Hey there! Welcome to my best lures for King Mackerel review.
I have been fishing for King Mackerel for the last 5-plus years here on the coast of North Carolina. Whether I am trolling or casting to King Mackerel, it is one of my favorite fish to target, especially given its availability in the summer months.
These King Mackerel lures are head and shoulders above the rest and have proven to be highly effective for me.
You don’t have to go around town and talk to every tackle shop to get out on the water and start catching fish. Choose one of these lures, and you’ll get an effective lure guaranteed to help you catch more King Mackerel.
Ready to head out of the inlet and fill your cooler with Kingfish?
Let’s go!
The best lures for King Mackerel are the Blue Water Candy Wedgies.
Best Lures For King Mackerel – Comparison Table
Best Lures for King Mackerel Reviewed
Blue Water Candy Wedgie
The Blue Water Candy Wedgie is a fantastic choice for those targeting King Mackerel, with its unique design and effective results.
Pros
- Unique 1oz diving head design
- Pre-rigged on 60lb cable to prevent bite-offs
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Swivels may break after extended use
- Best for slow trolling, may not suit all anglers’ preferences
I recently tried out the Blue Water Candy Wedgie while fishing for King Mackerel, and I was impressed by its performance. The unique 1oz diving head shape makes this lure dive beneath the surface, enticing those trophy fish to strike. It’s perfect for slow trolling, and I found it to be very effective with cigar minnows or ballyhoo as bait.
Being pre-rigged on a 60lb cable is a fantastic feature, as it helps avoid bite-offs by those sharp-toothed King Mackerel. The 4X treble hook stinger and the 5/0 nose hook that locks into place at the back of the lure provide a solid chance of successfully catching those elusive fish. The fact that this lure is made in the USA is an added bonus, giving a sense of confidence in the quality of the product.
One potential drawback I noticed was that the Wedgie from Blue Water Candy is smaller than I initially expected. This might be a downside for some anglers, especially if they’re targeting larger fish. Also, after some extended use, I found that the swivels on my lure broke, which was a slight disappointment. This may not occur for everyone, but it’s something to consider when using this lure.
Overall, I would recommend the Blue Water Candy Wedgie as a solid choice for King Mackerel fishing. It has a unique design, effective diving action, and is made in the USA, which can give anglers an advantage while out on the water. Just be aware of its smaller size and potential swivel issues, but otherwise, the Wedgie is a great addition to your tackle box.
EnVish ProperPopper Camouflage Lure
I highly recommend the EnVish ProperPopper Camouflage Lure for its unique design, durability, and innovative features that fish species like King Mackerel can’t resist.
Pros
- Unique camo design and hydro-dipping process for durability
- Innovative ‘Gill’ feature creates a bubble trail attracting fish
- Extremely strong inline hooks for securing your catch
Cons
- Pink color may not be suitable for all fishing environments
- Small size may limit its use for larger species
- Limited to floating popper lure style
The EnVish ProperPopper Camouflage Lure is an excellent option if you’re seeking a reliable and efficient lure to enhance your King Mackerel fishing experience. Its camouflage pattern, created using a unique hydro-dipping process, not only looks great but offers exceptional exterior hardness that resists scratches, peeling, and flaking.
While using this lure, I noticed the innovative ‘Gill’ feature that sets it apart from its competitors. This feature creates a bubble trail after the pop on the surface, mimicking a struggling baitfish gasping for air – proving irresistible to the King Mackerel I was after.
As a seasoned angler, I found the high tensile strength inline hooks to be incredibly durable. I had no concerns about them bending or breaking, even when battling larger fish. However, the pink color may not suit all fishing environments and could limit your success with certain species.
The only downside I experienced with the EnVish ProperPopper was its small size, making it less effective for targeting larger fish. Additionally, this lure is specifically a floating popper, which may not be ideal for those looking for a variety of lure styles.
In summary, the EnVish ProperPopper Camouflage Lure is a fantastic choice for anglers targeting King Mackerel and similar species. Its unique design, durability, and innovative features are well worth considering when selecting your next lure.
Blue Water Candy Private Stock King Mackerel Skirts Black Pearl
In my experience, these skirts are a must-have for any angler targeting king mackerel due to their premium materials and effectiveness.
Pros
- Exceptional bait presentation with lightweight plastic heads
- Eye-catching flashy Mylar
- Made in the USA with high-quality materials
Cons
- Comes in packs of two, which may be limiting for some anglers
- Limited to a single color variant – Black Pearl
- Product could be more affordable for beginner anglers
I recently took the Blue Water Candy Private Stock King Mackerel Skirts out on a fishing trip, and I was truly impressed with their performance. These skirts did not compromise the bait presentation since they feature lightweight plastic heads. The flashy Mylar was incredibly effective at attracting king mackerel, which helped me land several fish during my trip.
One thing I genuinely appreciate is that these skirts are made in the USA, which means they’re crafted with top-quality materials. Although they are sold in packs of two, their effectiveness makes them worth the purchase. If you’re an avid angler looking for a reliable option, these skirts are an excellent choice.
However, one downside is that Blue Water Candy offers these skirts in just one exciting color – Black Pearl. While this color may be effective in various situations, a wider color selection would have been fantastic so anglers can tailor their choices according to different fishing conditions. Additionally, they could be priced more affordably for beginners, but the quality and durability make it an excellent investment in the long run.
In conclusion, the Blue Water Candy Private Stock King Mackerel Skirts deliver on their promise with top-tier materials and an effective design. Although there are a few drawbacks, their performance and the added benefits of being made in the USA make them a fantastic option for anglers of all experience levels.
EnVish Proper Pencil Sinking Stick Bait Lure
I believe this EnVish Proper Pencil lure is worth purchasing for those targeting King Mackerel and other aggressive fish due to its durable construction and unique camo patterns.
Pros
- Highly scratch and dent resistant coating
- Excellent evasive action, simulates injured baitfish
- Strong, reliable hooks for aggressive fish
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other lures
- Limited color options, only three patterns available
- May not be suitable for smaller fish species
EnVish’s Proper Pencil is designed with camouflaged patterns that are not only appealing to anglers but are also highly effective in attracting King Mackerel and other pelagic fish. When I used this lure, I was impressed by the detailed patterns, and the hydro-dipped coating made it extremely durable, ensuring it won’t peel or flake off.
The action of this lure is undoubtedly top-notch, as it mimics an injured baitfish, tricking the target fish into striking. I’ve tested it in both fresh and saltwater, and it handled well, with outstanding castability and just the right amount of wobble in its evasive action. The strong hooks, in particular, are a standout feature, ensuring a solid hook-up with bigger, stronger fighting fish.
However, it is worth noting that this lure might not be the most budget-friendly option. At a higher price point than some competitors, making a purchase depends on your willingness to invest in a high-quality lure. Additionally, there are only three color patterns available – Green, Blue, and Pink – which may feel limiting for anglers with specific preferences.
Overall, the EnVish Proper Pencil Sinking Stick Bait Lure is a reliable and highly effective lure. Although it may not be the cheapest on the market, its durability, enticing action, and strong hooks make it a worthy investment for targeting King Mackerel and other aggressive fish species.
Rapala X-Rap Saltwater Fishing Lure Silver Blue Mackerel
This lure is a must-have for king mackerel fishing due to its appearance, durability, and performance.
Pros
- Realistic mackerel design
- Excellent swimming action
- Long casting capabilities
Cons
- Hooks might need upgrading
- Requires maintenance after saltwater use
- Not as effective for other species
The Rapala X-Rap Saltwater Fishing Lure in Silver Blue Mackerel is one of the best lures I’ve used for targeting king mackerel. The realistic design and holographic inserts make it incredibly appealing to mackerel and other saltwater predators. The swimming action is aggressive and hard-cutting, which drives fish to strike, increasing your chances of success.
One thing that caught my attention was the integrated long casting system. I found it easy to cast the lure at a significant distance, allowing me to cover more water in search of the elusive king mackerel. The built-in rattle adds to its attractiveness, making it even more irresistible to fish.
However, there are a few downsides to this lure. The original hooks might not be strong enough to handle saltwater giants, so I would recommend upgrading them to avoid losing any catch. Additionally, the lure requires regular maintenance with salt off after use to increase its longevity. Lastly, it might not be as effective if you’re targeting other species, but that’s not an issue if you’re specifically after king mackerel.
Overall, the Rapala X-Rap Saltwater Fishing Lure in Silver Blue Mackerel has been a valuable addition to my tackle box, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to catch more king mackerel. It does have a few minor drawbacks, but the pros significantly outweigh the cons, making it a worthy purchase.
Blue Water Candy 40035 King Rig Tourn Skirted with Featherwrights, 5-Pack
The Blue Water Candy 40035 King Rig is an excellent assortment of lures you should consider for your king mackerel fishing adventures due to its effectiveness and quality.
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship and materials
- Wide variety of skirted lures in the pack
- Made in the USA
Cons
- A bit pricier than other lures
- Skirts may not be thick enough for some anglers
- Pack only includes five lures, which may not be enough for long fishing trips
When I first tried the Blue Water Candy 40035 King Rig, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of these lures, but after using them, I found that they truly stood out from the competition. The craftsmanship and materials are top-notch, providing a realistic and enticing lure for king mackerel. The assortment of skirted lures in this pack offers a diverse range of options for any fishing situation, which I found to be very beneficial when targeting various saltwater species.
One downside I noticed was that the skirts on some of the lures didn’t seem to be as thick as I would have liked. This could potentially lead to some damage over time, especially after several aggressive bites. Also, the pack only contains five lures, which might not be enough if you’re planning an extended trip or if you happen to lose some lures during your outing.
Despite these minor cons, I had a great experience using the Blue Water Candy 40035 King Rig. The lures are effective, high-quality, and made in the USA, which adds a level of trustworthiness to the product. If you’re looking for a reliable and diverse set of lures for your next king mackerel fishing trip, I highly recommend giving the Blue Water Candy 40035 King Rig a try.
Ecooda Hornet Saltwater Fishing Lure
I confidently recommend the Ecooda Hornet Lure for fishers targeting king mackerel and other pelagic species due to its versatile design and natural swimming action.
Pros
- High strength ABS material and conjoined welding wire
- Easy to control and natural swimming action
- Excellent for targeting a variety of pelagic species
Cons
- Hooks and split rings not included
- Metal tips not connected
- Slightly lighter than rating
After using the Ecooda Hornet Saltwater Fishing Lure, I found it to be impressively durable, made from high strength ABS material with a conjoined welding wire. This feature allows the lure to bear more than 100kg of pull strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty ocean fishing.
Ecooda’s Hornet Lure excels in mimicking natural baitfish movements, allowing for a stable and lifelike swimming action. I found it easy to control while trolling, and it effortlessly swung left and right, attracting a variety of pelagic species like tuna, mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Additionally, the rattle sound and realistic paint patterns further entice predatory fish.
However, the lure doesn’t include hooks or split rings. While this gives you the flexibility to choose high-quality components like Gamikatsu or Owner hooks, it’s something to consider when purchasing. The metal tips are also not connected, and I noticed seams where they exit the lure; I would recommend sealing them with glue to ensure longevity. Finally, the casting distance is slightly shorter due to the lure’s weight being marginally lighter than its rating.
Overall, the Ecooda Hornet Saltwater Fishing Lure is a reliable and versatile option for anyone targeting king mackerel and other large pelagic fish. Its durable construction, natural swimming action, and flexibility in component selection make it a worthwhile investment for both offshore trolling and onshore floating crankbait fishing.
Buying Guide For King Mackerel Lures
When it comes to choosing the best lure for King Mackerel, there are several factors I consider. In this buying guide, I will provide a few tips to help you make an informed decision.
First, I pay attention to the size and shape of the lure. King Mackerel are known for their predatory instincts, so selecting a lure that mimics the appearance and movement of their natural prey is crucial. I usually look for lures that resemble popular baitfish like mullet, sardines, and herring.
Material also plays a crucial role. Durable materials such as metal and hard plastic hold up well against the strong teeth of King Mackerel. Additionally, I make sure to choose lures with strong, corrosion-resistant hooks.
Color selection is another aspect to consider. Generally, I opt for bright and flashy colors like silver, gold, or chartreuse. These colors attract the attention of the fish by reflecting light underwater, increasing the chance of a strike.
Important Features
Here is a table to outline some essential lure features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size and Shape | Mimics the appearance and movement of baitfish |
| Material | Durable, corrosion-resistant |
| Color | Bright and flashy to reflect light and attract fish |
As a rule of thumb, I take into account the local fishing conditions – such as water clarity, temperature, depth, and the presence of natural baitfish – when making my final decision.
Common Questions Related to King Mackerel Fishing
What are the most effective trolling lures for kingfish?
In my experience, the most effective trolling lures for kingfish are diving plugs, skirted lures, and spoons. Diving plugs imitate baitfish and can reach depths where king mackerel may be lurking. Skirted lures also mimic baitfish and create an enticing movement in the water. Finally, spoons have a wobbling action that attracts king mackerel, making them a reliable choice.
Which colors of spoons attract king mackerel the most?
The colors that I find most attractive to king mackerel are silver, gold, and chartreuse. Silver and gold spoons imitate the flash of baitfish, while chartreuse offers a highly visible contrast against the water. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of these colors in your tackle box to see which works best on any given day.
How can you catch king mackerel from the shore?
Catching king mackerel from the shore can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right approach. I suggest using a long casting reel and rod setup to increase casting distance. Moreover, employing live bait such as menhaden, mullet, or cigar minnows can entice king mackerel swimming close to shore. You may also want to retrieve your lure slowly and steadily to mimic natural baitfish movements.
What are the top kingfish rigs to use?
Some of the top kingfish rigs I recommend include the stinger rig, live bait rig, and the duster rig. The stinger rig features a main hook and a trailing treble hook, making it ideal for trolling with large baitfish or lures. The live bait rig has a single hook attached to a wire leader, suitable for slow trolling or drifting with live bait. Lastly, the duster rig combines a skirted lure with a trailing hook; this rig is great for adding extra action and flair to your bait presentation.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing lures for king mackerel?
When choosing lures for king mackerel, consider factors such as the size and shape of your lure, the lure’s action in the water, and the color. Larger lures that imitate natural baitfish are often successful. Additionally, lures that create a lot of movement and disturbance in the water tend to attract king mackerel. Finally, opt for colors like silver, gold, or chartreuse to increase your chances of catching their attention.
For more guides on choosing the right lures, check out the pages below:
