Florida Keys Macks and Jacks
Worth the Fight!
We have three species of mackerel in the Florida Keys – king, Spanish and cero.
All three are found on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides of the islands. True to their name, kings (or kingfish) achieve the largest size with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon. They are known for their viscious attacks on live bait and their long blistering runs once hooked. These fish are also easily caught on artificals and flys. The food quality is good with smoking a preferred method.
Jacks are another diverse species that inhabits lots of different areas from deep wrecks and underwater sea mounts all the way up to the flats. The meanest of the bunch would have to be the amberjack, known for a serious slug fest no matter what the tackle. Some of the jacks have a good to excellent food value, while others are most admired for their fighting abilities.
Mackerel and amberjack are prime species for the smoker and make an outstanding base for smoked fish dip.
