Atlantic Croaker
Micropogonias undulatus
Fish TABLE: Good DIFFICULTY
Silvery, brassy fish with faint wavy bars and small chin barbels, named for the croaking sound it makes. Bay fish are typically 0.5-2 lb, with 'bull' croaker to about 3 lb.
⚖ Texas & federal limits
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
On the water
WhenSpring through fall in the bays; large 'bull' croaker move to the passes and beachfront in late summer and fall.WhereMud and shell bottoms throughout the bays, channels, passes, piers, and the surf; a bottom fish over open ground.HowFish fresh shrimp or Fishbites on a bottom rig off a pier, boat, or the surf; steady action once you're over them.BehaviorBottom scavenger rooting shrimp, worms, and small crustaceans out of the mud - a dependable, hard-biting panfish and premier live bait.The fightQuick, thumping bites and a stubborn little tug; fun for kids and steady for bait-catching.
Baits that work
- Fresh dead shrimp (top bait)
- Fishbites
- Bloodworms/cut bait
- Small pieces of squid
Tackle
Rod & reelLight 7 ft spinningLine10-15 lb mono or braidLeader15-20 lbTerminal#4-1/0RigTwo-hook bottom / pier rig
The bait clock
☀ DawnFresh shrimp on a bottom rig
Early bottom feeding over mud and shell.
☼ MiddayFresh shrimp or Fishbites on bottom
All-day panfish action off piers and boats.
☾ DuskShrimp on bottom near the passes
Bulls stage in the cuts toward evening.
★ NightShrimp off lit piers
Good bite after dark under pier lights.
[{'months': [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11], 'note': "Bay-long; the big fall 'bull' croaker run hits the passes and beachfront."}]
The bait tank's MVP and a fine light-tackle target in its own right.
Don’t confuse it with
Croaker have a row of tiny chin barbels and wavy diagonal lines on the flank; whiting have one barbel and no lines.
Not sure? Point the Fish ID camera at it →
Keep or release
Handling & releaseHardy; watch the sharp dorsal and gill spines. No barotrauma.On the tableFirm, mild, sweet - underrated on the table, especially the larger fall bulls.As baitYes - a prime live bait: big trout, bull reds, flounder, and sharks all eat live croaker.
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