kingfish recipe

🎣 Wicked Cuda Fishing Report – June 10, 2025

Today aboard the Wicked Cuda, we had an action-packed day fishing the bluewater off the Florida coast. After setting the anchor over a productive artificial reef system, we deployed frisky live herring to entice some pelagic predators. It didn’t take long before the reels started screaming — the kingfish bite was on fire!

These toothy torpedoes were aggressive and hitting hard in about 130 feet of water, a classic depth for targeting migrating king mackerel along reef structure. Several fish in the 20–30 lb range hit the deck, giving anglers plenty of rod-bending action and adrenaline.

We saw a solid morning bite window with a hot, fast-paced bite shortly after anchoring. The kings were stacked on the reef and feeding actively — live bait presentation was key. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to bring plenty of live herring or blue runners, and fish around structure-rich zones to up your chances of hooking into a smoker king.

👉 Pro Tip: Use a light wire stinger rig to avoid getting cut off. Kings were hitting mid-bait, so double trebles helped with hook-ups.

Tight lines,

🔥 Grilled Kingfish Recipe with Gourmet Sides

🐟 Citrus Herb Grilled Kingfish Steaks

Ingredients:

• 4 kingfish steaks (1-inch thick)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon + 1 lime

• Zest of both citrus

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

• Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions:

1. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon/lime juice and zest, herbs, and spices. Place kingfish steaks in a shallow dish or Ziploc bag and pour marinade over. Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes (no longer to avoid citrus over-tenderizing the fish).

2. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil grates. Grill steaks 4–5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks.

3. Finish: Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

🍚 Side 1: Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup coconut milk

• Zest of 1 lime

• Pinch of salt

• Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice. Combine all ingredients (except cilantro) in a pot and bring to boil.

2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Remove from heat, fluff with fork, garnish with cilantro and extra lime zest.

🥗 Side 2: Grilled Asparagus with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• Squeeze of lemon

Instructions:

1. Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until golden. Drizzle over asparagus and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy lager. Perfect for celebrating a successful day aboard the Wicked Cuda!