Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The body of the King Mackerel is iron-gray along the back, and silvery on the sides and belly.

Juvenile King Mackerel and adult Spanish Mackerel can be easily confused. Juvenile King Mackerel will sometimes have the yellowish spots much the same as mature Spanish mackerel. A juvenile King Mackerel’s lateral line dips significantly compared to a Spanish Mackerel. The dorsal fin of a juvenile King will be a much lighter color, more of a gray or white color than the Spanish, whose dorsal fin will be black or very dark in color.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	King Mackerel inhabit high salinity, green ocean waters, near the surface or at moderate depths. They may move inshore on higher tides and during the summer. Often associated with artificial reefs, wrecks, and buoys, they feed on squids, shrimps, and fishes.
Did You Know?	The King Mackerel got its name because it is the largest species in its genus.
Common Lures and Baits	King Mackerel are taken mostly by trolling, using various live and dead baitfish, shiny spoons, feathered jigs, cedar plugs and other artificial lures.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, King Mackerel commonly caught by anglers are around 20 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 26 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 22 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 10 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 7.5 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	52 pounds 11.2 ounces, Jeff McCoy 2023

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