Atlantic Croaker 
Atlantic Croaker
Micropogonias undulatus
Average Weight/Length
Averages a pound or less, but sometimes reaches 3 pounds, or perhaps slightly more. World Record is 3 pounds, 12 ounces.
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Croaker, Hardhead
Location Habitat
Likes sand or shell bottom. It's a regular catch in many surf areas but also can be caught from sloughs and channels of inside waters, particularly those with soft bottom. Adults occur usually over mud and sandy mud bottoms in coastal waters and in estuaries where the nursery and feeding grounds are located.
Biology & Physical Description
Similar to the Black Drum in outline, but a much smaller fish. Overall silvery or gold background with sometimes indistinct wavy lines on upper sides. Like the Black Drum, it has small barbels on underside of lower jaw. They feed mainly on worms, crustaceans and fishes.
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA (excluding Florida) and northern Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico. Possibly from southern Brazil to Argentina. Uncertain in southern Gulf of Mexico, Lesser Antilles and southern Caribbean |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Light spinning or baitcasting; light surf outfits. Top baits include live and dead shrimp, sand fleas, fiddler crabs, cut squid, cut fish. Croakers will also take small jigs. The combination of a little jig with a bit of shrimp on the hook is deadly.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 6/10
Game Description :
Scrappy on very light tackle but, unfortunately, many are taken on heavy surf gear. Against a light line, they run fairly well and can also use the waves to good advantage in the surf.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 7.5/10
Game Description :
Small ones make good panfish; some are large enough to provide fillets. Either way, the flesh is of a mild flavor. An excellent foodfish. Sold fresh and frozen; eaten fried, broiled, microwaved and baked