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Main lineSmall swivelWire leaderLead hook in noseTreble stingerLive bait, slow-trolled
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Main lineSmall swivelWire leaderLead hook in noseTreble stingerLive bait, slow-trolled
Live and dead bait · Rig diagram & setup

King Mackerel Stinger Rig Diagram & Gear List

A lead hook goes through the nose of a live bait and a small treble on a short wire stinger trails back into its flank, because king mackerel attack the tail and slice baits in half. Slow-trolled or drifted on wire, it is the standard kingfish rig from boats and piers along the US Southeast and Gulf.

Also known as: Kingfish Stinger Rig (US)

Where to use it
boat, pier
Difficulty
intermediate
Common in
US, Australia

Gear List

  • main Line20-30 lb monofilament
  • leaderNo. 4 - No. 6 single-strand wire, about 40-60 lb
  • leader Length12-30in of wire from swivel to lead hook, plus a 3-6in wire stinger
  • hook Range1/0 - 2/0 lead hook (single or small treble) plus a #4 - #2 treble stinger
  • weight TypeNone, or a 1-2oz duster or skirt at the nose for slow trolling
  • sinker Drop LengthNot applicable, the rig is slow-trolled or drifted near the surface
  • swivelSmall black barrel swivel, size 7-10
  • extrasOptional skirt or duster over the lead hook
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

King mackerel stinger rig wire Check wire strength and hook layout.Search on AmazonStinger rig hook components Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the King Mackerel Stinger Rig

  1. Haywire-twist 12-30in of single-strand wire to a small black swivel.
  2. Twist the lead hook onto the other end, then attach 3-6in of wire from the lead hook's eye to a #4 - #2 treble.
  3. Pin the lead hook through the bait's upper lip or nostrils and set the treble lightly in the back near the dorsal fin.
  4. Slow-troll at 1-2 knots or drift the bait near bait schools and reef edges.

When and where it works best

Warm water with king or Spanish mackerel feeding on bait schools, from boats and long fishing piers.

Is the King Mackerel Stinger Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the King Mackerel Stinger Rig good for?

King MackerelSpanish MackerelNarrow-barred Spanish Mackerel

Related Rigs

Wire Leader RigPier Trolley RigGanged Hook RigMooching Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a King Mackerel Stinger Rig?

A 20-30 lb monofilament main line, a No. 4 - No. 6 single-strand wire, about 40-60 lb leader (12-30in of wire from swivel to lead hook, plus a 3-6in wire stinger), a 1/0 - 2/0 lead hook (single or small treble) plus a #4 - #2 treble stinger hook, and a None, or a 1-2oz duster or skirt at the nose for slow trolling. Full gear list is above.

What is a King Mackerel Stinger Rig best for?

The King Mackerel Stinger Rig works best for boat, pier fishing, and is a recommended setup for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the King Mackerel Stinger Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.