Croaker
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Croaker can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the U.S in coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries.
They are also found in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Croaker are commonly found in inshore waters, near the bottom in sandy or muddy areas.
They can also be found around oyster bars, jetties, and other structure in bays and estuaries.
PATTERNS
SPRING
Croaker begin to migrate into the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay to spawn. They can be caught using bottom fishing techniques in deeper waters
SUMMER
Croaker can be found in good numbers in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay. They can also be caught in the surf and around inlets.
FALL
Stay around coastal inshore areas until it gets cold
WINTER
Moved to deeper offshore locations.
Bait
Bloodworms, Soft Crab, clam.
Techniques
Drifting
How: Drifting for Croaker involves using a boat to drift along the bottom while using a bait or lure to entice the fish to bite.
Gear: Rods: 6-8ft medium action. Reels: Spinning reels. Line: 8-20 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 8-20 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 1/0-3/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Soft plastic lures, squid, or blood worms.
Bottom Fishing
How: Bottom fishing for croaker involves using a bait such as worms or blood bait to catch croaker near the bottom of the ocean
Gear: Rods: 6-8ft medium action. Reels: Spinning reels with a low gear ratio. Line: 10-20 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 10-20 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 2/0-4/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Croaker rig, worms, or blood bait
Surf Fishing
How: Surf fishing for croaker involves casting a bait such as worms or blood bait from the shore to catch croaker in the surf zone
Gear: Rods: 10-12ft medium heavy action. Reels: Spinning reels with a low gear ratio. Line: 20-30 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 20-30 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 2/0-4/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Croaker rig, worms, or blood bait.