LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Croaker can be found in the North East of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean and .

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Croaker prefer sandy or muddy bottoms and are often found around natural structures such as jetties, currents, and sandbars.

• They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as pilings, bridge abutments, and artificial reefs.

• Croaker are typically found in shallow waters, often less than 20 feet deep, but they can also be found in deeper waters up to 60 feet.

Patterns

SPRING

• During the spring months, croaker migrate into estuaries and shallow coastal waters along the Northeast coast in search of spawning grounds and abundant prey. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Look for areas with sandy bottoms, shell beds, and submerged grass beds, where croaker are likely to gather in large numbers. Additionally, consider fishing around tidal flats, marshes, and areas with submerged structure where croaker may seek shelter and ambush prey.

SUMMER

• In the summer, croaker can be found in deeper offshore waters, particularly near channels, underwater grass beds, and shell reefs. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Focus on areas with sandy bottoms, shell beds, and submerged structure, where croaker are likely to feed on baitfish and other prey. Additionally, consider fishing during early morning or late evening when water temperatures are cooler and croaker are more active near the bottom.

FALL

• As temperatures cool down in the fall, croaker may migrate into shallower nearshore waters in search of food. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Look for areas with sandy bottoms, shell beds, and submerged structure, where croaker are likely to gather to feed on baitfish and other prey. Additionally, consider fishing around tidal flats, marshes, and areas with submerged grass beds where croaker may congregate in large numbers.

WINTER

• During the winter months, croaker may move into deeper offshore waters, particularly near channels, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Focus on areas with sandy bottoms, shell beds, and submerged structure, where croaker are likely to gather to feed on baitfish and other prey. Additionally, consider fishing around deep holes, channels, and areas with strong tidal currents where croaker may seek shelter and ambush prey.

  
  

Bait

• Bloodworms, soft crab, clam, squid, shrimp.

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

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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.