Whiting (Southern Kingfish) fishing in Florida

Whiting, the southern kingfish, are the most dependable surf fish in Florida: slender, silver-gray drum with a small chin barbel that feed along the sandy beaches of both coasts, especially the Atlantic beaches from Fernandina to Palm Beach and the Gulf beaches of the Panhandle. They are caught all year but best from late fall through spring, schooling in the first trough close to the beach, often within a short cast of the swash line. The first half of the incoming tide and a light onshore breeze that keeps a gentle surf running and stirs up sand fleas are ideal. Fish a double-drop or pompano rig with size 1–2 hooks, 2–3 oz pyramid sinker and a 9–10 ft surf rod with 15 lb line, baited with small pieces of shrimp, sand flea, clam or synthetic strip. They are gentle to handle and delicious fried. Keep an eye out for rays taking the same bait.