Species gear view
Gulf Kingfish / Whiting
Gulf kingfish, commonly called whiting, hug the sandy bottom near beaches and piers. Use small hooks (1/0 or 2/0) with fresh or frozen shrimp, cut squid, or sand fleas. Bottom rig works best. Light tackle makes them fun on light rods. Cast into the surf trough or near the second sandbar.
Habitats
Sandy bottom near shore, surf zone, beach gutters
Best bait
Shrimp, sand fleas, cut squid
Season
Year-round, best Oct–Apr
Tide and time
Incoming · Morning, Sunset
Core Setup
Foundational fishing setup plus the required components for CastPlan's primary rig.
Recommended rig
Bottom Rig
Simple bait soaking near bottom
Open Rig Guide20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader · Barrel swivels · Inshore braided main line · Inshore circle hooks · Small egg sinker assortment
Other compatible options
Compatible option
Premade or tied high-low rig
Two hooks near bottom for surf or open bottom fish.
Open detail
Compatible option
Pyramid sinkers
Surf weight that holds bottom better in sand and sweep.
Open detail
Compatible option
Sand fleas or Fishbites
A focused bait choice for surf pompano and whiting.
Open detail
Compatible option
Monofilament leader
A lower-cost leader option for less line-shy fish and abrasion-light situations.
Open detail