Gulf Kingfish

Season in Alabama

Peak months: Apr, May.

Gulf Shores tourism: whiting in winter lists and on the pier in fall; surf fishing gets really hot in mid-spring for pompano and whiting. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Along the first sandbar closest to the breaking surf, with pompano and flounder (Gulf Shores tourism).

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

Good eating. Alabama rules apply.

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.

Limits

FishOS has not checked the AL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Alabama Marine Resources Division before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism: fishing seasons (Angler knowledge)
• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism blog, David Rainer, Jan 27, 2026: spring surf fishing for pompano (Angler knowledge)
• 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)

All the fish of Alabama