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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic croaker are abundant throughout the Chesapeake Bay system and coastal waters in Virginia. They're bottom-dwelling fish that prefer muddy and sandy substrates, often associating with submerged aquatic vegetation.

Virginia supports both year-round residents and seasonal visitors, with the species showing high tolerance for varying salinity levels.

Scientific Name: Micropogonias undulatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Atlantic croaker are silvery-pink fish with a distinctive pinkish glow and irregular brown stripes on their backs.
  • Adults typically reach 18-20 inches and 1-2 pounds, though Virginia holds the state record at 8 pounds 11 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Atlantic croaker are abundant throughout the Chesapeake Bay system and coastal waters in Virginia.
  • They're bottom-dwelling fish that prefer muddy and sandy substrates, often associating with submerged aquatic vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Top Virginia locations include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area, York River system (especially around Croaker Landing and Taskinas Creek), James River (including James River Fishing Pier), lower Chesapeake Bay, and Eastern Shore seaside inlets.
  • Particularly in the York River, James River, Potomac River, and Rappahannock River tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around channels, deep holes, oyster shell bottom, and structure.
  • Young croakers enter Virginia's estuaries in late summer, moving to low-salinity areas and freshwater creeks where they overwinter in deeper river portions.

Atlantic Croaker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Prime baits include squid strips (universal croaker bait), bloodworms (excellent early season), peeler crab and soft crab (productive in summer), cut bait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. For multi-hook rigs, bait top and bottom hooks with squid and middle hooks with bloodworms.

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

Target Virginia croakers from March through November, with peak fishing from May through September. When water temperatures drop below 38°F, adults move to deeper offshore waters, so focus on warmer periods and thermal refugia during cooler months.

How do you catch Atlantic Croaker in Virginia?

Both drift fishing and anchored fishing are effective. Wade fishing and kayak fishing with lighter tackle provides exciting battles. Night fishing from piers, docks, and shoreline areas is particularly productive. Fish before or after high tide.

What do Atlantic Croaker eat?

They're opportunistic bottom feeders consuming polychaete worms, crustaceans (especially mysids, amphipods, and small crabs), mollusks, and small fish. Juveniles initially feed on detritus and zooplankton before transitioning to benthic invertebrates.

Where do Atlantic Croaker live in Virginia?

Atlantic croaker are abundant throughout the Chesapeake Bay system and coastal waters in Virginia. They're bottom-dwelling fish that prefer muddy and sandy substrates, often associating with submerged aquatic vegetation.

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