Northern Kingfish

Season in North Jersey

NJ kingfish reports concentrate from Brigantine south (July 2017: 'best from Brigantine to Southward'). Maryland DNR: along the Atlantic coast late April to October, late summer best. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Just past the breakers on the bottom in summer, piers; small hooks with bloodworm or Fishbites.

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: 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 NJ limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.

Sources

• On The Water: South Jersey Fishing Report, July 27 2017 (Riptide, Fin-Atics, Tony's, Creekside) (Angler knowledge)
• Maryland DNR Fish 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)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)

All the fish of North Jersey