Scomberomorus cavalla or The Florida King Fish goes by many names. It is referred to as the King Mackerel. People spell the fish’s name as King fish or Kingfish, or king mackerel – they are all the same fish. These are large schooling fish that hunt in packs for herring and sardines. They are migratory and are most often a winter season target for charter boats. The record for a king mackerel caught in Florida is 90 pounds. That’s a lot of fish.
A lot of anglers come to Florida to fish for big, trophy fish and the king mackerel is one of the top choices. These are deep sea fish that prefer cooler waters. Florida has a range of fishing options, but deep sea fishing is how and where you find those bigger fish that like cool water. The inshore sports often have warmer water. To target king fish, you need to go deep sea fishing.
What is Deep Sea Fishing in Florida? Generally, it is fishing waters that are more than 100 feet deep. That’s usually about 20-miles offshore. That is not to say that you cannot catch King Fish inshore, you can.
Where To Catch Kingfish in Florida
Two things drive Kingfish. First is water temperature. They love a narrow band of cool water temperatures – usually somewhere between 75 °F and 85 °F. That temperature range can move from inshore to deep sea fishing during different times of the year. For the most part, King Mackerel fishing is a deep sea fishing adventure.
We mentioned that two things drive kingfish. The second is baitfish. King mackerel feed on schools of baitfish. These include sardines and herring and other species that school.
Kingfish Season in Florida
The actual season for king fish will vary based on where you are in Florida. The easiest way to do that is to check with the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Branch which can tell you where you can legally fish for king mackerel in Florida. The reason that the season is complicated is that there are regulations for both the Gulf of Mexico waters and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the waters in one area may close if the federal waters adjacent to it also close. It is best to check if the area you want to fish in is open or closed.
Peak King Fish season is March 1 – July 1 – The season is open all year long but will close when anglers land a specific number of king fish. The rules for catching king mackerel also follow the federal rules even if the Florida State rules state something different.
Targeting King Fish
Kingfish are highly mobile. They are hungry fish that are usually chasing schools of baitfish. One of the best places to find them is around structures. If you are offshore you can target the waters around oil platforms. The baitfish will ball up around structures that attract predatory fish, such as kingfish.
King fish have 30 sharp teeth in their mouth. The triangle-shaped teeth make short work of baitfish and will shred your line. A good tip for rigging to fish king mackerel is to use a steel leader.
What To Use as Bait for Kingfish
Because the primary food of king fish is baitfish, you want to use dead baits such as silver eels, sardines, and larger minnows. You can also fish minnow pattern soft plastics. Understand that king fish are visual hunters. They are looking for that silver flash from baitfish. Whatever your rig, it should look like a baitfish. An adult king fish will target larger baitfish that are between 5-6 inches long. They may target shrimp, squid, and crustaceans too. A good tip for choosing the right baitfish is to target pogies (menhaden) – You can catch these yourself with a throw net. You can also try a bait store.
Kingfish Fishing Techniques to Hook a Kingfish
Slow trolling is one of the best ways to target kingfish. Keep in mind that they are chasing baitfish and adjust the speed of the boat to match the swimming prowess of baitfish – not very fast.
You can rig with live bait, dead bait, or soft plastic baits. The key is that lovely silver shine that baitfish offer.
Chumming for Kingfish is another option. While mostly visual feeders, they will hunt by smell. The oily baitfish are best – think sardines and be sure to put out a lot of chum. Kingfish charters may offer you a choice between trolling and chum fishing. Depending on the length of your charter you may want to try both.
The King Fish Cobia Connection
Don’t be overly surprised if you attract cobia while targeting kingfish. Kingfishing Florida is a good way to meet cobia. The techniques are very similar. A slow trolling method in open water or around a structure can bring in both king fish and cobia. Live bait, dead bait, and flashy silver minnows in soft plastic will work on cobia or king fish.
Kingfish Regulations in Florida
The season for king fish changes often throughout the year. It is best to check the regulations before you head out to fish for king fish. You can do that by visiting NOAA or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
In general:
King Fish need to be 24-inches Fork Length
You can only take three fish per person per day in Gulf Coast Waters and only two fish per day per person in the Atlantic.
Sports anglers may not use nets to catch king mackerel.
Tips for Going on Kingfish Charters
Early morning charters and twilight charters can be the best times to target kingfish. An overnight charter means that you can take six king mackerel rather than just three.
King fish fishing can be very active. You can limit out quickly, so expect to target more than kingfish if you do. Another good target is cobia, and you might also find Yellowfin around deep structures.
An 8-hour fishing charter can be a very long day if you are not comfortable. Be sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing weather throughout your charter. Wind, rain, and saltwater are going to be a common part of your day. Dress to beat the wind and stay dry. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are a must to beat the sun. Run through a checklist of what to bring.
Ready to get started on deep sea fishing for King Mackerel? The Finest Kind Charters offers a comfortable boat with modern equipment and all the gear you need to target king mackerel. For a family-friendly fishing adventure in Destin, Florida, set sail with the Finest Kind Charters.
Why do people book overnight fishing trips? Usually, it is because they want to take advantage of bag limits on certain species of fish. You see, when the clock strikes midnight, a new day begins, and with that new day a new limit for how many fish you can catch. For example, if you are only allowed to catch one marlin per day and can only have two for the year, you can book an overnight fishing trip, and take one marlin on day one and another on day two. Boom. You are done marlin fishing for the year.
An overnight fishing charter trip can last from 24-72 hours. These trips feature deep-sea fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing. They are ideal for the angler who wants to target fish that have single-day limits. If you fish overnight, you are allowed to catch the second limit of fish for the second day. That rule helps anglers experience trophy fish, and also target specific species of fish.
When Will You Be Going Overnight Deep Sea Fishing?
When you begin to plan your overnight deep sea fishing adventure, consider the types of fish you want to target. Plan your trip for when their presence is at its height. We call this “run times” and the run times allow you to be on the water when the fish you want to target is present. In addition, you want to consider:
The time – You choose the length of the trip – 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.
Weather – Consider the weather conditions – weather influences fish behaviors and when you fish before a storm, you may experience outstanding fishing. If you fish on a regular day, your captain will be able to help influence the types of fish you target.
Specie Specific – Specific Fishing Targets – If you want to target a specific species of fish, your captain will be able to help you determine when the best time of year is to do just that.
Seasonal Advantages – Think about seasonal changes – some fish are not available in winter either through conservation efforts from the federal or state wildlife agency, and some may migrate to warmer waters. Seasonality changes what you need to plan for. Chatting with a Charter Boat Captain is a good way to start that process. These are the people who live fishing day in and day out, and they will be able to help you choose the best times to fish, when to fish, and what you can bring. A good place to start is in the What’s Biting Section of The Finest Kind Charters.
These considerations help you dial in the best times to book an overnight deep sea fishing adventure. They allow you to pick the optimal time to target specific types of fish, especially those fish that have limits on how many you can catch. The advantage of overnight fishing is not so much fishing in the dark, which can be fun, but it allows you more time on the water to target and battle the big trophy fish you want.
Now, let’s look at what makes an overnight fishing charter successful, comfortable, and worth the time, money, and effort.
What To Pack for an Overnight Fishing Charter Trip?
Plan what you need to bring – the longer the trip, the more items you might need, such as:
Clothing and rain gear – The weather can change suddenly so be prepared by dressing in layers and bring a few extra items that will help you deal with wind, sun, and rain. Pack so that you have clean clothes for each day of fishing. Because this is an overnight trip, a pair of slip-on skidproof shoes is essential, especially at night.
Medications and sea-sickness meds – A good rule of thumb is to bring enough medications for a few extra days. Some people bring twice as much and store them in separate spots, in case something happens to one supply.
Drinks, food, snacks, and freshwater – There is no place to get fresh water on an overnight fishing trip. A mix of food and snacks is a good way to keep hunger at bay. Freshwater is essential, and you can add in soft drinks. Most charters do not allow alcohol, so check with your captain before you shop for your trip. Be sure to ask the captain how much space you need. You may need to bring an ice chest with you for food.
Bedding – You may also need a sleeping bag. Keeping yourself rested is a good way to be mentally alert to battle big fish. Be sure to ask about sleeping areas. In addition to a sleeping bag or blanket, you may need a sleeping mat or inflatable mattress, etc. Earplugs are a good idea and if you cannot sleep with the light on, an eye mask to help block out any light.
Consider some hydrating lotion. The ocean air is salty, and it will begin to make you itch. Lotion can help.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen is essential. The glare from the water will redirect the sun’s rays at you causing you to burn faster. SPF 50 or better is a good bet. If you have UPF clothing, bring it. UPF is the equivalent of SPF but made for fabrics.
Polarized Sunglasses – Nothing beats the glare of the sun like polarized sunglasses, especially on the water.
Preparing For An Overnight Fishing Charter
You want to get a good night’s sleep the night before and most deep-sea charters leave early in the morning to allow for travel time to the deep sea fishing grounds. Expect to fish a lot during the voyage and more so when you hit the fishing grounds.
Bunks are available for sleeping and gear should be stowed in the cabin. The goal is always to keep the deck clear for safe passage and for all the incredible fishing you will do. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs to cut out the snoring, sounds, and ocean. If you are sensitive to light while you fish, bring an eye mask that will block out the light and allow you to rest. Sleeping is important as it recharges your body and sharpens your mind – you will need both when you battle big fish.
Be sure to take your seasickness medication as directed by your doctor (may be at least an hour before breakfast and again when you board the charter.
Depending on the weather and fishing conditions, night fishing can occur. Fish are generally very active at dusk and sometimes throughout the night if there is a good moon.
What to Expect on Boat Day
Be sure to arrive at the boat at least 30-minutes before departure. It is important to ask permission to come aboard both out of respect for the captain and safety reasons. The captain and crew should know you’ve boarded. They will give you safety instructions and tell you where to store your gear, bedding, and ice chest. Be sure you have a fishing license and all the appropriate stamps for specialized fish.
Once you have boarded and stored your gear, and all the other members of the charter are onboard and ready, the captain will go over the rules, and safety protocol and introduce you to the deck crew (mates). From there the fishing adventure begins.
The captain will get you where you need to go and manage the boat while you are out on the water. Your mates will become your best resource for fishing, rigging, and information. Make them your friend. Ask them all of your questions. Let them know your fishing experience and allow them to make you the best fisherman you can be.
Learn more about what’s in season, and available dates for overnight deep sea fishing by reaching out to the crew of The Finest Kind.
These top ten charter fishing tips help you make the most of your trip and can help set you up for success. They cover what you need to know and why you need to know it.
1. Book a boat with a restroom
Being on a boat for 8 hours ha’s its limitations. You can make your fishing charter a better experience if you ensure that there is a restroom available. You never know when nature will call, and it’s best to be prepared because the alternative is quite uncomfortable. Nobody wants to be “exposed” to that truth.
2. Focus on learning not catching
One mistake that charter boat anglers make is they come with a long list of expectations that are unreasonable. Instead of focusing on fishing, focus on learning how to fish and remember that old adage that “once you teach a man to fish.” That logic is very true on a charter boat. It is okay to say you want to catch this kind of fish or that, but a long list of fish you want to target is likely not going to happen. Instead, come prepared to learn and make that your focus. What you catch or if you catch anything will really depend upon skill level and that is what you’re here to build.
3. Be clear about what you want to experience
If you have specific requests for fish or fish species that you want to target it’s important that you reiterate that to your captain while you’re booking your charter. Captains are very wise, and they know the lay of the land and the water. They will be able to pair you with like-minded fishermen who want the same thing that you do. In the mixed charter boat, you often have to accommodate everybody who’s on board and when you are very clear about what you want and the expectations are realistic there’s no reason that everybody can get in on that action. Keep your list simple and give the captain a few options for fish. Some fish may not be in season or may not be available because they migrate.
4. Pack Smart
Most charter boats have a list of equipment that you should bring with you. One of the first things on your list should always be water and food. Pay attention to that list because it is designed to help you have the most comfortable experience while fishing for long hours. Clothing, food, medication, sunscreen, your camera, and polarized sunglasses are going to top that list each time. When you go fishing the weather is always unpredictable. It may look beautiful and sunny but in an hour it can be raining. You want to pack clothing that allows you to be comfortable and wind and rain and in the sun. Dressing in layers is an excellent idea.
5. Mutual Respect
The captain of your charter boat is a highly skilled professional. He or she may not dress in a suit and they may not wear a tie but their skill and education are top-notch. A good Captain will be able to help you fulfill your bucket list of fishing for each trip that you take with him. Treating him with respect helps make that happen. A good tip is always to ask permission to come on board his boat. It is his office, so allow him to welcome you.
6. Know When to Go Fishing
If you have a very specific fish that you want to target you need to know when they’re available in the local waters where you’re going to fish. The captain will help you determine when the best time is to fish for those special fish and help you understand when you should book your charter. Not only does that include the time of year, but also the time of day. Some fish are more active in the morning and some are more active in the evening. Knowing when to go fishing will enable you to focus 100% on the species of fish you want to catch.
7. Prepare for Sea Sickness
If this is your first time on a charter boat or if you have experienced seasickness in the past you want to be prepared to deal with that before it occurs. If you’re taking over-the-counter medication for seasickness be sure to follow the instructions and take it on time – at least an hour before you head to the boat. You want the medication to be in your system and working before you get on the boat and be sure to take enough medication with you to take a second dose if you are fishing for more than four hours. It is always a good idea to bring more than you need and be willing to help if someone else forgot theirs.
8. Understand Tipping
Most charter boats have a tipping section on their website since tipping makes up a very large portion of their income. You want to know whether or not tips are shared among all the crew or just specific members of the crew and what an acceptable amount for tipping should be. If you had a good time and the crew has been good to you be sure to tip well and explain to them your gratitude for their service. They are imparting to you life lessons and the skills you need to master fishing if you should decide to fish on your own. That service is valuable and should be appreciated.
9. Be a Friend
Charter boats often have mixed populations of people who don’t know each other and you want to be accommodating while you’re on a charter boat. Remember that the boat itself is the captain’s office and you would behave accordingly as if you were in the top office of the company’s CEO. It’s a good idea to start off making friends with people on the boat. Those relationships even if they’re only hours long can be very beneficial throughout your fishing adventure. It’s not uncommon that people who meet on charter boats to become lifelong friends and meet up in different locations to enjoy the sport that brings them together. Take the opportunity to make connections and Network.
10. Hone up on Fishing Techniques
Many charter boats welcome people who have never fished before. Even if you’re an old fisherman and you’ve experienced much over your fishing lifetime, it’s always good to hone your fishing skills. You can do that by watching videos about how to handle big fish. Videos about knot tying and rigging are always good sources of information. General videos about charter boat fishing are also excellent because they allow you to experience the feel of charter boat fishing without actually being there. That knowledge will help you acclimate to the boat quickly and to the style of fishing that a boat offers. Knowledge is king and you are 100% in control of gaining knowledge before you arrive.
These fishing charter tips help you to succeed even if you have never fished before or if you have experience fishing but are new to charter boats.
Charters generally are split between a full day or a half day fishing trip. This blog focuses on half-day fishing trips which can be four, five, or six hours long. We also delve into twilight fishing and go over the process of fishing on a charter boat and what you should expect.
When Will You Be Going?
Shorter charter trips, such as half day fishing trips or twilight fishing trips give you a lot of flexibility in choosing when you go. The first thing to learn about short fishing trips is that they don’t take all day. Many half day fishing adventures give you options such as early morning, afternoon, and evening departure times. Since you will be fishing for four, five, or six hours, you gain the advantage of having many options. Should you fish in the morning, afternoon, or at night?
Morning fishing is often good fishing as fish are more active.
Afternoon fishing allows you to make morning meeting and run errands or other chores and then hit the water in the mid-morning or early afternoon. Twilight fishing leaves later in the day so that long meeting with your clients will not interrupt your fishing plans. Twilight fishing allows you to do a full days’ work and then still enjoy a great time fishing in the evening hours. Fishing options include Morning, afternoon and twilight as well as overnight, half day, and full day trips. Every option to let you fish the times you need to fish.
Twilight Fishing
Twilight fishing is a late afternoon departure where you fish into the evening. You may leave as late as 5 or 6 PM and return just after sunset. These trips are amazing because many species of fish are more active in early morning and in the evening hours. If you are visiting Destin Florida and have a busy day scheduled, a twilight fishing trip can be just what you need. It is relaxing, focused, and allows you to enjoy your time on the water. If you work all day and want to deep-sea fish after work, a twilight charter is just what you need.
How Much Do You Need to Pack for A Half Day Fishing Trip?
The most important items to bring on a half-day fishing charter are sunscreen, water, and food. It is a good idea to bring sea-sickness medication, and to also take it according to the directions before getting on the boat.
You will need a variety of clothing – Fishing on a boat can go from cold to hot to raining in half a second. The best advice is to dress in layers. Bundle up for morning trips and shed layers as the day gets warmer. A windbreaker jacket is a smart clothing item. It may be a warm day, but wind can make you miserable. If you expect rain or clouds, a light rain jacket can be handy. Having the right weather gear means you fish long and are not stuck in the cabin trying to stay warm, dry, or cool. Bring a hat. The UPF hats are excellent for anglers. UPF is the fabric equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. The sun on the water will refract sun rays at you. If you expect to see clearly or to spot-fish, polarized sunglasses are a must. They will knock the glare and let you see remarkably well.
Food – Bring plenty of fresh water. The salt in the air is drying, and it can impact your comfort. A moisturizing sunscreen is also essential to combat the dryness of saltwater. You should bring a complete meal and a few snacks. If you are leaving in the morning, eat a light breakfast and then a larger snack at midmorning. You don’t want to be overly full while fishing. If you are fishing with children, fruit is a good option. The natural sugars will keep them active without the sugar crash later. Juice and water are also key items.
A Camera – A charter fishing adventure is just that – an adventure. Be prepared to photograph your time on the boat.
Twilight Fishing – If you are headed off into the afternoon for a twilight fishing trip, consider a blanket or wrap that will keep you warm while you rest.
How To Prepare For Your First Half-Day or Twilight Fishing Trip
One of the keys to making a fishing adventure successful is to understand what your experience will be. That is true of a half day fishing trip, full day fishing trip, or overnight fishing trip. The basic scenario for a half-day fishing trip is that you:
Arrive at the boat – Pack up the stuff you are taking with you the evening before the boat leaves. This means food, sunscreen, clothing, etc.
Boat to the fishing location – Once you are on the boat, you will get a safety conversation, meet your mate and the captain and any type of instructions about fishing. This often happens as the boat is leaving the harbor and on the way to where you will fish.
You fish – The mate is going to be the one who helps you set up your pole, show you how to fish, and give you pointers as you catch fish. They will also clean your fish for you, bag, them, so it is easier for you to just enjoy fishing.
You come back to the dock – Expect to be tired when you return to the dock, especially if you are new to fishing. If you have brought enough water, snacks and food, you should be in good shape. Everything that you have prepared for comes down to when you get back to the dock. If you prepared well, you were not sea sick, you caught all the fish you wanted, and you had a good time making new friends and are already planning your next charter.
The success and failure of fishing trips comes down to how well you prepare to enjoy a day or half-day of fishing. Food, water, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, polarized sunglass, and an adventurous attitude are all essential parts of successful fishing trips. Your captain and mate will do the rest for you. All you have to do is keep the tip of the rod up, and fish the salty brine.
A Destin family fishing charter is a kid-friendly deep sea fishing adventure where the entire family can enjoy the love of fishing. Along the way, kids and anglers learn about fishing, the fishing environment, safety, and best of all, how to battle big fish. If you are visiting Destin Florida, consider booking a kid-friendly fishing charter for the whole family. Here’s how to choose a great charter for kids and families.
What Type of Trip Is Best for Your Family?
Charters are half day trips which can mean four hours or six hours or full-day trips which can mean eight to ten hours, depending on the charter. If this is the first time your kids and family have been on a boat, aim for a half day charter to let them feel out the motion of the ocean and the thrill of catching fish.
A few things to consider as options for setting up your trip include:
Booking the Boat – You can do a private charter which is just your party – kids, and family, or a group of buddies. You can also join a charter where the other members of the charter are not part of your group. It’s a good way to make friends and learn from other anglers. If you are booking a Destin family fishing charter with kids, and you should, make sure the charter is kid-friendly.
Choose the Target – Many charters specialize in specific groups of fish, such as big Trophy game fish – marlin, tuna, etc. You can find charters that target groups of fish you are interested in fishing. Because the fish change from month-to-month and season-to-season, it is important to choose the target you want.
For kids, handling a big Marlin is a bit much. Sure, it’s exciting, but they will likely have more fun hauling in big (smaller) fish hand over fist. Inshore fishing is a good option for reds, snook and bone fish, but you can also go deep sea fishing and target things like sharks (still kid-friendly.)
Fishing is relevant to everything in life, so you can adapt a fishing charter trip into an educational experience where everyone is having fun. The perks of a Destin family charter trip is that families bond with each other while learning how to fish or expanding their fishing skills. A good Captain and crew make it possible to achieve a lot, even in a short amount of time.
Do they have young kids, teens, or adults?
The odd thing about “kids” is that they come in all sizes and ages. Set up your Destin family fishing trip to appropriately target the age of your kids. The captain of the boat will have options for kids of all sizes and with a safety-first attitude there is still plenty of fun to be enjoyed by all.
Options include in shore charters, near-shore charters, deep sea charters. Inshore charters stick near the coast with about a mile of water to fish. There are plenty of options that include smaller fish and even larger sharks. Near-shore fishing takes you between the coast and about three miles or so out to sea. You are still on the shelf, but there are deeper areas where you can find bigger fish, and plenty of smaller fish in the one-two foot range. Deep sea fishing is where you find a variety of fish most of which are huge – marlin, tuna, big sharks, etc.
How To Prepare for A Family Fishing Charter?
What to pack – What you need to bring is a short list – lunch, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, camera, possibly rain gear. In terms of clothing, dress in layers, so you can add or subtract layers to keep yourself comfortable.
Safety measures and information – You may want to talk about with your family and kids, especially if you have younger kids. The captain will go over the safety rules before the boat leaves the dock. Life jackets are a must. There is a first aid kit onboard for small issues. The boat is equipped with communication system for more serious situations. The goal is to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the trip.
Sea sickness – Most people do well with the OTC motion sickness meds. Please be sure to read the directions and take them accordingly. Does anyone in the family get seasick? A good rule of thumb is to talk with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about motion sickness medication options. There are also manual aids that can help with motion sickness, such as bracelets, etc.
Finding The Right Family Destin Fishing Charter
The first thing you want to look for when choosing the best Destin fishing charter is that the boat is family and kid friendly. Kids are more than just small anglers. They have different need from adults, they tire quickly, and may need to rest. Five or more hours of fishing is a lot of work for an adult. A kid-friendly fishing charter should have a place for kids to relax a bit.
A good charter provides everything you need to enjoy a day of fishing. That means they provide your license, fishing gear, and rod and reel. They should also be willing to teach you how to fish. The mates on the boat are your guides, and they should be knowledgeable and interested in the quality of your adventure.
Experience is worth its weight in gold. A good captain has a deep knowledge of the fishing area and will be able to help you while you fish by positioning the boat accordingly, changing the type of fishing to fit the conditions, and put you over the fish, so you are having a good time.
Destin, Florida has kid-friendly charters available. If you are curious about fishing or want to expose your kids and family to fishing, then consider booking a kid-friendly Destin family fishing charter.
Deep sea fishing requires a bit of extra skill to be successful. One of those skills is knot-tying. In addition, there are situations in fishing that require different types of knots. In this blog, we introduce you to seven of the best offshore fishing knots and tell you how to tie them.
1. Palomar Knot
An effortless and easy-to-tie knot, it is arguably one of the strongest knots in the world because it is so simple. Unfortunately, many knots fail because the overlapping material eventually breaks or cuts through itself.
The Palomar Knot is an excellent knot when you need to secure a fishing line – braided or monofilament – to a ring, such as tying the line to a swivel.
To Tie the Palomar Knot:
Take about a foot or so of line and double it making a loop on one end.
Pass the loop through the ring so that about 3 inches of the line are through the loop.
Tie an overhand knot by taking the loop end of the line and making a circle. Push the loop through the center of the circle to face up and is large enough to fit over the ring.
Pass the ring through the loop and gently secure the knot by tightening.
If you are new to fishing, this is one knot to know how to tie. It will help you connect your fishing line to the leader via a ring or swivel. Its simplistic steps can help quickly set up a fishing line so that you are ready to fish. The durability of the knot is fantastic, and it will hold under great stress.
2. Double Uni Knot
In many fishing situations, you need to connect two different types of fishing lines. A good example would be joining a braided line to a backing line for fly-fishing. In Florida, fly-fishing is a fantastic way to fish the surface in deep water, the shallows, to sight fish, and to hit the lakes.
Ron Martin, one of the nations’ most outstanding bass fishers, lives by the durability of the double uni knot. The Double Uni Knot will hold well 90% of the time.
How to Tie the Double Uni Knot
Since this knot helps join two different types of lines, these instructions are for that purpose.
Position and overlap one foot of each type of line, so each end of the line faces the opposite direction.
Take the end of the line on the left side and fold it back to the middle of the overlapping lines to form a rough loop along the two lines. You will wrap that end around both lines, passing it through the rough loop four times.
Pull gently until the knot tightens. It is helpful to tighten the knot slowly.
Repeat the above steps with the end of the line on the right. You should end up with two knots that slide together, pinning each type of line to the other.
Tip: If the two lines are not the same thickness, increase the wraps for the thicker line to about eight. That is, wrap the thicker line eight times around the overlapping lines and through the rough loop. Adding more wraps helps to secure the thinner line.
3. Albright Knot
The Albright Knot is very useful for attaching two lines that are not the same diameter. An example would be to connect a leader line to a braided line. The general way this knot works is by tension. The more you pull on one line or the other, the more tension the knot experiences and the tighter it holds the lines together.
Because the knot is long rather than tall, it is an excellent knot for use when the knot must pass through the eyes or guides on a fishing rod.
To Tie the Albright Knot:
Place the two lines together so that the ends are on opposites of the juncture.
Take the thicker line and fold it back on itself, making a loop that wraps around the thinner line.
Take the end of the thinner line and near the end of the thicker line, begin to wrap the thinner line around both lines. Start at the far end and wrap towards the loop and back up the length of the thinner line. Wrap about eight times.
Take the end of the thinner line and pass it through the loop of the thicker line.
Secure the knot by gently pulling on both ends until the loop of the thicker line closes.
Set the knot by tugging on both lines.
The Albright Knot sounds complicated, but it is easy to use and very effective once you figure it out. Jimmy Albright is the angler who invented the Albright knot specifically for Tarpon fishing. It’s been on the end of fishing rods since the 1950s, and anything that’s been around that long is good medicine.
4. Bimini Twist
If you are going to fish big, trophy fish off the Florida Coast, you need to know how to tie a Bimini Twist knot. Effectively, the Bimini Twist allows you to add a double strand of line to your fishing rigging. The twist knot acts like a rubber band, giving the line a slight give without it breaking. When you have a monster on the other end, that “give” makes the battle more in your favor.
How to Tie the Bimini Twist Knot
Double the end of the line so that you have a large loop – about a foot long.
Holding the end of the line to itself, place your thumb and index finger into the loop. Pull gently to stretch the loop out, flat and long.
Twist the loop 20-30 times until the two overlapping lines twist into a thin rope.
You will need an object to hold the loop. A small spool about an inch in diameter or dowel rod is fine. Secure the spool or dowel so that you do not have to hold it.
Once the loop is secure, move your finger to the juncture where the loop and twists meet. Gently slide your fingers so that the twists move closer to where your fingers are grasping the other ends. You want all the twists to form loops around that juncture.
Pass the end of the line through the loop and make a half hitch knot on the loop to lock the twists into place.
The last step is to make three additional half hitch knots around the loop and at the end of the twists. The extra half hitch knots hold the tension in the knot. Slide the knot closed and trim the tag end.
This knot is complex, and practice is your friend. The better you are at tying this knot, the more fishing for trophies you can do. A good tip for learning knots is to practice them with more extensive twine and then move over to the fishing line.
5. Uni Knot
As the name implies, the Uni Knot is a Universal Knot with many options for use. You use the basic knot when you need to secure your fishing line to the reel (arbor.) It is also helpful for joining two lines together or for attaching rigging to the end of your line. Another name for the Uni Knot is the Duncan Loop, named for Norman Duncan, who invented the Knot back in the 1960s.
Overall, the Uni Knot maintains 90% strength and offers greater holding power than the surgeon knot or the blood knot. You can use it for braided lines, backing, or monofilament lines. In addition, it is a good knot for tying two lines of different materials together.
How to Tie the Uni Knot
The Uni Knot is pretty easy to tie once you get the hang of it. It is one of the best deep sea fishing rigs knots to learn.
Run the line through the ring so that there are at least six inches of tail.
Fold the tail back on the line forming a loop so that the line into the ring and the tail are side by side.
Take the tail end and from the top, wrap it through the loop five or six times.
Hold the line with your free hand where the line enters the ring.
Pull the tail, which will constrict the loop, causing the wraps to settle down near the loop. You want just a little space between the ring and the loops, which will allow the ring to move freely.
If you use the Uni Knot to secure two types of lines together, you will form a loop with the other line instead of using a ring. The loop would act as the ring. A second Uni Knot would help secure the second line.
6. Haywire Twist
There will be wire involved when you target big trophy fish— Tiger Sharks are a good example. The Haywire Twist knot is what you use when you need to secure your wire leader to your hook.
The Haywire Twist gets its name from the first set of twists, similar to what you would find on a bale of hay. If you are new to fishing and wonder why the wire is needed to join the hook to the line, it is because big fish and sharp teeth would bite right through the braided line or monofilament line. Thus, the wire leader helps reduce the risk of losing a big fish due to line failure.
How to Tie the Haywire Twist Knot
Run the wire through the eye of the hook.
Cross it over and then twist it 3-5 times so that it forms even twists.
When you finish the twists, we move to a barrel wrap.
Take the end of the wire and wrap it straight around the wire five times. Barrel wraps stack up neatly next to each other. If you take your hand and make a fist with your fingers facing your face and pretend that your fingers are the barrel wraps, that is what you are looking for when this knot is finished.
Snap the wire tail off by bending it back and forth until it snaps where the last barrel wrap is. Some people cut the tail off, but that can cause a sharp jag on the end of the wire.
7. The Perfection Loop Knot
Sometimes in fishing, all you need is a good, sturdy loop. That is what the Perfection Loop Knot does. It creates sturdy loops at the end of a line.
The perfection Loop Knot is reasonably easy to tie. In addition, the Perfection Loop Knot can be used to make tiny loops are loops of any size.
How to Tie the Perfection Loop Knot
Take the end of the line and form a loop.
Take the tag line (end of the line) and from a second loop by wrapping it around to one side.
Pass the tag end over the top of the second loop.
Fold the second loop through the first loop.
Pul the tag end until the first loop closes around the line and secures the second loop.
Note: The second loop will be the fixed loop at the end of your line. Make sure you keep the size of the second loop in proportion to the loop size you need.
These seven knots are the epitome of a great day of fishing or a miserable one. Do you need to know how to tie each of these knots? You do. They may help you tie knots on a charter, or they may set up your pole for you. There are so many opportunities to fish in Florida that these knots will prove their worth time and again.
Scomberomorus cavalla or The Florida King Fish goes by many names. It is referred to as the King Mackerel. People spell the fish’s name as King fish or Kingfish, or king mackerel – they are all the same fish. These are large schooling fish that hunt in packs for herring and sardines. They are migratory and are most often a winter season target for charter boats. The record for a king mackerel caught in Florida is 90 pounds. That’s a lot of fish.
