WHITING
Whiting are really overlooked by anglers. If you even mentioned to other anglers that you target whiting, you would probably get a less than gracious glance, which is fine.

Whiting, which may also be called kingfish or Virginia mullet by some, are one of the finest eating fish in salt water, rivaling even the best-made fried flounder sandwich. Other fine qualities of the fish is that it is easy to catch and locally abundant.

Like black seabass, whiting can be caught using a two-hook fish-finder rig. A Carolina rig will work as well. Because whiting are not huge fish, a small hook, such as a No. 1 or 2, will be adequate. Tip the hook with any morsel of cut bait; pieces of shrimp, clam or even an earthworm seem to work the best.

Whiting is a member of the croaker family. They have down-turned mouths and forage along the bottom using barbels, which resemble whiskers protruding from their chins, to locate prey.

Because of their feeding habits whiting are usually found over firm bottom types. Any sort of bottom that is sandy to a mixture of mud and sand is ideal. It is rare to find them over pure muddy bottoms.

Whiting can be found in the surf or inside edges of inlets, which makes them great targets for ultralight-toting anglers who lack a boat. If you own a boat, seek out firm bottom spots, such as outside creek bends. Other sandy areas near creek mouths where mud is scoured away work as well. Areas can vary in depth, but most fish are probably caught in less than 15 feet of water.

These are only some of the options available for South Carolina anglers. Spending the day with a local guide will also help you break down the tactics needed to land any of these fish.

To book an inshore or nearshore fishing trip with Capt. Peter Brown, you may contact him at (843) 830-0448 or visit his Web site at www.saltcharters.com. His email address is captain@saltcharters.com. He fishes from McClellanville to Beaufort.