Croaker

Season in Alabama

FWC and LSU seasonal pattern; Gulf Shores tourism lists Atlantic croaker in summer. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Mobile Bay, piers and the surf in summer (Gulf Shores tourism).

Bottom.

What to look for

Evening tides.

Bait

Shrimp, Bloodworms, Squid strips. Double-drop, #2 to 1/0 hooks, 2 to 3 oz.

Leader

20 lb.

Landing

Simple.

Handling

• Sharp gill-cover and dorsal spines

Grip from behind, fold the dorsal down.

Keep or release

Very good eating (LSU). Alabama rules apply.

Recipes for croaker

Typical: About 9 in, 0.5 lb. Large: 2 lb and up. SC record 4 lb 9 oz (1979).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the AL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Alabama Marine Resources Division before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Florida FWC species profile: Atlantic croaker (Official source)
• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism: fishing seasons (Angler knowledge)
• LSU / Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana Fisheries: Atlantic croaker (Official source)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries species profile: Atlantic Croaker (citing Miglarese et al. 1982) (Official source)
• Fisherman's Post North Myrtle Beach / Little River reports 2025-2026 (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR species profile: Atlantic croaker (Official source)

All the fish of Alabama