Kingcroaker

Menticirrhus americanus - Southern Kingfish: This species grows to 20 inches (51 cm) in length. Seven to eight dark bands mark the sides which shade from dusky above to almost white on the belly. They are found from the Western Caribbean Sea to Cape Cod over sand or mud in depths of at least 5 feet (1.5 m). This species is prized for its flesh, and is fished both commercially and recreationally.

Though not as highly prized for sport as other fish may be, kingcroakers (also known as whiting in Florida and sea mullet in North Carolina) have the ability to pull out some little, zippy runs. Most specimens that are caught are half a pound or less, but some can reach one or even two pounds. Kingcroakers are most often caught in the surf, but are sometimes found off piers near inlets or in bays. Good lures include small jigs, small spoons, and small plastics. The bait fisherman is best suited with sand fleas or molecrabs, which can be bought frozen at almost any tackle shop or caught live on the beach (look for Vs in the sand pointing towards shore when a wave starts to recede, and start digging a couple inches until you feel a sand flea). Cut shrimp is a close second. In Long Island, New York Great South Bay area; Cap Tree State Park, these fish are simply known as "King Fish." They average in size from 12 inches to 14 inches. Clams seem to be the best bait to catch them.