Merlangius merlangus

How to identify a Whiting

Whiting are found in coastal waters, reefs, estuaries, or open ocean depending on species. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Coastal waters, reefs, estuaries, or open ocean depending on species

Where to catch Whiting

• Gulf coast surf & bays — all species we list for this fishery
• Chesapeake (MD/VA) — all species we list for this fishery
• Florida beaches — all species we list for this fishery
• Australian estuaries — all species we list for this fishery

Whiting by state

State season calendars that list Whiting — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Maryland — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• Texas — seasons, best months and licence info
• Virginia — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Cut bait · live bait · jigs · and trolling lures suited to the target species

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Whiting:

• Widow Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Winter Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Witch Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Yellowedge Grouper — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Yelloweye Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Yellowfin Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)