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White Croaker

White Croaker

Genyonemus lineatus
DrumSaltwaterSport Fish

San Diego Catch by Month

White Croaker caught per month

2026
Jan
Feb
7
Mar
5
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
4
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
16 White Croaker counted 3 trips over 3 months best month Mar (7) Season totals by boat →

Range

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Vancouver Island, British Columbia south to Baja California. Found over sandy bottom in bays, nearshore coastal areas, and the surf zone in 0–200 feet. One of the most abundant fish in Southern California nearshore waters. Also called "Kingfish" or "Tom Cod" by Southern California anglers. A common catch from virtually every Southern California pier.

How to Catch White Croaker

Equipment

55°F–68°F. Found over sandy and muddy bottom in Southern California bays and nearshore coastal areas year-round. Forms large schools in nearshore areas and harbors.

Tackle & Bait

Best Lures:
Small jigs produce consistent catches. Small Sabiki rigs catch multiple fish per drop near structure.

Best Baits:
Fresh ghost shrimp are the top bait. Fresh market squid pieces work very well. Fresh anchovy produces excellent results. A simple sliding sinker rig with fresh squid near sandy bottom in Southern California harbors.

Game Qualities

Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–14 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. World record: 2 lbs. Silver with faint metallic yellow tinge. A common and willing biter — excellent for beginning anglers and family fishing.

Taxonomy

kingdomAnimalia
phylumChordata
classActinopterygii
orderPerciformes
familySciaenidae
genusGenyonemus
speciesGenyonemus lineatus
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