Gulf Kingfish

Season in Panhandle

Peak months: Apr, May.

No Panhandle month data; built from Alabama: whiting in Gulf Shores winter lists and the mid-spring surf peak for pompano and whiting. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

The first sandbar and trough off the beach (Gulf Shores tourism, next door).

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

Florida 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 FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism: fishing seasons (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC: Gulf kingfish profile (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: Carolina whiting bite (water temperature, tides, baits; Murrells Inlet) (Angler knowledge)
• 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 Panhandle