Croaker FISHING IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
What is a Croaker?
Atlantic croakers (Micropogonias undulatus) are a popular catch in Ocean City’s back bays, especially during the warmer months. Known for the distinctive “croaking” sound they produce using their swim bladders, these fish are both fun to catch and delicious to eat.
Habitat and Behavior
Croakers are typically found over sandy and muddy bottoms in estuarine and coastal waters. In Maryland, adult croakers move into the Chesapeake Bay and coastal estuaries during the spring and return to the ocean in the fall. Juveniles inhabit estuarine and coastal waters from shallow shoals to moderate depths.
Fishing Charter IN OCMD - Catch Croaker
Fishing Techniques
Croakers are bottom feeders, making bottom fishing with baited rigs an effective method. Anglers often use bloodworms, squid strips, peeler crab, or soft crab as bait. A medium-action rod with a double-hook bottom rig is commonly used to target these fish.
Season and Regulations
The recreational season for catching Atlantic croaker in Maryland is open year-round. Currently, there is a 9-inch minimum size limit and a daily creel limit of 25 fish per person.
Culinary Notes
Atlantic croaker meat is lean with a sweet flavor. While the fish is bony, it is considered a delicacy by many and can be prepared in various ways, including frying, baking, or grilling.
When Do they show up?
Atlantic croakers (Micropogonias undulatus), affectionately known as “hardheads,” typically arrive in Ocean City’s back bays during the spring months, with their presence peaking in the summer. On our Get Sum Charters, we often encounter croakers during our bay fishing trips. These fish are known for the distinctive “croaking” sound they produce using their swim bladders, adding an auditory thrill to the catch. Croakers are bottom feeders, commonly caught using baited rigs with bloodworms, squid strips, peeler crab, or soft crab.
Lets get Croaking!
OCEAN CITY FISHING TRIPS
They grunt, they fight, they taste amazing — and they’re waiting for you in Ocean City’s back bays! Whether you’re chasing dinner or just some bent rods and belly laughs, croaker fishing with Get Sum Charters is always a good time.
📍 Located at the Ocean City Fishing Center in West Ocean City, Get Sum Charters is convenient, family-friendly, and trusted by locals and visitors alike.
📞 Call (410) 430-5709 or request a charter online to reserve your spot and experience the best Ocean City flounder fishing this season.
WHAT ELSE IS CROAKIN’?
Croakers might steal the spotlight, but they’re far from the only stars in our bays. On any given trip aboard the Get Sum, you could reel in flounder, bluefish, spot, trout, black drum, or even a surprise like a toadfish or baby shark. Every cast brings something new — check out more of what we catch → and start planning your seafood sampler!
