When kings are off Naples
Naples Fishing Boats gives September through May as the peak window for kings, nine months of king mackerel fishing out of Naples, Florida. This guide covers where the local fleet looks and how far each run is, so you can pick a starting point on your own boat. The Naples port page covers the rest of the port.
The September to May window
Local anglers call the fish kingfish. For the biology and general movements of king mackerel, see our species guide. For the regional picture, see king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide).
Winter on the wrecks and reefs
Captain Perry reports kings on the wrecks and reef areas in winter, so structure is where to start looking during that part of the window.
How far boats run
Run distance largely determines the plan. Most of the named grounds below sit within 27.5 miles of the beach, and one is 60 miles out.
- Inside 20 miles: nearshore reefs and The Kidd, at 14 miles.
- Past 20 miles: Naples Spring Black Hole at 27.5 miles and Baja California at 60 miles.
Nearshore reefs out to 20 miles
Offshore Naples half-day trips fish nearshore reefs out to 20 miles, and mackerel are among the listed catches. The Kidd, at 14 miles, falls inside that radius.
The longer runs
Naples Spring Black Hole is 27.5 miles out, and Baja California is 60 miles west. Both are beyond the half-day radius. Check NOAA station NPSF1 readings before the run and go by the numbers (wind, wave height, period) and the official forecast. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Grounds and structure that hold kings
The named grounds are listed here from closest to farthest. The Kidd and Naples Spring Black Hole come from the Collier County artificial reef list.
| Ground | Type | Distance from Naples |
|---|---|---|
| The Kidd | Barge | 14 miles SSW |
| Naples Spring Black Hole | Sinkhole | 27.5 miles out |
| Baja California | 114 ft | 60 miles west |
The Kidd
The Kidd barge sits 14 miles SSW of Naples, per the Collier County site list.
The Air Force towers
R Tower, L Tower and D Tower are Air Force relay towers.
Naples Spring Black Hole
This sinkhole is 27.5 miles out, per the Collier County list.
Baja California
Baja California sits in 114 ft of water, 60 miles west of Naples. It is the longest run on this list.
How kings are fished here
Local king mackerel fishing out of Naples falls into two approaches. For rigging depth, see our guides to coastal and offshore gamefish.
Chumming, plugs and flies
Captain Perry reports chumming first, then throwing plugs or flies. The chum brings kingfish up to the boat, and you cast to them from there.
Live bait, drifting and trolling
Capt. Mark Ward of Naples Fishing Charters describes live baiting, drifting and trolling. Live bait puts a natural offering in front of the fish, and drifting and trolling cover more water.
Who fishes kings out of Naples
These local charters list king mackerel:
- Offshore Naples Fishing Charters runs a 36-foot Contender.
- Naples Fishing Boats lists king mackerel.
- Chasin’ Tales Fishing Charters lists king mackerel.
- Naples Fishing Charters with Capt. Mark Ward describes live baiting, drifting and trolling.
FAQ about king mackerel fishing out of Naples
When is king mackerel season in Naples?
September through May is the peak window, per Naples Fishing Boats. Captain Perry reports kings on the wrecks and reef areas in winter.
How far offshore are kings out of Naples?
Offshore Naples half-day trips fish nearshore reefs out to 20 miles. The longer runs reach Naples Spring Black Hole, 27.5 miles out, and Baja California, 60 miles west.
Where is The Kidd?
The Kidd is a barge 14 miles SSW of Naples, per the Collier County site list.
What methods do local captains use?
Captain Perry reports chumming and throwing plugs or flies. Capt. Mark Ward describes live baiting, drifting and trolling.
Which buoy covers Naples?
NOAA station NPSF1 (station 8725110), Naples, FL, at 26.132 N 81.807 W. Read its numbers before the run.
Do I need a charter?
That is your call. Local charters that list king mackerel include Offshore Naples Fishing Charters (36-foot Contender), Naples Fishing Boats, Chasin’ Tales Fishing Charters and Naples Fishing Charters (Capt. Mark Ward).
