It is hard to believe that we are already starting our holiday shopping, how is it December already? Besides the great holiday times coming this month, expect the kingfish run. This is my favorite type of fishing. Many don’t like kings and I wonder why? A 25-30lb king on 20lb gear, ripping line on light tackle after sky rocketing on a live bait, I mean how can you not like that? And thank gosh it’s not shut down on us, yet…..Many also think it’s a bad table fare as well. I assure you fresh blackened king is very good. And if you never made smoked kingfish dip you’re missing out! There’s many different recipes out there. Don’t listen to the gossip find out yourself.
Normally the king run starts around the Thanksgiving time frame. With the heavy winds we had all month it was a tough month for fishing. Rough winds this time of year are to be expected. Pick your days and get in on the action.
Kings have some sharp teeth so because of this here’s what we use. Number 4 wire with a 2x strong, size 4 treble hook followed by another treble hook about 6 inches behind the first. Hook the pogie through the nostrils and let the stinger just dangle. I do not hook the second hook. Let the bait out in a light drag and your all set.
Locating these fish can be tricky at times. The schools can move great distances in a day’s time. Fish your local reefs and ship wreck areas. You will see the commercial fleet coming in this month too. You can see what direction there headed towards and that’s a good telltale. BUT please give these guys some room while there doing their circles as they fish to put food on the table for their families.
Bait can get tough as well. Don’t leave home without a box of sardines. And if it is anything like last year, if you can’t get live bait just go home and go back to bed. They were very finicky last year. Hook the dead sardine through the bottom lip then top, make sure you have a swivel in line while doing this or your line will twist up bad. When you see the dead bait pinwheeling back there you know you’re doing it right.
Good luck this month.
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