King Mackerel

If you're looking to tangle with King Mackerel, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, offers some exciting opportunities. The key here is understanding the seasonal movements of baitfish in the Mississippi Sound. As the water warms in late spring and summer, look for Kings to be following schools of menhaden and mullet. Focus your efforts around structures like the artificial reefs and oil rigs a few miles offshore, as these areas tend to concentrate bait. Live baiting with pogies is incredibly effective, but trolling spoons and diving plugs can also produce. Pay close attention to water clarity; Kings prefer cleaner, more saline water. A local tip: the Pass Christian Harbor provides easy access to the Sound, but be sure to check the marine forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly. Also, remember that the Kings in this area are often mixed in with other pelagic species like Spanish mackerel and Bonito, so be prepared for some variety!