By Steve Papen, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 9, 2011
What's hot: King mackerel are always the hot topic this time of year. Their annual migration is a mystery to some, a science to others.
Patterns: Some believe schools migrate from South Florida to the north. Past trips have shown some truth to this theory. Others believe schools migrate from the west to the bait-rich shallows near the coast. There are many catches in offshore waters during the summer to support this theory.
Keys: No matter the theory, one factor is water temperature. Kings usually arrive when it reaches 68-70. A second is bait. If it's scarce, kingfish will be. On the beach, look for schools of threadfin herring on the surface or schools of Spanish mackerel feeding on smaller fry baits. Offshore, sardines and cigar minnows will lure kings. Remember some fish have migrated before and have become smarter. So lighter wire and smaller tackle might trick them.
Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at (727) 642-3411 or www.fintasticinc.com.