Thread: Tips for catching my first king fish

I plan on catching a king fish this summer and need some tips from the locals. I have no idea what type of rigging would offer me my best shot. I need to buy some wire leaders but what length do most people use and what test? I was able to land some rays , reds, and a shark llast summer but no king fish. I hope with some tips from you guys that Finchaser will be posting a photo of me and a king this summer. Thanks for any help and lets get :fishing:

Also what type line do most of you guys use on reels (for any fish) and what test?

These topics have all been discussed several times on dozens of threads.Take some time and browse the topics that interest you on the pages in this category and DYI.One of these days I,m going to compile the best post on subjects such as this and maybe with Fins help, make a pier fishing 101 sticky thread.

I am doing that now . I have never tried the search feature until today lots of good info.

[quote author=john g link=topic=2678.msg24171#msg24171 date=1361119406]
These topics have all been discussed several times on dozens of threads.Take some time and browse the topics that interest you on the pages in this category and DYI.One of these days I,m going to compile the best post on subjects such as this and maybe with Fins help, make a pier fishing 101 sticky thread.
[/quote]

+1 - The same questions come up at least 3 or 4 times a month and - to the board's credit - always get great answers. It would be nice to have a basics sticky.

[size=12pt]Here are some Links and Quotes that may be of help. Have fun.

LOCAL TIPS, TRICKS and TERMINOLOGY for FORUM MEMBERS
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-members-only/

SW Fish Limits
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishin...ations/limits/

What’s Biting Chart[/size]
[img width=720 height=634]http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g446/finchaser1/Forum%20Only/Biting.jpg[/img]

KING FISHING POSTS
[size=12pt]Here are some older posts that may be helpful to you.[/size][size=12pt]

[size=12pt][font=comic sans ms]REPOST FROM JUNE 2012 regarding Kings
Here’s my two cents worth, hope it is helpful:
If you are fishing on bottom the likelihood of a King is reduced but not out of the question.
For Kings, most people use a 7’ or 8’ medium or med/hvy weight rod and spinning reel with a smooth strong drag that will hold 300 to 350 yds of MONO line. 15# and 16# mono are the most popular line weights. Use the smallest 35# to 50# black swivel you can find; J & M in OB can fix you up with anything you can’t find at home. Get some 27# to 30# wire leader, some use single strand and some sevenstrand or surfstrand. Hooks are #2 or #4 bronze 4X treble hooks. Snobbled frozen cigs and free lining live bait caught at the pier both work for Kings.

Here are a few earlier posts from General Fishing that may be of help.

[quote author=TopPop link=topic=1164.msg11447#msg11447 date=1337540776]
You can catch Reds on same rig as for Kings. But there is also bottom fishing for Reds, just add a weight, maybe use 40 or 60 # mono leader instead of wire.
For Kings 15 20# test mono line then a wire leader and #2 or 4 treble hook. Use tiny black swivels to connect leader and hook, at least 20# seven strand wire leader or about 30# single wire, brown or bronze also bronze hook. ( I add a float about 3 to 5 feet up from hook with live lys. Use LYs for bait or dead cigar minnows. I've seen those wal-mart specials catch king (sometimes) the green float black leader beads and hook.
[/quote]

[quote author=CarlF link=topic=1092.msg10596#msg10596 date=1336657769]
For kings, I like single strand Malin wire in 25-40# test, #4 4xx strong treble hooks and black swivels. I normally use a float, which some guys dont like, but I do. You'll need a little stouter rod, ~7-8', with a spinning reel that can hold 250yards+ of 15-20# line. You can get cheap ones at Wally-world or buy great ones at J&M that will cost a little more but hold up a lot better over the long run.
Get some sabiki rigs and a ribbon rig to catch baitfish.

Once again, when you go out there, observe and ask questions before jumping in. Heck, if the bite is hot, some guys will even hand off a rod to let you learn how to fight a fish..
This is the friendliest pier on the Gulf, almost everyone is willing to help you out, especially if you ask first and cast second!
[/quote]

[size=12pt]http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com/general-discussion/king-leader/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...cussion/kings/[/size]

[size=12pt][quote author=CarlF link=topic=1092.msg10596#msg10596 date=1336657769]
Once again, when you go out there, observe and ask questions before jumping in. Heck, if the bite is hot, some guys will even hand off a rod to let you learn how to fight a fish..
This is the friendliest pier on the Gulf, almost everyone is willing to help you out, especially if you ask first and cast second!
[/quote][/size]

WIRE LEADERS

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com.../wire-leaders/

DRH’s Double Wire Lure Leader
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...ded-wire-size/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-with-yo-zuri/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...ff-archive%29/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-king-fishing/

LINE
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com/general-discussion/help-needed-fishing-line!!!/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...r-to-the-pier/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...mono-or-braid/

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...est-mono-line/

[font=comic sans ms][size=12pt]I added all my links and john g’s Pier Fishing 101 reply to the Tips and Tricks sticky on the report board. Here is a link to the thread that can save a lot of typing.

LINK:
http://gulfshorespierfishing.com/gul...-members-only/

thanks for all the help . Now all I need to do is catch one :yay:

I will share the best tip I ever got about how to catch a king. Think it was pier#r who said "keep a bait in the water."

LOL
"... and DON'T 'choke it' when he bites!" :P

:headbang: