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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Micropogonias undulatus
DrumSaltwater20 inchesEdibility: GoodSport Fish

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most abundant inshore fish on the US East and Gulf coasts. Found in bays, estuaries, tidal rivers, and nearshore surf zones over sandy and muddy bottom. An important recreational and commercial species throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–78°F. A very common inshore species that migrates seasonally — arrives in Chesapeake Bay in spring and retreats to offshore wintering areas in fall. Makes a distinctive croaking sound — audible above the water surface in large concentrations.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 6 lbs from Georgia. Silver with bronze spots arranged in rows on the back. Good eating — sweet, mild white meat. One of the most popular inshore species in the Chesapeake Bay.

Best Lures: Small soft plastic jigs produce consistent results. Berkley Gulp! shrimp work very well. Small swimbaits near bottom.

Best Baits: Blood worms and sandworms are the top Chesapeake Bay baits. Fresh shrimp work consistently throughout the range. Cut squid pieces are effective. Clam pieces produce results. Bottom rigs with small hooks and fresh bait over sandy or muddy bottom are standard.

Range

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most abundant inshore fish on the US East and Gulf coasts. Found in bays, estuaries, tidal rivers, and nearshore surf zones over sandy and muddy bottom. An important recreational and commercial species throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.

Habitat

Atlantic croaker inhabit shallow coastal waters, typically at depths from 5 to 60 feet, though they may move deeper in winter. They prefer soft, muddy or sandy bottoms where they can root for food using their sensitive barbels. Estuaries, bays, tidal creeks, and nearshore ocean waters provide prime habitat, especially areas with moderate salinity. During warmer months, croaker move into brackish estuaries and even low-salinity tidal rivers to feed. They tolerate a wide salinity range but generally avoid freshwater. Structure such as oyster bars, shell beds, and channel edges attract concentrations of fish. Water temperature strongly influences their movements—they prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F and migrate offshore or southward when coastal waters cool below 50°F in late fall. Juvenile croaker use shallow grass beds and marsh edges as nursery habitat before moving to deeper channels as they mature.

How to Catch Atlantic Croaker

Equipment

58°F–78°F. A very common inshore species that migrates seasonally — arrives in Chesapeake Bay in spring and retreats to offshore wintering areas in fall. Makes a distinctive croaking sound — audible above the water surface in large concentrations.

Tackle & Bait

Best Lures:
Small soft plastic jigs produce consistent results. Berkley Gulp! shrimp work very well. Small swimbaits near bottom.

Best Baits:
Blood worms and sandworms are the top Chesapeake Bay baits. Fresh shrimp work consistently throughout the range. Cut squid pieces are effective. Clam pieces produce results. Bottom rigs with small hooks and fresh bait over sandy or muddy bottom are standard.

Game Qualities

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 6 lbs from Georgia. Silver with bronze spots arranged in rows on the back. Good eating — sweet, mild white meat. One of the most popular inshore species in the Chesapeake Bay.

Taxonomy

kingdomAnimalia
phylumChordata
classActinopterygii
orderPerciformes
familySciaenidae
genusMicropogonias
speciesMicropogonias undulatus
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