Southern Kingfish 
Southern Kingfish
Menticirrhus americanus
Average Weight/Length
Usually less than a pound. Sometimes 2 pounds. World record 1 pound, 14 ounces.
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
SouthernWhiting, King Whiting
Location Habitat
Roams sandy bottom. Abundant surf fish. Inhabits coastal waters, usually over sandy-mud to hard sand bottoms. Common along beaches. Juveniles occur usually in water of lower salinity.
Biology & Physical Description
Large head with one barbel at tip of lower jaw. Flattened belly. Overall silvery color, tannish on top. Indistinct dark blotches on side.
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: New York to Texas, USA and Bay of Campeche to Buenos Aires, Argentina; absent in southern Florida and the Antilles. |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Light spinning, casting and surf tackle. Best baits are sand fleas and pieces of shrimp or squid. Readily hits small jigs and flies. On bright, calm days, Whiting can be sight-fished at the very edge of the surf along many beaches.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 7.5/10
Game Description :
Runs well against very light tackle.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 7/10
Game Description :
Bland but good.