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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker are silvery-pink drum family members found throughout the Chesapeake Bay and coastal estuaries. They're named for the loud croaking sounds they make by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.

Scientific Name: Micropogonias undulatus

Also known as hardheads

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive brassy spots forming wavy bars on their backs and 3-5 pairs of small barbels under their chin.
  • In Maryland waters, croakers typically reach 18-20 inches and average 1-3 pounds, though the state record is 6.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer mud, sand, and shell bottoms at around 18 ppt salinity.
  • Young croakers concentrate in oligohaline waters (0.5-18 ppt salinity) for optimal growth and survival.
  • Juveniles use low-salinity creeks as nurseries.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout the Chesapeake Bay and coastal estuaries.
  • Look for them in the mid-Bay region.

Specific Spots

  • Fish over muddy and sandy substrates near oyster beds, around bridges and piers, or in areas with good detritus loads 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 Maryland?

The most effective baits are bloodworms, squid strips, peeler crab, and soft crab, with small pieces of squid being particularly productive. Bait the bottom and top hooks with squid and middle hooks with bloodworms. Croakers can also be caught on small jigs intended for weakfish.

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

Atlantic Croaker fishing in Maryland is open year-round. Prime fishing occurs during spring and summer months (May through September). Adult croakers migrate up the Chesapeake Bay in spring and return to ocean waters in fall.

How do you catch Atlantic Croaker in Maryland?

Both drift fishing and anchored bottom fishing are effective. Jigging your line on the bottom helps trigger strikes from these aggressive feeders. Night fishing can be particularly productive.

What do Atlantic Croaker eat?

These bottom-dwelling carnivores feed primarily on bristle worms (polychaetes), mollusks, small crustaceans like mysids and amphipods, and small fish. They're somewhat crepuscular feeders, most active during dawn and dusk periods.

Where do Atlantic Croaker live in Maryland?

They prefer mud, sand, and shell bottoms at around 18 ppt salinity. Young croakers concentrate in oligohaline waters (0.5-18 ppt salinity) for optimal growth and survival. Juveniles use low-salinity creeks as nurseries.

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