Gulf Kingfish

Season in Space Coast

Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.

Florida surf 'whiting' mixes the kingfish species; FWC describes the Gulf kingfish as the true surf-zone kingfish. Same chart as southern kingfish. (Our inference)

Season by region

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.

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

• Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
• Florida FWC: Gulf kingfish profile (Official source)
• Sebastian Inlet District fishing report (Capt. Wayne 'Snookman' Landry): week of January 8 (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)

All the fish of Space Coast