Northern Kingfish

Season in Delmarva

Peak months: Aug, Sep.

The Fisherman: kingfish in the Delaware surf in September and October on bloodworm. Maryland DNR: late April to October, late summer best. DNREC: common, 8 to 10 in, just past the breaking waves. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Just past the breakers on the bottom, September and October best in the Delaware surf.

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

Excellent eating. Check state rules.

Recipes for northern kingfish

Typical: 8 to 10 in in Delaware; 10 to 14 in per Maryland DNR. Large: Over 21 in and 3.3 lb (Maryland record fish). Delaware kingfish record 4 lb (1973).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the DE and MD and VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Delaware DNREC Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.

Sources

• The Fisherman: Delaware Surf, Small Wonder, Big Options (Angler knowledge)
• Maryland DNR Fish Facts: Northern Kingfish (Official source)
• DNREC Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts: Northern Kingfish (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)

All the fish of Delmarva