recipes?


Kingfish meat is commonly eaten but is not known to be a great food option. The meat is darker and leaner, and falls somewhere in the middle on the taste scale. Plenty are taken and eaten, but it is not particularly sought out as a dinner option. The meat tends to be a bit oily, so can be smoked well. It is also frequently marinated and grilled.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time today Caught a lot of fish. Thoroughly enjoyed our charter. Will return.

    Jorge E. with Chuck T. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Hey there Tim was great! Lillie was a great 1st mate! Caught some fish, always good. But also got a great trip out on the water! Dolphins were out and about; great to be out in God’s country!

    Charles M. with Tim H. of Englewood, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic 4 hour charter, Captain James was a blast and he knew where the fish were! Will book again, thanks for a great time.

    Ted M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We traveled about fifty miles offshore. Randall and Jerry did a great job. They really put us on the fish. Caught over one hundred, kept about thirty, sent the rest back to grow up some more. My son, my nephew, their army buddy, and myself all different fishing levels, all had a great time. Will go back again next time I'm in Gulf Shores. Van Franklin

    Van W. with Randall S. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely Fantastic!! Captain Tim was a great Guide!!! Put us right on the fish and helped every step of the way. We caught so many we were getting exhausted just reeling them in!! Went past Fort Sumter and saw it from a totally new perspective. Great guy, great boat and fantastic experience! Marshview Fishing Charters Rock!!!

    Dan C. with Tim M. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ralph was a blast, definitely recommend and would go again!

    Zachary M. with Ralph M. of Miami Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We have been deep sea fishing 6 or 7 times and by far this has been our best experience so far! Captain Zach and First Mate Jason with No Alibi had us on fish from the word go and we kept catching all day throughout our 12 hour trip!

    Joshua C. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Corey was an amazing guide! We had a blast and caught some reds. Will be booking with Corey again!!!

    Kathryn E. with Corey B. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Corey was an amazing guide! We had a blast and caught some reds. Will be booking with Corey again!!!

    Kathryn E. with Corey B. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Not sure why we didn’t have our original captain as I selected on the web site. I would not recommend a trip through your services ever again. Very unprofessional operation and glad to provide the crappy feedback. Rating 2

    Robert P. with Roy J. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tim was great all through, from early communication/coordination to execution of our 4 hour charter for 4 guys. He showed us how he netted baitfish, then we set up on bull redfish. We were into them quickly and everyone in our party boated fish. Then we relocated because we wanted to try for shark and once again we got on them quickly, and again we all boated fish. Bargain plan, one good size ray was also caught. Highly recommend you try booking Captain Tim.

    Jeffrey H. with Tim M. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip and Michael was very good with us.

    Zachary T. with Michael B. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolute blast with Captain Chris! He was so nice and his passion and love for fishing made my bachelorette trip worthwhile! Our crew got to catch some great mackerel, yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper, plus more! Being able to celebrate my love for fishing and send off in the Keys with my gfs and Chris was the best! He got me on a huge tarpon hook up that I’ll absolutely never forget. Highly highly recommend this trip and we’ll certainly be back!!!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome amazing ! Great guides we caught a LOT more of fish! Highly recommend!

    Carolyn L. with Tj D. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Great day with Cap. Joe super friendly guy, very knowledgeable and we caught fish left and right. Highly recommend him and we'll definitely book with him again next time.

    Luis G. with Joe C. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    All of us had a blast. Enjoyed every minute of it. The kids caught a nice size keeper each. Definitely will come back again.

    Sidney B. with Jordan N. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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