Grenada · Grenada Coast
KING MACKEREL FISHING
IN CARRIACOU
Carriacou is an outstanding destination for king mackerel fishing, with peak season in January, February, March and good catches in May, June, July. Book a charter and target king mackerel with local experts.
About King Mackerel Fishing in Carriacou
Also called Kingfish. A fast, hard-fighting fish found near reefs and wrecks. Popular for smoking.
King Mackerel — called "Kingfish" or "Kings" — are fast, hard-fighting predators found from the Gulf to the mid-Atlantic. These streamlined fish are built for speed, with a silver body, iridescent blue-green back, and a deeply forked tail. The lateral line dips sharply downward below the second dorsal fin, distinguishing kings from similar species. They are voracious feeders that attack bait at incredible speed, making hookups explosive.
Scientific name: Scomberomorus cavalla
King Mackerel Seasonal Calendar — Carriacou
Month-by-month availability for king mackerel in Carriacou, GD.
How to Catch King Mackerel in Carriacou
Techniques & Bait
Slow-trolling live bait is the classic technique — rigging large live blue runners, goggle-eyes, or threadfin herring on stinger rigs (a lead hook through the nose and a trailing treble near the tail) and slow-trolling near reef edges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Dead bait (cigar minnows, ribbonfish) rigged on king mackerel "stinger" rigs trolled with a duster or sea witch produce well. Casting live bait to visible surface-feeding schools is exciting. Fast-trolling with spoons (Drone, Clark) and planers covers water efficiently.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod (7 ft), 5000+ reel, 20-30 lb braid, long wire leader (single-strand #5-#7 or multi-strand wire — kings have razor teeth that cut fluorocarbon).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Carriacou
Top spots where local captains target king mackerel and other nearshore species.
Sandy Island Reef
The reef system surrounding Sandy Island features vibrant coral structure that holds yellowtail snapper, grouper, and large barracuda in 15-50 feet of pristine Caribbean water. The reef is part of the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area, supporting healthy fish populations.
Mabouya Island Reef
Mabouya Island off Carriacou's east coast is surrounded by reef that holds mutton snapper, grouper, and queen triggerfish in 20-60 feet of water. The island's windward position means the reef is flushed with clean Atlantic water carrying nutrients and baitfish.
Sisters Rocks
The Sisters are two rocky pinnacles rising from the seafloor between Carriacou and Union Island, creating dramatic structure that holds amberjack, barracuda, and large schools of jacks in 30-70 feet of water. The rocks act as a fish magnet in the open channel.
Jack Adan Island Ledge
A rocky ledge extending from Jack Adan Island drops into deeper water where grouper, queen snapper, and amberjack hold along the structure. The ledge marks the transition between Carriacou's shallow shelf and the deeper Grenadines channel.
Other Species in Carriacou
More fish you can target while visiting Carriacou.
King Mackerel Fishing in Carriacou — FAQ
The peak months for King Mackerel fishing in Carriacou are January, February, March, April, November, December. During these months, King Mackerel are most active and abundant in the Carriacou area.
King Mackerel fishing charters in Carriacou are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Slow-trolling live bait is the classic technique — rigging large live blue runners, goggle-eyes, or threadfin herring on stinger rigs (a lead hook through the nose and a trailing treble near the tail) and slow-trolling near reef edges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Dead bait (cigar minnows, ribbonfish) rigged on king mackerel "stinger" rigs trolled with a duster or sea witch produce well. Casting live bait to visible surface-feeding schools is exciting. Fast-trolling with spoons (Drone, Clark) and planers covers water efficiently.
No — when you book a charter in Carriacou, your captain provides all required Grenada fishing licenses as part of the trip.
King Mackerel regulations in Grenada include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting King Mackerel in Carriacou, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Mangrove Snapper, Blue Marlin, Wahoo. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch King Mackerel in Carriacou?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your king mackerel fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes