Whiting

Season in Southern NC

Peak months: May, Jun, Oct.

FishOS's Myrtle Beach chart for this species (same Carolina beach type, about 60 to 150 miles south) carried north with slightly cooler water: NCEI averages at Wrightsville Beach are 52 to 58 F December to February and 78 to 83 F June to September. Bogue Inlet Pier sea mullet in late September and the NC record (3 lb 8 oz) came from that pier. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

The first trough and holes close to the beach. You rarely need a long cast.

First trough, often only 20 to 40 yards out.

What to look for

A defined first trough with moving water; sandy bottom.

Bait

Fresh shrimp pieces, Bloodworms, Sand fleas, Fishbites (bloodworm or shrimp). Double-drop bottom rig, small circle hooks (#2 to 2/0), 2 to 3 oz sinker.

Leader

20 to 30 lb mono on the rig.

Common mistakes

• Casting far past the fish
• Hooks too big
• Old, washed-out bait

Landing

Simple; reel it up the beach.

Handling

No special hazards.

Keep or release

Excellent eating. Check NC rules.

Recipes for whiting

Typical: About 11 in. Large: 18 in. NC sea mullet record 3 lb 8 oz, from Bogue Inlet Pier.

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)
• Crystal Coast tourism: Bogue Inlet Pier, Emerald Isle (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR species profile: southern kingfish (whiting) (Official source)
• NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide: monthly average water temperatures, all stations (Official source)

All the fish of Southern NC