Catching Kingfish in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Kingfish Regulations: King mackerel is contained in the Puerto Rico Mackerels Complex, but it has not been assessed so the population level is unknown. The stock complex is not subject to overfishing, based on 2019 catch data. Prior to the 1980s, king mackerel fisheries were essentially unregulated and became depleted. Regulations were implemented in 1983 to control harvest and rebuild declining stocks of king mackerel, and today these stocks have been restored to target population levels.
King Mackerel Facts
King mackerel grow fast, up to 5.5 feet and 100 pounds.
They can live more than 20 years.
They are able to reproduce when they reach 2 years of age.
There are two distinct populations, one in the Gulf of America and one in the Atlantic.
They spawn on the outer continental shelf from May through October. Females release eggs in the open water, where they are fertilized.
Females grow much larger than males, an evolutionary strategy that maximizes the amount of eggs that a female can produce. Females can produce 50,000 to several million eggs.
King mackerel are carnivores, feeding on fish, squid, and shrimp. They’re voracious feeders and have been observed leaping out of the water in pursuit of prey.
Juvenile and larger pelagic fish feed on smaller king mackerel. Bottlenose dolphins and large fish, such as sharks and tunas, feed on adult king mackerel.
King mackerel are a coastal pelagic species, meaning they live in the open waters near the coast.
They live in water 115 to almost 600 feet deep.
They prefer warm waters and seldom enter waters below 68° F.
When and Where to Target King Mackerel in Puerto Rico
King mackerel are a popular target for offshore fishing charters in Puerto Rico, especially along the island’s west and north coasts, where deep drop-offs and reef structures attract baitfish and predators alike. Prime locations to catch kingfish include Aguadilla, Rincón, Boquerón, and Isabela, where anglers troll nearshore reefs, drop-offs, and current lines in 40 to 120 feet of water. The best time to fish for king mackerel is during the cooler months from November through April, when water temperatures drop slightly and schools of baitfish move closer to shore, drawing in hungry kings. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the most productive times, especially when trolling with live bait or rigged dead ballyhoo near reef edges or along known kingfish migration routes. These seasonal runs can offer fast-paced action and excellent opportunities for both recreational and tournament anglers.
King Fishing Tactics in Puerto Rico
King mackerel, also known as kingfish, are one of the most exciting and hard-hitting predators to target in the warm waters off Puerto Rico’s west coast. Known for their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth, they’re commonly caught using live baiting and trolling techniques. Live bait such as blue runners, goggle-eyes, or threadfin herring are ideal when slow-trolled behind the boat using a light wire leader and stinger rig. Kingfish often strike fast and unpredictably, making it essential to keep baits moving naturally at a slow speed—typically between 1–3 knots. For anglers looking to gear up, top-quality terminal tackle, hooks, wire, and trolling rigs can be found at Melton Tackle and TackleDirect, both trusted sources for king mackerel trolling gear.
Another highly effective method is slow trolling dead bait, such as rigged ballyhoo, ribbonfish, or Spanish sardines. Dead bait should be rigged to swim naturally, often using a weighted chin weight or planer to keep the presentation below the surface. Many anglers use a combination of flat lines and downriggers to cover multiple depths and entice strikes from varying parts of the water column. A stinger rig, featuring a single hook through the nose and a trailing treble hook near the tail, helps increase hookup ratios—especially since kings are known to strike short. Whether you’re fishing near drop-offs, reef edges, or offshore structure, slow trolling for kingfish is a thrilling way to fill the cooler with action-packed fun. To get started, check out high-performance kingfish gear from Melton Tackle and TackleDirect, and make sure your rig is ready for that high-speed first run.
