King mackerel fishing out of Palm Beach runs year-round, and the core depth is about 120 ft. The grounds step out from Palm Beach in a line: wrecks in 80 ft off Singer Island, a kingfish edge at 120 ft, then ledges and edges out to 300 ft. Rigging and tackle are covered in our king mackerel guide. This page covers the port itself.
When king mackerel are off Palm Beach
Kings are here year-round, with peaks in spring and fall, per Mallard. The Atlantic Southeast picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide) covers the migration behind those peaks. Here is how the year breaks down locally:
| Season | What local boats do |
|---|---|
| Spring | Peak, per Mallard |
| Summer | Boats run to the reefs |
| Fall | Peak, per Mallard |
| Winter | Kings are present |
Spring and fall peaks
Spring and fall are the two windows to plan around if you can choose your days.
Summer on the reefs
In summer, boats run to the reefs for kings. The Singer Island wrecks, Bridge Reef and the Playground are covered below.
Winter
Kings are present in winter too.
Where boats run and the grounds that hold kings
The grounds step from 80 ft wrecks off Singer Island out to 300 ft edges, with the core kingfish depth at about 120 ft. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|
| M/V Ana Cecilia | 80 to 85 ft | 1 mile offshore of Singer Island |
| Danny McCauley Memorial Reef (tug) | 80 ft | 1 mile offshore of Singer Island, Wreck Trek |
| 120 ft ledge | 120 ft | Offshore of the inlet |
| Sailfish ledge | 120 to 200 ft | About 20 minutes from Palm Beach Inlet |
| Bridge Reef and the Playground | 100 to 200 ft | n/a |
| 100 to 300 ft edges | 100 to 300 ft | Offshore edge |
| The Hill | 200 to 300 ft | Further out than the sailfish ledge |
M/V Ana Cecilia and the Danny McCauley Memorial Reef
The M/V Ana Cecilia sits in 80 to 85 ft, 1 mile offshore of Singer Island. The Danny McCauley Memorial Reef is a tug in 80 ft, also 1 mile offshore of Singer Island, and part of the Wreck Trek. Boats run to these reef grounds in summer.
The 120 ft ledge
The 120 ft ledge sits in 120 ft, offshore of the inlet. Mallard calls it the kingfish edge, and it matches the core depth of about 120 ft.
The sailfish ledge
The sailfish ledge runs 120 to 200 ft, about 20 minutes from Palm Beach Inlet. It has no local name of its own, so boats call it by the fish it is known for.
Bridge Reef and the Playground
Bridge Reef and the Playground sit in 100 to 200 ft.
The 100 to 300 ft edges
The offshore edge runs 100 to 300 ft and is wahoo water. The offshore gamefish guides cover them.
The Hill
The Hill sits in 200 to 300 ft, further out than the sailfish ledge. It is a blackfin tuna spot.
Sailfish Alley
Sailfish Alley is the Gulf Stream corridor from Fort Pierce to North Miami Beach. Palm Beach sits inside it.
How kings are fished out of Palm Beach
King mackerel fishing out of Palm Beach comes down to three local methods, and the day often moves through them in order.
Slow trolling live bait
Slow trolling live bait is the core method, per Mallard. Boats work it along the ledge and the reefs.
Afternoon sardines and blue runners
In the afternoon, local boats fish live sardines or blue runners.
Kite fishing
Reel Intense kite fishes for kings. Kite fishing keeps live bait up top, away from the boat.
Who fishes kings out of this port
These charters list king mackerel, and most run from Sailfish Marina:
- Island Time Sport Fishing: 52 ft Viking, Capt. Tyler Morris, departs Sailfish Marina.
- Mallard Sport Fishing: Mallard, a 54 ft custom-built sportfishing vessel at Sailfish Marina.
- Absolute Action Sportfishing Charters: 34 ft Legend center console Angler Management, Capt. Blake Naumann.
- Reel Intense Fishing Charters: custom 35 ft center consoles, Captain Weston.
- Reel Candy Sportfishing: Reel Candy at Sailfish Marina, Capt. John Bobnar.
- Sol Search Charters: based at Sailfish Marina.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Palm Beach
When is king mackerel season off Palm Beach?
Kings are here year-round, with peaks in spring and fall, per Mallard. In summer, boats run to the reefs. Kings are present in winter too.
What depth holds kings off Palm Beach?
About 120 ft. Mallard calls the 120 ft ledge its kingfish edge. The grounds range from 80 ft wrecks off Singer Island out to 300 ft edges.
How far is the sailfish ledge from Palm Beach Inlet?
About 20 minutes, in 120 to 200 ft. The Hill, in 200 to 300 ft, sits further out than the sailfish ledge.
Where are the Singer Island wrecks?
They sit 1 mile offshore of Singer Island. The M/V Ana Cecilia is in 80 to 85 ft. The Danny McCauley Memorial Reef tug is in 80 ft and is part of the Wreck Trek.
Which Sailfish Marina charters list kings, and how do locals fish them?
Island Time, Mallard, Reel Candy and Sol Search are at Sailfish Marina. Absolute Action and Reel Intense also list kings. Methods are slow trolling live bait, live sardines or blue runners in the afternoon, and kite fishing (Reel Intense).
