7' medium-heavy saltwater rod, fast reel, braid, and short wire leader.
SetupPrimary setup for king mackerel tactics.
First Cast species profile
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
A fast toothy pelagic found around nearshore and offshore bait, rigs, jetties, passes, and reefs.
Bite estimate
Reading conditions for your fishing location…
Movement & conditions
Near San Antonio, TX · change location
Reading conditions and distribution for King Mackerel…
Predicted zones combine environmental and historical fisheries data. They do not represent live fish locations.
Movement and migration guide
No movement profile is matched to King Mackerel yet — this searches the Field Guide by name.
Where to fish
Look for bait pushed around jetties, passes, rigs, and nearshore color changes.
Nearshore reefsOffshore rigsJettiesPassesBait schools
Regulation card
Check current TPWD rules before keeping fish.
Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.
Source: TPWD Outdoor AnnualWhat to throw
Live bait, Ribbonfish and Spoons, Trolling plugs, Kingfish rigs around Nearshore reefs, Offshore rigs, Jetties.
SaltwaterNearshore reefsOffshore rigsJettiesPasses
Recommended setup
7' medium-heavy saltwater rod, fast reel, braid, and short wire leader.
Spoons
LureMatch the presentation to local forage and current conditions.
Related gear
Gear & Tackle BoxIllustration: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department