Where boats run for king mackerel out of Pensacola
Local operators list two kinds of king mackerel trips out of Pensacola Pass, and they set the two run ranges this page uses.
Reef and wreck range, up to 9 miles
Reef Reaper lists reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles offshore. The named nearshore structure below falls in this range.
Federal waters
Southern Strike lists federal-waters trips. This is the farther range, and different rules apply out there; the Regulations section points to them.
Grounds and structure off Pensacola Pass
Escambia County owns the artificial reefs off the pass. Two pieces of structure matter for kings: one established site with a known depth and distance, and a new group built in 2026. Chart layers are not for navigation, so check any position against official charts before you run to it.
Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Reef
The site’s details:
- Depth: 43 ft
- Distance and bearing: about 5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass
- Official name: Escambia Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site
It sits well inside the up-to-9-mile reef and wreck range that Reef Reaper lists.
Escambia County 2026 reef group
In 2026, Escambia County built 43 new artificial reefs from 217 concrete modules. That is new structure to learn this year.
When kings are here and how they are fished
Boats fish king mackerel out of Pensacola in two patterns: working reef and wreck structure in the near range, or making federal-water runs.
Seasonal timing and technique are covered in our king mackerel fishing guide. The Gulf-wide picture is in the Gulf of Mexico kingfish migration (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide) guide. The Pensacola port guide covers the pass, the conditions and the rest of the port.
Before you run the pass, read the official coastal waters forecast for wind and wave numbers.
Who fishes king mackerel out of Pensacola
Two local charters list king mackerel, and each works one of the two ranges.
| Operator | Captain | Boat | Trip range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Reaper Fishing Charters, LLC | Paul Swisher Jr. | Sea Hunt center console, 27 ft and 28 ft | Reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles |
| Southern Strike LLC | Quintarius Simpkins | 1990 Triumph center console, 25 ft | Federal-waters trips |
Reef Reaper Fishing Charters
Captain Paul Swisher Jr. runs a Sea Hunt center console listed at 27 ft and 28 ft. His reef and wreck trips reach up to 9 miles, which takes in the Fishing Bridge Reef at about 5 nautical miles.
Southern Strike
Captain Quintarius Simpkins runs a 1990 Triumph center console, 25 ft. Southern Strike lists federal-waters trips.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Pensacola
How far is the nearest named reef from Pensacola Pass?
About 5 nautical miles southeast. That is the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Reef, officially the Escambia Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site.
How deep is the Fishing Bridge Reef?
43 ft. It sits inside the up-to-9-mile reef and wreck range that local operators list.
What reef structure is new off Pensacola in 2026?
The Escambia County 2026 reef group: 43 new reef sites built from 217 concrete modules.
Which local charters list king mackerel?
Reef Reaper Fishing Charters, LLC, run by Captain Paul Swisher Jr. on a Sea Hunt center console of 27 ft and 28 ft, covers reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles. Southern Strike LLC, run by Captain Quintarius Simpkins on a 1990 Triumph center console of 25 ft, covers federal-waters trips.
Where do I read about other coastal and offshore gamefish?
Our guides to coastal and offshore gamefish cover the other species anglers work from the Gulf coast.
