Gulf Kingfish

Season

Peak months: May, Jun, Oct.

No SC month data for this species. Placed on the SCDNR whiting pattern (spring and fall peaks) plus Murrells Inlet reports of bigger whiting biting from late February. (Our inference)

Where to find them

The surf zone right along the beach, in the troughs and near the bars; piers.

On the bottom in the surf zone, the troughs and around the bars.

What to look for

Silvery all over without dark marks and a blackish tip on the tail; southern kingfish lack the dark tail tip (Florida FWC).

Bait

Fresh shrimp, Sand fleas (mole crabs), Bloodworms, Fish Bites. Two-hook bottom rig (high-low), No. 2 or 4 long shank hooks.

Leader

Light two-hook bottom rig with No. 2 or 4 long shank hooks.

Common mistakes

• Hooks too big for a small mouth
• Casting far past the fish; they feed close in

Landing

Swing it up or slide it in on a wave.

Handling

No special hazards.

Keep or release

No size limit; counts in the SC 50 per person per day combined limit for croaker, spot and whiting (all kingfish). FishBase calls it an excellent food fish.

Recipes for gulf kingfish

Typical: About 11 to 12 in. Large: Up to 18 in. SC kingfish (whiting) record 2 lb 12 oz (1976), all kingfish species combined.

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: none
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 50 per person per day combined (Atlantic croaker + spot + whiting)
• Season: Open year-round
• Hook and line only
• Whiting means all kingfish (Menticirrhus spp.): southern, Gulf and northern kingfish

Last checked 2026-10-11. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: southern kingfish (whiting) (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: Carolina whiting bite (water temperature, tides, baits; Murrells Inlet) (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC: Gulf kingfish profile (Official source)
• FishBase species summary: Menticirrhus littoralis (Official source)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries: kingfishes (sea mullet) (Official source)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
• SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)
• SC Code of Laws Title 50 Chapter 5 (Sec. 50-5-1705 catch limits incl. whiting = Menticirrhus spp., spadefish; black sea bass limit provision) (Official source)

All the fish of Myrtle Beach