Kings live offshore in NE FL — the reef line 10-30 miles out — plus closer in during spring and fall when they push toward the beaches. They follow big bait (pogies, blue runners, mullet) and slash through schools at high speed. Trolling along the reef contour is the classic approach.
Long slender silver-blue body, deeply forked tail, no spots (distinguishing them from Spanish), aggressive teeth. Federal Atlantic minimum 24 inches fork length, daily bag of 3. NE FL kings average 10-25 lb; 'smoker kings' over 50 lb show up during the fall and spring runs.
Two prime windows — April-May spring run and September-October fall run when water temps and bait migrations align. Summer they're around but scattered; winter they're south. The fall run is the bigger fish — 30+ lb smokers off the reef line on slow-trolled live blue runners.
This is offshore tackle, not inshore. Slow-troll a live blue runner or a large pogy 100+ feet behind the boat on a stinger rig — single 5/0 circle hook in the bait's nose, treble hook trailing on a wire leader pinned in the back. Wire leader is mandatory; their teeth go through everything else. Spring stays at 4-6 knots over reef structure 60-150 ft deep.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.