Northern Kingfish

Where to find them

The surf zone and piers, on the bottom.

On the bottom in the surf zone and around hard bottom.

What to look for

Dark diagonal bars with a V-shaped mark on the side above the pectoral fin, and a tall spiny first dorsal fin.

Bait

Fresh shrimp, Bloodworms, Sand fleas, Squid. Two-hook bottom rig, small hooks.

Leader

Light two-hook bottom rig with No. 2 or 4 long shank hooks.

Common mistakes

• Hooks too big for a small mouth

Landing

Swing it up or slide it in on a wave.

Handling

No hazards reported.

Keep or release

No size limit; counts in the SC 50 per person per day combined limit for croaker, spot and whiting (all kingfish).

Recipes for northern kingfish

Typical: About 11 in. Large: Up to 18 in and 3 lb. SC kingfish (whiting) record 2 lb 12 oz (1976), all kingfish species combined.

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: none
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 50 per person per day combined (Atlantic croaker + spot + whiting)
• Season: Open year-round
• Hook and line only
• Whiting means all kingfish (Menticirrhus spp.): southern, Gulf and northern kingfish

Last checked 2026-10-11. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.

Sources

• Florida FWC: northern kingfish profile (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: Carolina whiting bite (water temperature, tides, baits; Murrells Inlet) (Angler knowledge)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries: kingfishes (sea mullet) (Official source)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
• SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)
• SC Code of Laws Title 50 Chapter 5 (Sec. 50-5-1705 catch limits incl. whiting = Menticirrhus spp., spadefish; black sea bass limit provision) (Official source)

All the fish of Myrtle Beach