Other names: croaker and golden croaker
Description: Atlantic croaker, or golden croaker as it is called on the Texas coast, is the most prolific individual species of food fish in the bays. While this is so they are thought to live less than 5 years and there is little information to prove or disprove they die after spawning. The body shape is similar to that of the redfish, to which it is closely related. Atlantic croaker have a row of small barbels on each side of the lower jaw and are silver or gray-colored as juveniles, becoming brownish-bronze as they mature. The name "croaker" is derived from the fish's ability to create croaking sounds. Atlantic croaker is the major sport fish in the Galveston Bay area.
Where Found: They are commonly found on the texas coast line and if you are pier fishing you will want to stay closer in to catch this fish.
Tips to Catch & Tackle: Preferred natural foods are small crustaceans, shellfish and worms. The best bait is a small piece of peeled shrimp fished on the bottom. Due to the spiney barbell-like whiskers on its chin and its prickly gills that flare out upon handling it is best to use a rag or fish grabber when handling this species!
Size: 0.5lbs to 5 pounds
Season: Its Gulf (our pier season) season funs from October all the way to March with its peak in November. The remainder of the year juveniles are heavily distributed in the texas bays year round.
