King Mackerel Fishing: Choosing the Right Sinker for Success

No, a sputnik sinker will not work for king mackerel fishing. These sinkers are small lead balls with plastic feathers that work with small baits and light lines used mainly for flounder and whiting on a long leader.

For trolling large baits for king mackerel, heavy trolling sinkers of up to six to eight ounces are commonly used to get baits down 30-60 feet below the surface at trolling speeds.