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How To Catch Whiting

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How to catch whiting is not as difficult as it appears. Whiting is one of the popular fishes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is part of the Drum family of fish. These fish don’t get large, yet are a favorite for anglers as they have a nice flavor and are abundant. Despite its size, whiting puts up a good fight. If you want to learn how to catch whiting, we discuss fishing techniques to help you catch more whiting.

How To Catch Whiting

Types of Whiting

Whiting also called “kingfish”, are actually three different species of fish. They are the Southern, Northern, and Gulf kingfish. Learning how to catch whiting applies to the three species of whiting.

1. Southern Kingfish

The Southern Kingfish, also known as the Southern Kingcroaker, is a species of fish belonging to the drum family, Sciaenidae. It is often considered a type of whiting due to its similar appearance and behavior.

Found along the Atlantic coast of the United States, from North Carolina to Florida, Southern Kingfish are known for their silver bodies with vertical bars, elongated shape, and prominent barbels. They inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries, where they feed on small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling organisms.

Southern Kingfish are popular among recreational anglers for their fighting ability and mild, sweet-tasting flesh, making them a prized catch for surf and pier fishermen along the southeastern coast.

The Southern kingfish, also called the southern croaker, is the most common of the three species. It features indistinct vertical stripes of about 7 or 8. It is darker than the gulf kingfish and does not have a dark splotch on the tail tip like the gulf kingfish. Additionally, their flesh is not as firm as that of the other two species.

2. Northern Kingfish

The Northern Kingfish, also known as the Northern Kingcroaker, is a species of fish within the drum family, Sciaenidae, and shares similarities with the whiting species. Found along the eastern coast of North America, ranging from Massachusetts to Florida, Northern Kingfish are renowned for their distinctive silver bodies adorned with vertical bars and elongated shapes.

They typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, including bays, estuaries, and surf zones. Northern Kingfish feed primarily on small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. Popular among anglers for their spirited fights and delectable flesh, Northern Kingfish are frequently targeted by recreational fishermen, particularly those fishing from piers, jetties, and shorelines along the Atlantic coast.

This is the least common of the three species. It features vertical bars that are similar to those of the southern kingfish, but they are darker and more contrasted. It also features a long front spine of the dorsal fin which the other two species don’t have.

Whiting Fishing

3. Gulf Kingfish

The Gulf Kingfish, also known as the Southern Kingcroaker, is a species of fish belonging to the drum family, Sciaenidae, and is closely related to the whiting species. Found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Texas to the Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf Kingfish are characterized by their sleek, silver bodies and distinct vertical bars along their sides.

They inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, including bays, estuaries, and nearshore reefs. Gulf Kingfish primarily feed on small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. Anglers often target Gulf Kingfish for their excellent fighting abilities and delicious flesh, making them a popular catch among recreational fishermen in the Gulf region.

The Gulf kingfish, also called the kingcroaker, is the largest of the three. Its body is silver and has no vertical stripes like the other two species. It features a black splotch at the top of the tail.

How To Catch Whiting

Locate the Trough

When you are fishing for whiting, look for two sets of breaking waves. The first set of breaking waves will break near the beach while the second will break a little further off the shore. The trough is the area between the two sets of breaking waves. This is the best location to find whiting.

After finding a trough, set up a 2-hook dropper rig with enough weight on the bottom to cast out to the trough and prevent the waves and current from taking the bait out of the trough. You can use a Sputnik weight if more than a 3-ounce of weight is needed. Additionally, a 2 hook pompano rig is also a favorite for many anglers.

You can use two different types of bait until the one that catches more whiting is determined. You can put one bait on the bottom hook and another bait on the top. The most successful bait from the test can then be on both hooks to improve your chances of catching more whiting. How to catch whiting is a simple process to deliver the results you want.

Whiting Fishing Setup

As whiting doesn’t grow large, regular fishing gear will work for whiting. A 9-12 foot surf rod will work for beach fishing. However, it will have to be long and heavy as whiting because you may have to cast far into the water to catch whiting. Use a spinning reel and a medium-action rod if you fish from a pier or dock.

One of the best lines for catching whiting is the braided line. With its small diameter, it has less resistance in the water and in the air. However, the braid is visible, and using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader is preferred. A 10-15 pound leader will work for both the regular and large whiting.

Circle hooks in the range from #1-1/0 to #2-2/0 work well for catching whiting as they have small mouths. Two rigs that work well for catching whiting in the surf zone are the fish finder and the double dropper loop rig.

Whiting Fishing Tricks

How To Catch Whiting In The Surf

Whiting are bottom feeders and are often found at the bottom. When fishing for whiting, get your bait at the bottom. A fish finder rig is an ideal presentation for your bait at the bottom to get the attention of whiting.

Shrimp, sand fleas, bonito, and squid are some of the baits that can be used when fishing for whiting in the surf. Bottom fishing, casting, and drift fishing are some of the fishing methods used when fishing for whiting.

Additionally, a pompano rig with shrimp or sand fleas will work. Keep the bait close to the shore when the tide is high and when it is low, cast the bait further out to the sand bar.

How To Catch Whiting In Georgia

Whiting is a bottom feeder and you will have to get your bait to the bottom. A rig, such as a drop shot rig or pompano rig, that will get the bait to the bottom will make fishing for whiting easier. Shrimp and squid are some of the best baits that can be used when fishing for whiting. Bottom fishing, casting, and drift fishing are some of the fishing methods used when fishing for whiting in Georgia.

How To Catch Whiting From A Pier

When fishing for whiting from a pier, use a rig that will ensure that your bait looks natural and gets to the bottom. Whiting are bottom feeders and you want your bait at the bottom where they are preying on baitfish and crustaceans.

Shrimps, sand fleas, and squid are some of the baits that can be used when fishing for whiting. Additionally, casting, bottom fishing, and drift fishing are fishing methods used when fishing for whiting.

How To Catch Whiting In Florida

Whiting is found at the bottom preying on shrimps, squid, and other crustaceans. When fishing for whiting in Florida, your best chance of catching it will be to get your bait at the bottom. There are many rigs that can get that done and the pompano rig used with shrimp or sand fleas will get the job done. Bottom fishing is the preferred fishing method used by anglers, but casting and drift fishing is also effective when fishing for whiting.

Whiting Fishing Tips

1. Whiting relies on their sense of smell to find food.

2. Fresh peeled shrimp tend to do better than live shrimp.

3. Dawn and dusk are the best times to fish for whiting.

Whiting Fishing Tips

4. If you are fishing on the beach, keep the bait close to the shore during the higher parts of the tide, and during the lower parts of the tide, cast the bait further out to the sand bar.

5. Whiting can be found off beaches and near passes, grass flats, and inlets. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow water. When learning how to catch whiting, look for these areas and target them to catch this fish.

6. Whiting is primarily a bottom-feeding fish with a down-turned mouth and a chin barbel that helps detect prey on the sea floor.

Whiting Fishing Ideas

7. Whiting likes to feed on shrimp, clams, worms, sand fleas, etc.

8. Whiting grows to about 12 to 20 inches and usually weighs less than a pound.

9. You can catch whiting on any tackle, but medium-light tackle is the best to use.

Tips For Whiting Fishing

10. Always opt for a small piece of bait on a small hook when fishing for whiting.

11. If you will use sand fleas as your bait, you can use a sand flea rake to find them on the beach instead of purchasing from the local bait shops.

12. A good time to catch whiting is when the tide is changing from high to an outgoing tide.

Tips For Fishing Whiting

13. Whiting likes to rip currents as they dig up prey for them. You can find whiting near rip current channels between the sand bars.

14. Whiting are schooling fish and will run in schools up and down the beach in search of food.

15. Fish for whiting by finding a cut between an oyster bar and a mud flat.

Whiting Fishing Tips

16. You need polarized sunglasses when fishing for whiting. Learning how to catch whiting is easier with polarized sunglasses to block the sun’s rays and allow you to clearly see where you are fishing.

17. When fishing for whiting, you may also be rewarded with other types of fish like redfish and pompano.

Whiting Best Baits & Lures

1. Fresh Dead Shrimp

Fresh dead shrimp are highly effective bait for whiting fishing, enticing these voracious feeders with their natural scent and appearance. Whiting, also known as southern kingfish or sea mullet, is commonly found along sandy beaches, surf zones, and nearshore waters.

Anglers often use small pieces of fresh dead shrimp threaded onto hooks or presented on bait rigs to target whiting. The scent and texture of the shrimp attract whiting, triggering their predatory instincts. Additionally, fresh dead shrimp are readily available at bait shops and seafood markets, making them a convenient and affordable option for anglers seeking to lure in these prized sportfish.

2. Shrimp

Live shrimp is considered one of the most effective baits for whiting fishing due to its lifelike movement and irresistible scent. Whiting, also known as southern kingfish or sea mullet, are known to be voracious feeders and are attracted to the lively motion of live shrimp.

Anglers often present live shrimp on a hook or rig, allowing them to swim naturally in the water and attract the attention of hungry whiting. The lively movement of the shrimp mimics natural prey, enticing whiting to strike. Additionally, live shrimp releases a strong scent that further attracts whiting, making it a preferred bait choice for anglers targeting these popular sportfish along coastal waters and surf zones.

3. Sand Fleas

Sand fleas, also known as mole crabs or sand crabs, are highly effective baits for whiting fishing, especially along sandy beaches and surf zones. These small crustaceans burrow into the sand and are a natural food source for many fish species, including whiting.

Anglers often use sand fleas as bait by threading them onto a hook or bait rig, allowing them to move naturally in the water and attract the attention of whiting. Sand fleas emit a strong scent that can attract whiting from a distance, making them particularly enticing to these fish. Their small size and natural appearance make them a popular choice among anglers targeting whiting in coastal areas.

Ideas For Whiting Fishing

4. Oysters

While oysters are not commonly used as bait for whiting fishing, they can still attract these fish in certain situations. Oysters are often found in brackish or saltwater environments, where whiting is also frequent. While fishing near oyster beds or rocky areas, anglers may inadvertently catch whiting while using oysters as bait for other species such as sheepshead or black drum.

Whiting may be attracted to the commotion caused by anglers targeting other species around oyster beds, leading them to investigate and potentially strike at baited hooks nearby. However, oysters are not typically considered a primary bait choice for targeting whiting compared to other options such as shrimp or sand fleas.

5. Cut Clams

Cut clams are a popular and effective bait choice for whiting fishing, particularly along coastal areas with sandy bottoms and strong currents. Whiting is known to feed on a variety of small crustaceans and mollusks, cutting clams an enticing option.

Anglers often use fresh or frozen clam meat, cutting it into small strips or chunks to expose the scent and juices, which can attract hungry whiting. The soft texture and strong odor of cut clams make them highly appealing to whiting, enticing them to strike. When rigged properly on a hook, cut clams can be cast or bottom-fished from piers, beaches, or boats, allowing anglers to target these prized sportfish with success.

6. Fishbites

Fishbites are an innovative and convenient bait option for anglers targeting whiting. These synthetic baits are designed to mimic the scent and flavor of natural baits like shrimp, clam, and crab, making them highly effective at attracting a variety of fish species, including whiting.

Fishbites come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing anglers to customize their presentation based on fishing conditions and preferences. One of the key advantages of fishbites is their durability, as they can withstand multiple casts and bites without falling apart.

Additionally, they are easy to store and transport, eliminating the need for messy and perishable natural baits. Whether used alone or in combination with other baits, fishbites can help anglers consistently catch whiting in a wide range of fishing environments, from surf beaches to shallow coastal waters.

7. Gulf Baits

Gulf baits are a popular choice among anglers targeting whiting in coastal waters. These baits typically include a variety of natural options such as shrimp, mullet, and squid, all of which are readily available and attractive to whiting. Gulf baits are known for their freshness and potency, as they are often sourced locally from the waters where the fishing takes place.

This freshness ensures that the baits retain their natural scent and flavor, which is essential for enticing whiting to bite. Anglers often use gulf baits in combination with other attractants like fish oil or scent enhancers to further increase their effectiveness. Whether fishing from piers, beaches, or boats, gulf baits remain a reliable choice for anglers seeking to hook whiting in Gulf Coast waters.

Whiting Fishing For Beginners
What is the best bait for whiting?
Some of the best baits for whiting are fresh dead shrimp, sand fleas, cut clams, and oysters.
What is the best time to fish for whiting?
The best time to fish for whiting is early morning when there is so much activity or late in the evening. Additionally, summer is also the best season to catch whiting when they are ready for spawning. However, you can fish for whiting all year round.
Are whiting hard to catch?
Whiting is easy to catch. Whiting is a schooling fish and when you locate them, you can end up catching a lot of whiting.
Is whiting good eating?
Whiting is a tasty fish.
Are whiting bottom feeders?
With its down-turned mouth and chin barbel, whiting is a bottom feeder. They prey on small marine animals.
Do you need to bleed whiting?
It is always a good practice to bleed it and it is recommended to bleed the fish for about 15 minutes before washing.
Does whiting bite on low tide?
Whiting bite at any state of the tide, however, an early flood tide is the best as it keeps the fish moving towards the shore in a search of food.
Do lures work for whiting?
Lures do work for whiting and small vibe lures work the best for catching whiting.

The Bottom Line

Whiting is easy to catch, tastes great, and is abundant on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is a good fish for anglers who like surf fishing. Despite its small size, whiting will put up a good fight. Whiting fishing is exciting, relaxing, and rewarding.

In this article, we shared information and discussed how to catch whiting. If you are interested in catching walleye, you can read walleye fishing tips. Additionally, this article, how to surf fish for beginners, gives tips to help improve your surf fishing skills. You can also read how to catch croaker, how to catch salmon, how to catch whiting, how to catch ladyfish, and how to catch barracuda.

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