Gulf Kingfish

Gulf Kingfish

Menticirrhus littoralis
Gulf Kingfish

Average Weight/Length

Under 1 pound as a rule; sometimes 2 pounds.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Gulf Whiting

Location Habitat

Surf, channels, passes, inlets and sand bars. Occurs usually in coastal waters over sandy and muddy bottoms; juveniles are abundant in the surf zone. Sometimes enters estuaries. Feeds mainly on worms and crustaceans.

Biology & Physical Description

Body shape same as Southern Kingfish, but is silvery all over with no pattern on sides. Tail black-tipped.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Virginia, USA and the continental coast of the Gulf of Mexico to Rio Grande del Sur, Brazil.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Kite Fishing (Rig)

A Kite Fishing Rig is....

Kite Fishing (Trolling)

Kite Fishing Trolling is when you are....

Trawling

Trawling is when....

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 : 6/10

Game Description :

Scrappy on light tackle

Food Rating

Game Rating : 8.5/10

Game Description :

Very Good