Whiting

Season in Space Coast

Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.

FWC Where to Saltwater Fish: whiting winter to spring (Volusia, Brevard). Sebastian Inlet: whiting with pompano in the surf in January and just outside the break line in April. (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. Florida rules apply; see the regulations file.

Recipes for whiting

Typical: 6 to 10 in, about 0.5 lb. Large: 14 to 16 in. SC record 2 lb 10 oz (1968).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
• Sebastian Inlet District fishing report (Capt. Wayne 'Snookman' Landry): week of January 8 (Angler knowledge)
• Sebastian Inlet District fishing report (Snookman): week of April 4 (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR species profile: southern kingfish (whiting) (Official source)

All the fish of Space Coast