Fish guide
Northern Kingfish
Menticirrhus saxatilis. Also called Whiting, Sea mullet, Roundhead.
Showing the fish for Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA.
Season in Virginia Beach
Peak months: May, Jun.
VSWFT kingfish (roundhead) citations, Virginia: May 21, June 29, July 2, August 5, none September to April (2024 to 2025), mostly surf and pier. May 2026 kingfish on Sandbridge, Green Mile and Ocean View piers and near the Lesner Bridge. Citations do not separate northern from southern kingfish. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
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.
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 VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission before you keep a fish.
Sources
- VMRC Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament: 2024 Citations Year To Date (every trophy citation with species, catch date, area, technique) (Official source)
- VMRC Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament: 2025 Citations Year To Date (printed May 8 2026) (Official source)
- FishTalk Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 2026 (Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle, Ocean's East Bait and Tackle) (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)
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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