King mackerel fishing out of the Lower Keys is a fall and winter game on the Atlantic-side reefs near Big Pine Key. Kings here are caught on live bait or by trolling. Ramps, channels and conditions are in our Lower Keys port guide. This page covers the grounds, depths and distances so you can decide where to look.
When king mackerel are in the Lower Keys
Fishing Florida Keys lists fall and winter as the season for kings here, and FishingBooker describes them as seasonal visitors on the Big Pine reefs. Locals say "kingfish," and you will see both names on charter listings and hear them in bait shops.
The wider migration picture is covered in king mackerel along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
Where boats run
Boats run to the Atlantic-side reefs near Big Pine, and nearshore water is also on the local list.
Getting out through the channels
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels are the routes out to the Atlantic side. Use official NOAA charts to run them; chart layers, ours included, are not for navigation.
Nearshore and the Atlantic-side reefs
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters on Ramrod Key takes guests to nearshore waters for king mackerel, so look inshore of the reef line as well as on it. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you run.
Grounds and structure that hold kings
The grounds below run roughly from near to far, and the distances are approximate.
| Ground | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | 35 ft | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| American Shoal | Southwest of Big Pine Key | |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck | 112 ft | |
| The Humps | Offshore of Cudjoe Key | |
| Wood’s Wall | 2000 ft | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
Newfound Harbor Key is a NOAA Sanctuary Preservation Area, covered under Regulations below.
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef sits in 35 ft, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. It is the closest named ground on this list.
American Shoal
American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key.
Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck
The Adolphus Busch Sr. is an artificial reef wreck in 112 ft.
The Humps
The Humps are offshore of Cudjoe Key.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall drops to 2000 ft, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. It is named structure and a long open-water run.
Plot these grounds on Chart Contours before the trip. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How kings are fished here
Fishing Florida Keys lists live bait and trolling as the local methods.
Live bait
Live bait is one of the two local methods, and it is fished on the grounds above.
Trolling
Trolling is the other. It lets you cover the water between the reefs and structure.
Rigging and tackle are in our king mackerel fishing guide.
Who fishes kings out of the Lower Keys
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters on Ramrod Key lists king mackerel. Capt. Jim Loftus runs a 23-foot Coastal Skiff center console and takes guests to nearshore waters for kings. Details are on the Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters listing.
The same charter lists cobia and barracuda as nearshore species alongside kings. Whether you fish with local guides or run your own boat, our coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover those species.
FAQ
When are king mackerel in the Lower Keys?
Fall and winter, per Fishing Florida Keys. FishingBooker describes kings as seasonal visitors on the Big Pine reefs.
How far is Looe Key from Big Pine Key?
About 6 miles south, in 35 ft. Treat the distance as approximate.
How deep is the Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck?
112 ft. It is an artificial reef wreck.
How are kings fished locally?
Live bait or trolling, per Fishing Florida Keys.
Can I fish the Newfound Harbor Key SPA?
NOAA lists it as a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Check NOAA and the Florida saltwater regulations before fishing.
Is there a local charter for kings?
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters on Ramrod Key, run by Capt. Jim Loftus, takes guests to nearshore waters for king mackerel on a 23-foot Coastal Skiff center console.
