Mississippi state waters, out to 3 miles
Federally regulated; federal rules apply beyond state waters.
MS DMR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
The water you are in decides. the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council writes the rule past the line.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Spanish mackerelLateral line slopes gently, keeps its spots. Tell them apart
False albacoreStockier, worm-track markings, no dipping lateral line. Tell them apartNot listed by Mississippi: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Mississippi state record
MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Lateral line takes a sharp dip below the second dorsal; juveniles can carry spots — check the line, not the spots. More on the king mackerel page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
King mackerel in other states12 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for king mackerel in Mississippi?
24 in fork length minimum. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many king mackerel can you keep in Mississippi?
3 per person per day.
When is king mackerel season in Mississippi?
Open year-round.
What is the Mississippi record king mackerel?
74 lb 1.6 oz (2009).
How current is this Mississippi king mackerel rule?
Source: MS DMR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a king mackerel in Mississippi and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app