Belonging to the croaker family the gulf king whiting is a smaller version of the souther
whiting. Usually only about 10 inches in length they are more of a nuisance than anything
else. Mostly bottom feeders of shrimp and small crustaceans between them and hardheads an
angler may have a hard time keeping a shrimp on the hook. Prime times for being bothered
by this species is during the warmer months of July through September. Believed to spawn
in the gulf they can be found throughout the bay system and the surf. Although they can be
used for cut bait when croaker are not showing up in a pinch.
State Records: 2.13 pounds. Gulf of Mexico
November 18, 1991
Alan G. Butt
South Padre Island