As one of the most popular sportfish in Florida, kingfish can be caught pretty much any time of year. However, if you’re looking to maximize your chances of landing a big one, there are definitely times of year that are better than others.
Kingfish In St. Pete
Luckily, the best time to catch kingfish in St. Pete is pretty much year-round! However, there are a few specific times of the year when conditions are just right for these fish, and that’s what we’ll get into.
Peak Season
If you want to get in on some epic kingfish action, you’ll want to do it during the right season. The spring and fall are when kingfish migrate through the area, attracted by an abundance of baitfish. The water temperature during this peak period is usually between 72 and 78 degrees.
However, the good news is that the peak period is often extended into the summer and winter months.
If you’re looking for your best chances, keep your eye on the water temperature; you should have no trouble finding some kingfish in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Where To Find Kingfish
They can be found in nearshore and offshore waters around structures, reefs, springs, and wrecks. This can occur at depths as shallow as 10 feet and as deep as 400 feet. Kingfish are constantly on the move, always looking for their next meal.
Kingfish are migratory, moving in response to water temperature changes. Their range extends from the Carolinas to Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. This means that they are well adapted to different climates and ecosystems.
Fishing For Kingfish
These powerful predators are known for their aggressive hunting style, often leaping out of the water to snatch their prey. They are also notorious for their strong jaws, which can easily crush through a big baitfish. When kingfish are feeding, they sometimes bite a bait in half and then circle back around to eat the other half.
This spectacular hunting style is one of the many reasons why kingfish are such a popular target for anglers. Whether you’re chasing them with live bait or lures, a kingfish is sure to give you an exciting fight.
If you want to stand a chance of landing a kingfish, you need to use the correct tackle. One important thing is to use a hook that’s strong enough to hold the fish during the fight. Kingfish also have sharp teeth, so a long shank hook or stinger rig is often used to avoid a break-off.
Anglers who are targeting kingfish have a variety of options when it comes to bait and lures. Live bait or frozen bait is always a good option; kingfish will also hit various types of lures. These include topwater baits, king mackerel live bait rigs, trolling plugs, soft plastic lures, and more. Experiment with different baits and lures until you find what works best for you.
