Slow Trolling King Mackerel

Slow Trolling King Mackerel

Slow trolling King Mackerel is one of my favorite types of fishing. It does take a lot of thought and planning to be successful. I am going to give you some information that will help the beginner fisherman.

Tackle My Choice

Swivels By Billfisher 100% Stainless Steel Crane Barrel Swivels Size 12  85 lb test

Hooks (Nose Hook) By Eagle Claw L141F-2/0 this a Kahle Hook All Purpose Live & Chunk Bait

Hooks By Eagle Claw 374F-4 2X Treblesize 4 (for larger live baits)  2X Treble 374F-6 (for smaller live bait)

#5 Wire Using an EZ Twist to make the Haywire twist ( in the above photo of King Mackerel rig) My rigs are 30″ long.

Rods & Reels

Rod Sold By The Reel Outdoors out of Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-6692  Med Action Live Bait Rod/ TROLB1525C70 7′ Med Action Line Wt. 15-25LB

Reel  Shimano Super High-Speed Speedmasters 6 to 1 Gear Ratio this rod & reel Combination is real popular with the Kingfishermen. I use these on my boat along with some Key Largo Rods & Avet Reels which are just a little lighter. For live-bait slow trolling I have learned over the years the lighter tackle and gear used the more you will enjoy fishing. Light lines and tackle will give you more strikes, I am only using Ande Line in 15# test premium on my reels this is a strong abrasive resistant line, Some king mackerel fisherman recommends using 25# test line.

Boat Speed 

I am running a 20′ Pathfinder Bay boat now with a Yamaha 150 HP V Max SHO my trolling speed is 3 knots. But all boats are different, the key to pulling any live bait is not to drag the bait let it freely swim. Watch your baits slow the boat down do not drag your live baits. You want the menhaden to swim freely, they can sense a predator like a king mackerel, you will see them become excited before something eats them.

I will probably be adding to this post, come back from time to time for updates.

My YOUTUBE channel link https://youtube.com/user/CBCapt

Capt.Mike Dennis  Cape Fear Guide  910-619-0928