04-10-2007, 03:19 PM
King Mackerel: King Mackerel are one of the most sout after species along the SC coast for a simple reason, they are a powerful game fish as well as decent table fare when properly prepared. It also doesn't hurt that they can be targeted from a pier during the spring and fall months. King Mackerel primarily feed on schooling baitfish along the eastern seaboard. Thier favorite foods include Menhaden, Mullet, and Cigar Minnows. The prefered way to target them from a pier is Float fishing using a two rod anchor line set up. Other effective ways are using a "jackson rig" or a simple balloon rig(when the wind is right). Being successful at float fishing for kings requires the cooperation of all the float fishing anglers that are present. One majorly over looked tactic is stagering the baits to resemble a school of fish. One in close, the next out further, right on down the line. Many float fisherman strive to keep thier baits on the top of the water, this is a misconception as well. Many times kings do feed on top, but I don't know how many times i've only caught kings on my down rigger lines while trolling around the reefs. This same thing applies while fishing on a pier. I sometimes makes leaders that are 8' long and keep my bait down deep incase they are feeding along the lower water columns. The application of a weight on your leader is neccesary to keep the bait down and keep him from getting tangled. It also helps to deploy a couple blocks of chum first thing before you start the day. Chum brings the fish to you, and considering you can't go to them on a pier, chum is indespensable, not to mention cheap to buy and even cheaper to make. Even a slow drip of Menhaden oil will do the trick. One gallon will last for hours when properly set up.
I like to use Fluorocarbon leader material for all fish, toothy or not, that have great eye sight. I'll make my leader using a very small Spro heavy swivel, run a length of fluorocarbon to another Spro Swivel, crimp in a 6" piece of 45 lb 7 strand wire and on the other end the first hook. I then go from the first hook with a 5" piece of wire to the second hook. Alot of people use a "stinger hook," but, even though they do work, I prefer a more stealthy rig. I use either Gamakatsu or Owner #6 trebble hooks, and will go up to a #4 if the baits are really big. Many anglers use a heavy single strand wire for thier leader. That works fine, and many kings have been caught off of a leader like that, but there are also negatives associated with it. Here's some of them:
1. Kings can easily see them in the water.
2. They are only good for one run
3. They are stiff and don't allow the fish to swim freely
I prefer to keep my baits close to the pier, versus the usual angler that wants his as far out as they can get it. I'll put mine right beside the pier, in the shadow. I like to have two rigs out, one deep and one on top, until I find out where they are feeding.
I really do keep my rigs basic. The cloths pin release I use is as basic as they come. Infact, it's very difficult to even see mine as I try to use the smallest and most unnoticeable things I can find. Instead of a shower curtain ring, i'll use a very small snap swivel. I'll run a length of clear mono down to the smallest release clip I can find. I'll add weight as needed depending on bait size and wind conditions.
None the less, catching Kings from a pier takes alot of luck. Using the tactics that I just decribed will increase your chances of catching one ten fold. Remember, Kings have great eyesight, sense of smell, and are top notch predators in the ocean. If you're just tossing a live bait out on a hook and think you're going to be successful, you'll be comming home with an empty cooler and pointless sunburn. [
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I like to use Fluorocarbon leader material for all fish, toothy or not, that have great eye sight. I'll make my leader using a very small Spro heavy swivel, run a length of fluorocarbon to another Spro Swivel, crimp in a 6" piece of 45 lb 7 strand wire and on the other end the first hook. I then go from the first hook with a 5" piece of wire to the second hook. Alot of people use a "stinger hook," but, even though they do work, I prefer a more stealthy rig. I use either Gamakatsu or Owner #6 trebble hooks, and will go up to a #4 if the baits are really big. Many anglers use a heavy single strand wire for thier leader. That works fine, and many kings have been caught off of a leader like that, but there are also negatives associated with it. Here's some of them:
1. Kings can easily see them in the water.
2. They are only good for one run
3. They are stiff and don't allow the fish to swim freely
I prefer to keep my baits close to the pier, versus the usual angler that wants his as far out as they can get it. I'll put mine right beside the pier, in the shadow. I like to have two rigs out, one deep and one on top, until I find out where they are feeding.
I really do keep my rigs basic. The cloths pin release I use is as basic as they come. Infact, it's very difficult to even see mine as I try to use the smallest and most unnoticeable things I can find. Instead of a shower curtain ring, i'll use a very small snap swivel. I'll run a length of clear mono down to the smallest release clip I can find. I'll add weight as needed depending on bait size and wind conditions.
None the less, catching Kings from a pier takes alot of luck. Using the tactics that I just decribed will increase your chances of catching one ten fold. Remember, Kings have great eyesight, sense of smell, and are top notch predators in the ocean. If you're just tossing a live bait out on a hook and think you're going to be successful, you'll be comming home with an empty cooler and pointless sunburn. [
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