WHITING
Destin Fishing Guide
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GULF KINGFISH
(Menticirrhus littoralis)
OTHER NAMES: Gulf Whiting
RANGE: This is the common Whiting of the Gulf Coast, but occurs on Atlantic side as well.
HABITAT: Surf, channels, passes, inlets and sand bars.
DESCRIPTION: Body shape same as Southern Kingfish, but is silvery all over with no pattern on sides.
Tail black-tipped.
SIZE: Under 1 pound as a rule; sometimes 2 pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Good.
GAME QUALITIES: Scrappy on light tackle.
TACKLE AND 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.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Still Fishing.
SOUTHERN KINGFISH
(Menticirrhus americanus)
OTHER NAMES: SouthernWhiting, King Whiting
RANGE: All Florida coasts; more common to Atlantic.
HABITAT: Roams sandy bottom. Abundant surf fish.
DESCRIPTION: Large head with one barbel at tip of lower jaw. Flattened belly. Overall silvery color,
tannish on top. Indistinct dark blotches on side.
SIZE: Usually less than a pound. Sometimes 2 pounds. World record 1 pound, 14 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Bland but good.
GAME QUALITIES: Runs well against very light tackle.
TACKLE AND 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.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Still Fishing.
NORTHERN KINGFISH
(Menticirrhus saxatilis)
OTHER NAMES: Northern Whiting
RANGE: All Florida coasts.
HABITAT: Surf, channels, passes, inlets and sand bars.
DESCRIPTION: Dark bars are more vivid than on the Southern Kingfish.
SIZE: Under 1 pound as a rule; sometimes 2 pounds. World record 1 pound, 4 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Good.
GAME QUALITIES: Scrappy on light tackle.
TACKLE AND 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.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing.