DATE: Thursday, November 13, 1997           TAG: 9711130674

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C8   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BOB HUTCHINSON

                                            LENGTH:   28 lines

FISHING FORECAST A WEEKLY GUIDE TO THE REGION'S HOT SPOTS

This is the season when king mackerel, arguably one of the ocean's tastiest fish, can stage a spectacular showing in the ocean off Hatteras, N.C.

These are not your run-of-the-mill, summer-variety kingfish. These are big kings, large enough to explain how the species got it's majestic name.

The hottest action usually takes place in Hatteras Bight, the area just south of Diamond Shoals - that shallow, treacherous seaward extension of Cape Hatteras itself. Not that waters of the Bight are treacherous. Only if you stray too far north and into the shallow-water breakers on the shoals.

You'll also find kings off Hatteras on the areas known as ``Rocky Bottom,'' where outcroppings of coral rock extend above the flat floor of the ocean.

While kings can be tricked by a variety of offerings, nothing beats a slow-trolled live bait, such as a menhaden. But strips of fresh mullet can be almost as deadly.

Most kingfish are found feeding very near the bottom, so many anglers troll with either heavy sinkers or trolling planers, which pull baits down but release or ``trip'' when there's a strike.

Once a king is hooked, be prepared for an impressive fight. This is a lean, powerful critter. And be prepared for some excellent dining.

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