Fish guide
Gulf Kingfish
Menticirrhus littoralis. Also called Whiting, Sea mullet, Silver whiting.
Showing the fish for Northeast Florida, Jacksonville to Flagler.
Season in Northeast Florida
Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Florida 'whiting' catches mix the kingfish species; FWC lists whiting year-round here and FWC describes the Gulf kingfish as the true surf-zone kingfish. Same chart as southern kingfish. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Northeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Space Coast | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Panhandle | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Alabama | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Upper Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Middle Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
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
FishBase calls it an excellent food fish. Florida rules apply; see the regulations file.
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
- Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
- Florida FWC: Gulf kingfish profile (Official source)
- Florida Sportsman (Terry Lacoss, March 2025): pier fishing Jacksonville (Jacksonville Beach Pier) (Angler knowledge)
- 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)
Is gulf kingfish worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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