Fish guide
Northern Kingfish
Menticirrhus saxatilis. Also called Whiting, Sea mullet, Roundhead.
Showing the fish for Outer Banks, NC.
Season by region
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
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
Excellent eating. Check NC rules.
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 NC limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries before you keep a fish.
Sources
- NC Division of Marine Fisheries: kingfishes (sea mullet) (Official source)
- Carolina Sportsman: Carolina whiting bite (water temperature, tides, baits; Murrells Inlet) (Angler knowledge)
- Florida FWC: northern kingfish profile (Official source)
- SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
Is northern kingfish worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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