Northern Kingfish

Season in Connecticut

CT DEEP report Aug 2012: northern kingfish caught in the New Haven and Milford area; they usually appear in August and are tied to warmer southern water. (Our inference)

Season by region

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.

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.

Limits

FishOS has not checked the CT limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Connecticut DEEP Marine Fisheries before you keep a fish.

Sources

• CT DEEP Long Island Sound marine fishing report, Aug 2 2012 (reposted on Patch) (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: Carolina whiting bite (water temperature, tides, baits; Murrells Inlet) (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC: northern kingfish profile (Official source)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries: kingfishes (sea mullet) (Official source)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)

All the fish of Connecticut