Atlantic Croaker
Atlantic Croaker are medium-sized drum family members found throughout Florida, though they're seldom found south of Tampa Bay on the Gulf coast or south of the Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast.
These silvery fish with pinkish casts have grayish backs with black spots forming irregular oblique lines, and are named for the distinctive croaking sounds they make by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.
Scientific Name: Micropogonias undulatus
- Silvery fish with pinkish casts have grayish backs with black spots forming irregular oblique lines.
- Most individuals are less than 14 inches when caught, though they can reach over 20 inches and live up to 17 years.
Fishing in Florida
Lake Parker
Peace River
Tampa Bay
Lake Kissimmee
Lake Tohopekaliga
Hillsborough Bay
Alafia River
Little Manatee River
McKay Bay
Kissimmee River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Florida, though they're seldom found south of Tampa Bay on the Gulf coast or south of the Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast.
- Adults prefer mud bottoms in areas of low to moderate salinity.
- Young Atlantic Croaker use estuaries as nursery and feeding grounds, migrating to nearshore waters when 3-4 inches long.
Key Locations
- Prime fishing areas include the Guana River system, deeper channels, holes around 25-30 feet deep.
- In Florida waters like the Guana River, they're found alongside spotted seatrout, redfish, black drum, and Spanish mackerel.
Specific Spots
- Areas with mud or sandy mud bottoms, deeper channels, holes around 25-30 feet deep, oyster shell bottom and structure.
Atlantic Croaker FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Croaker in Florida?
Top baits include bloodworms, squid strips, peeler crab, soft crab, shrimp, and clams - croakers respond well to natural, smelly offerings.
When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Croaker in Florida?
Summer through fall when they move to bottom areas. Spring and summer months for shore fishing. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (late fall and winter).
How do you catch Atlantic Croaker in Florida?
The most effective techniques are bottom fishing and drift fishing using smelly baits. Both anchored fishing and drift fishing work well over oyster shell bottom and structure. A popular setup uses a three or four hook bottom rig with squid on the top and bottom hooks and bloodworms on middle hooks.
What do Atlantic Croaker eat?
Their diet varies by age: young-of-year feed primarily on polychaetes, copepods, and mysids, while adults consume crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.
Where do Atlantic Croaker live in Florida?
Found throughout Florida, though they're seldom found south of Tampa Bay on the Gulf coast or south of the Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast. Adults prefer mud bottoms in areas of low to moderate salinity.
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