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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker are abundant bottom-dwelling fish found throughout Georgia's coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal rivers.

Named for their distinctive croaking sound produced by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, they're most vocal during spawning season. They're opportunistic bottom feeders supporting both recreational and commercial fisheries.

Scientific Name: Micropogonias undulatus

Physical Characteristics:

These silver-gray fish with bronze coloring display dark vertical wavy bars and have 3-5 chin barbels used for locating food.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found throughout Georgia's coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal rivers. Adults move between estuarine areas during spring and summer, then offshore in fall. Juveniles concentrate in lower salinity areas of tidal creeks and marshes.

Key Locations

Fish Jekyll Island Fishing Pier, Little Ogeechee River, and throughout Georgia's sounds including Wassaw, Ossabaw, St. Catherines, Sapelo, Doboy, and Altamaha Sounds. In Georgia waters, croaker inhabit muddy and sandy bottoms from the Savannah River system through the Altamaha River system to the St. Marys River.

Specific Spots

Fish muddy and sandy bottoms in 25-30 feet of water, targeting channels, deep holes, and areas around structure like bridges, piers, and oyster beds. Look for areas with detritus-rich mud bottoms that support their invertebrate prey.

Atlantic Croaker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Croaker in Georgia?

Top baits include bloodworms, shrimp (especially ghost shrimp), squid strips, peeler crab, soft crab, clams, and cut bait. Artificial lures that work include jigs, spoons, bucktails, and small spoons that flash underwater.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Croaker in Georgia?

Present year-round but most abundant from spring through fall, with peak fishing from May through September. Atlantic croaker spawn from October through March offshore (avoid fishing during this period), with peak activity in November.

How do you catch Atlantic Croaker in Georgia?

Bottom fishing is most effective - keep bait on or near the bottom where croaker feed.

What do Atlantic Croaker eat?

They're opportunistic bottom feeders consuming polychaetes, mysid shrimp, amphipods, small crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Where do Atlantic Croaker live in Georgia?

Found throughout Georgia's coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal rivers. Adults move between estuarine areas during spring and summer, then offshore in fall. Juveniles concentrate in lower salinity areas of tidal creeks and marshes.

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