Virginia Mullet

Where They Live

Virginia mullet (southern kingfish/whiting) live in the surf zone. They forage in the wash and trough, rooting in the sand for sand fleas, small crabs, and worms. They are a bottom fish and rarely stray far from the sand.

When to Fish

Spring through fall with peak action April–June and again September–November. They move in with the pompano run and tend to occupy the same water.

Best Tide

Incoming tide to high water is best — whiting feed aggressively in the wash as the tide rises. They tend to slow during the outgoing unless conditions are otherwise ideal.

How to Catch Them

• —Hi-lo bottom rig with small #2–#4 hooks is the standard surf rig.
• —Sand fleas are the top bait. Shrimp, Fishbites, and bloodworms also produce.
• —Small hooks and small bait — whiting have small mouths. A 5/0 circle is not the right call here.
• —Cast into the trough, short to medium distance. Whiting do not require a long cast.
• —Multiple hook setups increase odds when they are schooled up.
• —Light tackle makes them more fun — they are a great species on a 7-foot light surf rod.