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SOUTHERN KINGFISH (Menticirrhus americanus)
OTHER NAMES: SouthernWhiting, King Whiting
Southern King coloration is brown to silver-gray, with dark bars on sides, white on the bottom.
RANGE: All Florida coasts; more common to Atlantic
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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. Kingfish Combo Guide
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Still Fishing.
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