Northern Kingfish Statistics
The stats on this page are for Nothern Kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis). They can be confused with other Kingfish species the Southern Kingfish (Menticirrhus americanus) and the Gulf Kingfish (Menticirrhus littoralis). If you are looking for general fishing information, check out our page for Northern Kingfish .
| Record | Location | Weight | Date | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGFA All-Tackle World Record | Salvo, North Carolina | 1.11 kg (2 lb 7 oz) | July 12 2000 | William Graham |
| NJ State Record | Barnegat Bay | 2 lb 8 oz | 2004 | Chester Urbanski |
| CT State Record | Silver Sands State Park | 2 lb 10 oz | 2016 | Christopher Shea |
| NC State Record | Bogue Banks Pier | 3 lb. 8 oz. | 1971 | Ted Drinnon |
| Record | Qualifying Weight |
|---|---|
| NY State Record | 2 lbs |
| Record | Weight |
|---|---|
| NJ Skillful Angler Award Kingfish (any species) | 1 lb |
| DE Sport Fishing Tournament min weight | 1 lb |
Historical Northern Kingfish Weights
Circa 1875 in the waters near New York City and Northern New Jersey Northern Kingfish were reportedly averaging a half pound to two pounds with the heaviest being five pounds. However, it is not clear if they were grouping Northern and Southern Kingfish together, which makes a difference as Southern Kingfish in the present are typically larger.
| Record | Location | Length | Date | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT State Record Harvested | Silver Sands State Park | 19.5 inches | 2016 | Christopher Shea |
| CT State Record C&R | Silver Sands State Park | 16 inches | 2021 | Jonathan Baldovin |
| Record | Length |
|---|---|
| NJ Skillful Angler Award Kingfish (any species) C&R | 13 inches |
| NY Annual Marine Angler Award min qualifying length | 15 inches |
| DE Sport Fishing Tournament min length | 13 inches |
| FishMaryland Award length | 14 inches |
Northern Kingfish Migration Timing
The spring migration usually starts in late April or early May. The fall migration usually sees most fish gone from summer grounds by sometime in October.
Northern Kingfish Water Temperature
75 to 78 F is typically when you will see a peak abundance of Northern Kingfish. 60 F is too cold you will not catch Nothern Kingfish in the surf or bay at these low temps aside from maybe crossing paths during spring migration movement. 87 F water is too hot and Northern Kingfish will avoid it. 95 F water is lethal to Northern Kingfish.
Northern Kingfish Salinity
Northern Kingfish can handle the lower salinity levels found in estuarine environments. They typically are not found farther inland than the mouths of tidal rivers, however. Generally, smaller young of the year individuals are found in low salinity and larger individuals are found in more saline environments.
Northern Kingfish Lifespan
Northern kingfish's maximum age is thought to be about 4 years. It is believed most of the population dies by year 2 or 3. Northern kingfish can sexually mature at 1 year but it is thought most spawning occurs at year 2 or 3.
Northern Kingfish Growth Rate
Generalized growth rate estimates:
Year 0 fish up to 10 inches.
Year 1 fish up to 13 inches.
Year 2 fish up to 15 inches.
Recreational Regulations
Federal: none
Florida: 100 lbs per day
Georgia: none
South Carolina: 50 aggregate creel with Spot and Croaker
North Carolina: none
Virginia: none
Maryland: none
Delaware: none
New Jersey: none
New York: none
Connecticut: none
Rhode Island: none
Massachusetts: none
New Hampshire: none
Maine: none
References
International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
Fishing in American Waters By GENIO C. SCOTT.
National Marine Fisheries Service and NOAA