Gulf Kingfish

Season in Lower Texas

South Padre guide: whiting found year-round in the surf and passes on shrimp, squid and other dead baits. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Surf and passes, especially near the Brazos Santiago jetties, on shrimp and squid (South Padre guide).

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

Texas 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 TX limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you keep a fish.

Sources

• South Padre Island CVB: Bay and offshore fishing guide (species notes) (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 Lower Texas