Meet the fish
Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) uses Bay channels, sandy or muddy bottom, passes and surf. This is a field guide to habitat and planning, not a promise that the species will be present or legal to retain on a particular trip.
Season and movement
Common at different sizes through much of the year, with movements tied to spawning and changing salinity
Where it fits around South Padre
Try channel shoulders, dock edges and surf troughs where a bottom rig can remain in contact
Fishing approach
Small tackle and a sensitive tip make this a good learning fishery; keep the bait near bottom Common starting offerings include Shrimp, small pieces of fish and other natural bottom baits
Handling and current rules
The dorsal spines are sharp. Check identification and current limits, especially when using croaker as bait Open the current Texas saltwater regulations before fishing, then check any federal season or protected-species rule that applies to the water and vessel. Conditions, seasons and limits can change after this guide is published.