What do atlantic croakers eat

The annual catch of croaker has declined in the past few years, probably due to over fishing. The best times for fishing for Atlantic croaker are from summer into the fall. They are easily caught on bait dead shrimp when fishing on the bottom. Small Atlantic croaker are used as a bait fish to catch other fish, especially spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosis and crabs. Atlantic croaker "croak" by vibrating their swim bladders with special muscles as part of their spawning ritual.

A swim bladder is a pocket full of air inside the fish that helps keep it afloat and facing upright. This behavior attracts females. Scientific Name:. Micropogonias undulatus. Common Names:. Food Value:. Croaker, Golden Croaker, Granier. The Atlantic croaker is found Gulfwide, in estuaries and out offshore in waters as deep as feet. It is found on sand and mud bottoms inshore and a wide variety of bottoms offshore. Norman Jenkins, the record holder in Virginia for his massive Atlantic croaker, caught his record-setter with a squid and minnow sandwich when attempting to catch flounder.

A popular technique for croaker fishing is bottom fishing with bait, on a top-and-bottom rig. Both drift fishing and fishing at anchor can also be effective. In either case, most anglers fish their baits right on bottom, around structure or over oyster shell bottom. In addition to fishing with bait on a top-and-bottom rig, fishermen have also found success through the use of a three or four hook bottom rig.

When using this, fishermen should bait the bottom and top hook with squid and the two middle hooks with bloodworms. Fishermen have found success with a six foot medium rod and a 12 to 20 pound test that is equipped with a double hook bottom rig.

The bottom rig is important as it keeps the bait on the bottom, as croakers are primarily concentrated on or near the bottom. Hooks in the number-four to number-one size range are appropriate, and weights of between one and three ounces are the norm. Croaker anglers may use either braid or monofilament fishing line.

Smaller Croakers can be caught at many different shoreline fishing spots in the spring and summer months. However, if one is looking for a record-setting catch, they may want to venture off to greater depths of water. When setting out for a Croaker, it is important to plan your quest for the evening time as they are more prevalent in the evening hours. In fact, night fishing for croakers is quite popular.

There is an abundance of Croakers in the Chesapeake Bay, whether small or large, that is out there waiting for your next adventure on the water. Even if you do not have a boat to take out or a local fishing pier or beach from which you can fish, there are plenty of local state parks and charter boat options.