Atlantic croaker across North Carolina
Where Atlantic croaker live in North Carolina, with limits.
- 50 a daydaily creel
- 5 lb. 0 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Carvalho-Souza, Gómez & González-Ortegón (2024), CC BY 4.0
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Atlantic croaker across the state
North Carolina anglers find Atlantic croaker in saltwater habitat. Creel and size (NCWRC, inland and joint fishing waters (ncwrc, hook and line)): 50 a day, no size limit.
The record book shows 5 lb. 0 oz. from Oregon Inlet, 1981. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 1.5 pounds or greater.
What NCDMF writes about Atlantic croaker
“Atlantic croaker is a silvery fish with a faint pinkish bronze cast. Its back and upper sides are grayish with brassy or brown spots that form oblique wavy lines on the fish’s sides. Its body is moderately flat and elongated. The dorsal fins are continuous with a deep notch between the spiny and soft portions. It has a long head with a conical snout projecting beyond its downward-positioned mouth. It has a slightly pointed tail and small barbels on the lower jaw. A member of the drum family, Atlantic croaker derives its name from the croaking sound it produces by vibrating its swim bladder.”
- SizeCatches are commonly 9 inches and 1/3 pound, but Atlantic croaker are found as large as 20 inches and 5 pounds.
- HabitatAtlantic croaker are found in both muddy and sandy bottom areas all along the East Coast from Cape Cod, Mass., to the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts to central Mexico. In North Carolina, it is found throughout coastal waters.
- DietAtlantic croaker are opportunistic feeders that eat crustaceans, worms, organic debris, mollusks and small fish.
- Fishing tipsRecreational anglers can catch croaker from the spring through the fall by fishing on the bottom with light tackle and natural baits, like shrimp, clams, bloodworms and squid. Fishing is best just before or just after high tide in channels or deep holes.
- Also calledhardhead, pinhead, kingfish
- Confused withpigfish, kingfish, undersized red drum
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina limits on Atlantic croaker
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCWRC | Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line) | 50 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | Coastal and joint fishing waters | 50 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Record Atlantic croaker from North Carolina
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 5 lb. 0 oz. | Oregon Inlet | 1981 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species beside Atlantic croaker on the list
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
- Spanish mackerelsalt
What is near Atlantic croaker, in pictures
Photo: RoxylovesHistory, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Gerry D, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marc.bratcher, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Stilfehler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Questions people send about Atlantic croaker
How many Atlantic croaker can I keep in North Carolina?
50 a day (Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line)), size no size limit.
How heavy is the North Carolina record Atlantic croaker?
5 lb. 0 oz. from Oregon Inlet (1981).
Which waters are best for Atlantic croaker?
Atlantic croaker are found in both muddy and sandy bottom areas all along the East Coast from Cape Cod, Mass., to the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts to central Mexico. In North Carolina, it is found throughout coastal waters.
Do NCWRC hatcheries raise Atlantic croaker?
No.
What other names does Atlantic croaker go by?
Catches are commonly 9 inches and 1/3 pound, but Atlantic croaker are found as large as 20 inches and 5 pounds.
When are Atlantic croaker in season?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Which license works on Atlantic croaker?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which guides target Atlantic croaker?
No guide lists it.
Find Atlantic croaker close to home
Pick any lake or stream listed above.