Both species are open year-round in Florida state waters. Spanish mackerel require a 12-inch fork-length minimum and 15-fish bag limit; king mackerel are 24 inches fork length, 3 per harvester per day in Gulf waters. Both migrate through Sarasota twice yearly — a spring run March through May and a fall run October through November, with October the peak month for the coastal run and the best window for both species together off local beaches and nearshore reefs.
When is Spanish mackerel season in Florida?
Spanish mackerel are open year-round, with two migration peaks. The spring run starts when gulf water crosses 68°F in March and peaks in April; the fall run begins in September and peaks in October. Outside these windows, resident fish hold on Sarasota Bay’s deep grass flats (Middleground, Radio Tower area) in mild winters and over nearshore reefs in summer. Water temperature and bait flushes are the primary triggers: the coastal spring push is keyed to warming water, while the fall run coincides with the first flush of baitfish out of the bay in September–October.
What are the Spanish mackerel limits?
| Item | 2026 rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 12” fork length |
| Bag limit | 15 per harvester per day |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Allowed gear | Hook and line, cast net, beach/haul seine, spear |
Source: FWC Spanish mackerel regulations. The same limits apply in Gulf and Atlantic state waters. A Florida saltwater license is required — residents fishing from shore qualify for the free shoreline license (FWC license info). Measure with the tail lobes squeezed together on a flat board; 11.9” is a release.
When is king mackerel season?
King mackerel are open year-round but concentrate during two migratory windows. The spring run moves north March through May, peaking in April when gulf water hits the low 70s; the fall run flows south October through November, often delivering the larger fish. During runs they pack the nearshore reefs 1–7 miles off the beach in 30–60 ft. Between runs, scattered residents hold over deep wrecks and bait pods offshore, and the reefs convert to mangrove snapper and red grouper fishing.
What are the king mackerel limits?
| Item | Gulf state waters |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 24” fork length |
| Bag limit | 3 per harvester per day |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Gear | Hook-and-line and spearing only |
Source: FWC king mackerel regulations. The Atlantic side allows 2 per harvester per day. Kings are not reef fish, so no descending device or State Reef Fish Angler designation is required for kings alone — but if you bottom-fish snapper or grouper on the same trip, you need both anyway. Wire rig all kings: #4–#5 single-strand, 1–2 ft, through-the-nose lead hook and a treble stinger. Verify current rules before you fish.
When is the mackerel run off Sarasota?
October is the convergence month for both species. The fall run stacks Spanish mackerel on Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass on outgoing tides, along the beaches within casting range of Siesta, Lido, and Casey Key, and over the nearshore Sarasota County M-reef series (M-1–M-9) in 40–60 ft. Kings arrive in the same window, trolling live baitfish and spoons over the reefs 1–7 miles out. Peak fishing in October pairs the two: Spanish along the beach and passes on light tackle, kings deeper on the migration line. Watch for water temperature between 70–72°F and dive-bombing birds — both read as the run arriving.
| Comparison | Spanish mackerel | King mackerel |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | 12” fork length | 24” fork length |
| Bag limit | 15 per day | 3 per day |
| Season | Open year-round | Open year-round |
| Spring run | March–May, peak April | March–May, peak April |
| Fall run | October–November, peak October | October–November, peak late October |
| Typical size | 1–3 lb | 10–30 lb |
| Gear/leader | Fluorocarbon 30–40 lb | Wire #4–#5 single-strand |
FAQ
Is there a closed season for Spanish mackerel in Florida? No. Spanish mackerel are open year-round with a 12-inch fork minimum and 15-fish bag limit. The calendar splits only by migration peaks, not by closure.
What is the Spanish mackerel size limit? 12 inches fork length, measured with the tail lobes squeezed together. Anything under 12” goes back.
How many king mackerel can you keep? 3 per harvester per day in Gulf state waters and Monroe County; 2 on the Atlantic side. All must be 24 inches fork length or longer.
When do the mackerel show up off Sarasota? Spring: March through May (peak April when water hits low 70s). Fall: October through November (peak late October). October is the best month for both species together.
Are Spanish mackerel good to eat? Yes — fresh. Bleed the fish immediately and get it on ice; the dark, oily meat degrades fast and freezes poorly. Eaten within a day or two, broiled or smoked, it’s excellent and loaded with omega-3s.
Related
Both species are detailed on their individual pages — the Spanish mackerel guide covers the spring beaches, the king mackerel page details the trolling and stinger-rig mechanics for the fall reefs. Get licensed first with the Florida fishing license guide, understand the system behind the rules in the FWC regulations explainer, and time your trip with the Gulf seasons calendar. October combines both — chase the Sarasota in October pattern with either species, and rig live baits or troll lures using the trolling technique guide.
