King Mackerel (also known as Kingfish, King) in Alabama. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the ADCNR Marine Resources guide, 2026.
In Alabama, the minimum legal size for King Mackerel is 24 in and the daily bag limit is 3. A slot limit applies: none (24" min fork length, no maximum). There is no closed season in AL.
none (24" min fork length, no maximum)
No closed season
Gulf state and federal waters; size measured as FORK LENGTH (FL). NOT marked with the (#) 'state waters open and close along with federal regulations' footnote — that footnote applies only to reef fish (groupers, snappers, greater amberjack, gray triggerfish), not king mackerel. STATE-waters values shown, open year-round. King mackerel is federally managed in the Gulf (NOAA/Gulf Council), but unlike reef fish it is not (#)-coded, so Alabama state-waters harvest is not tied to a federal in-season quota closure.
These limits are pulled from the ADCNR Marine Resources saltwater recreational size and creel limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Alabama Marine Resources Division (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Alabama requires a Saltwater Fishing License for all persons fishing or possessing fish in salt water (exemptions for under-16, residents aged 65+, and fishing from a licensed public pier). Alabama saltwater licences.
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