Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch mackerel.
Island Baby Islamorada
Tavernier, Florida
Flying Thief Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Key West Tarpon Fishing with Flying Thief Charters. Let us be your guide to the best Bonefish Spin Fishing, and excellent Flats Fishing in the Florida Keys.
Fat Cat Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions offers offshore and inshore fishing, snorkeling, sandbars, sunset cruise, or just a ride, I’m your guide. My Name is Captain Brian and I live in the Lower Florida Keys.
Double O Fishing Charter
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Tarpon Trips
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fishing
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fly Fishing Guide - Rates and Information. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit Photo Gallery. Book your fishing charter now.
Stock Island Fishing Charters
Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Stock Island fishing charters at the entrance to Key West. Many different charters offered for all types of anglers and vacationers.
Captain Eddie Griffiths Charters
Key West, Florida
Dry Tortugas fishing trips with Andy Griffiths charters out of Key West, Florida. Overnight fishing to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas and Marquesas Keys. Enjoy fishing and diving on your private charter, 2 or 3 day fishing charters for snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, wahoo and more. Best reef and wreck fishing available year round in the Florida Keys and west of Key West near the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Captain Bill Lowman Anna Maria Sportfishing
Holmes Beach, Florida
Anna Maria Island Charter Fishing Guide
Destination Fish Charters
Marco Island, Florida
Danny Fabian is one of Southwest Florida's premier backwater and sport fishermen in Naples and Marco Island, Florida. As a professional fishing quide, Danny specializes in fishing in Everglades National Park and focuses on Snook, Grouper, Tarpon, Trout, Redfish.
Captain Rio Adventures
Marco Island, Florida
Go fish with fun catching Charter fishing at its best!
Best Time to Catch Mackerel
Peak season: May, June, September. Also good: April, July, August, October. Right now in February, activity is poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Mackerel
Destin, Florida, self-proclaimed 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village,' lives up to its name when it comes to mackerel. Both Spanish and king mackerel are plentiful in the emerald waters off the coast. The spring and fall migrations are prime time, as these fish follow bait schools along the beaches and nearshore reefs. Trolling with live bait, such as cigar minnows or blue runners, is a popular and effective technique. You can also cast spoons or jigs around piers and jetties, especially during early morning or late afternoon. A great public access point is the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, offering ample space and good water depth. Remember that king mackerel can be line-shy, so using a fluorocarbon leader is recommended. Check local fishing reports for recent activity and targeted depths.
How to Catch Mackerel
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Mackerel in Destin.
Mackerel Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
Spanish Mackerel: 15 per person; King Mackerel: 3 per person
Size Limit
Spanish Mackerel: 12-inch fork length minimum; King Mackerel: 24-inch fork length minimum
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Regulations can vary by region, so always check the latest FWC regulations.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for mackerel in Destin, Florida?
For Spanish mackerel, try small spoons or Got-cha plugs. For King mackerel, live bait like cigar minnows or blue runners are effective.
What size Spanish mackerel can I keep if I catch them in Destin?
You can keep Spanish mackerel that are 12 inches in fork length or longer.
Is there a limit to how many Spanish mackerel I can catch in Destin?
Yes, the bag limit for Spanish mackerel is 15 per person.
When is the peak season for mackerel fishing in Destin?
Mackerel fishing in Destin is typically best during the warmer months, from spring through fall.
More Mackerel Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Destin
Ready to Catch Mackerel in Destin?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.