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
Key West offers fantastic mackerel fishing, from the inshore flats to the deeper waters surrounding the island. Both Spanish and king mackerel are popular targets. Spanish mackerel are plentiful inshore, often schooling near seagrass beds and channels. King mackerel, the larger and more powerful cousins, are typically found further offshore around reefs and wrecks. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, as these migratory fish pass through the area. For Spanish mackerel, try casting small jigs or spoons near structure, or trolling along the edges of the flats. For king mackerel, slow-trolling live bait, such as blue runners or Spanish sardines, is a highly effective method. A local tip: the reef line south of Key West is a prime location for king mackerel. Be sure to use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Mackerel fishing in Key West is fast-paced and exciting, offering a great opportunity to test your angling skills against these hard-fighting fish.
How to Catch Mackerel
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Mackerel in Key West.
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 is the daily bag limit for Spanish mackerel in Key West?
The bag limit for Spanish mackerel in Key West is 15 per person per day.
Are there any size restrictions for King mackerel I catch near Key West?
Yes, King mackerel must be at least 24 inches in fork length to be legally kept.
What are some good spots to find mackerel around Key West?
Look for mackerel around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore waters. Trolling along weed lines can also be productive.
If I'm fishing for mackerel in Key West, do I need a license?
Yes, a Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish for mackerel in Key West.
More Mackerel Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Key West
Ready to Catch Mackerel in Key West?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.