Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker
Micropogonias undulatus
Croaker
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Inferior mouth; small barbels on chin; silver-gray or bronze body with dark vertical wavy bars or lines on upper sides; iridescent especially on head; preopercle strongly serrated.
Size: Usually less than 2 pounds
Age at Maturity: 2-3 years
Range: From South Florida to Massachusetts and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat: Young fish found in estuaries, usually over mud or sandy bottoms; older fish (2 to 3 years) inhabit deep offshore waters during the winter months and move into bays and estuaries during the spring, summer and fall.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Light tackle spinning or baitcasters will work well. Any bait including shrimp, squid, cut up fish pieces, or crab.
Fishing Method: Bottom fishing
Food Value: Excellent. Make great pan fish.
State Regulation
Daily Limit: 25
Minimum size: No Minimum Size
Season: All Year