The Atlantic croaker is one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most popular saltwater fish. Croaker get their names because of the “croaking” noise the make when removed from the water. This iconic species is also known as hardhead or croaker fish.
Croakers are targeted by fishermen throughout the watershed. They are caught along shorelines, from fishing piers, and along deep channels. In the Chesapeake Bay, croakers occur seasonally from the Atlantic to upper bay, and in tidal rivers.
Croakers are often caught together with spot, white perch, and other bottom dwellers.
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