Atlantic Croaker or "hardhead" are popular
saltwater fish common in parts of North Carolina, the Chesapeake Bay,
Delaware Bay, and coastal bays of the Mid Atlantic. Croaker are known to have wild population
fluctuations and have totally disappeared from the region
several times in the past.
The fish get their names because of the "croaking" noise the
make when removed from the water. Croakers are hard fighters and
prolific feeders. They are caught on a variety of baits and
lures.
Croaker are a popular fish due to their tenacious nature, prolific numbers
and ease of access. They are among the first fish
to be caught in the spring and are caught over a wide range of
habitats. Croaker can be caught from piers,
jetties, inlets, in bays and from the surf.
Croaker baits include shrimp, crabs, cut fish, bloodworms,
squid, sea clams, and
other saltwater baits. Anglers also have success using artificial bait
products such as Fishbites bait strips and Berkley Gulp
products.
