Thread: Where did the Kings go???

Any theories or data supporting decline in King Mackerel catches off piers the last few years, especially this year??? We didn't catch any from the boat in several attempts at nearshore gas wells either. What's going on?? Are there numbers down in the Gulf or is this just a local thing?

I've heard nothing official but I understand that the commercial quotas were increased so not as many kings got by the net boats down south. Reminds me of the 80's. Also, I read an article on the detrimental effects of all the fresh water from the floods that poured into the Gulf from the Mississippi River, and all the others that drain into the Gulf. Whatever the reason(s) it was kind of pitiful---I remember so many pretty days with beautiful water, lots of bait, good wind, but no kings. I hope it isn't the case, but that may be the way the world is headed. Makes me glad I'm old.

Sharks ate a lot of the ones the netters didn't get last winter in the Keys.

To add to this, I know a guy who knows a couple of (commercial/hook & line or whatever you want to call it) King mackerel fishermen and they even said fishing for them has been rough during many outings.

And yet the recreational limit was increased to 3 kings per day...

"I hope it isn't the case, but that may be the way the world is headed. Makes me glad I'm old."

Dang it George, stop that talk! Hopefully it's cyclic and ther are better days ahead. Lots to look forward to this spring, the weather will be mild and the kings will sky on your ly's. You'll hold court with the pretty girls in your querencia and I'll be waiting just around the east side of the octi with my gaff. In the meantime there are deer to chase and fires to be watched from a comfortable chair.

Probably sold for cat food.

Originally Posted by david lea

"I hope it isn't the case, but that may be the way the world is headed. Makes me glad I'm old."

Dang it George, stop that talk! Hopefully it's cyclic and ther are better days ahead. Lots to look forward to this spring, the weather will be mild and the kings will sky on your ly's. You'll hold court with the pretty girls in your querencia and I'll be waiting just around the east side of the octi with my gaff. In the meantime there are deer to chase and fires to be watched from a comfortable chair.

That's a scenario to be hoped for. I have the deer, fire and comfortable chair thing well taken care of. Thanks.