Croaker Fishing NJ
Perfect for families and beginners. Atlantic croaker provide fun summer fishing action from the surf, piers, and back bays of the Jersey Shore.
Atlantic croaker are one of the most accessible fish for shore anglers in New Jersey. These fun-to-catch bottom feeders are abundant in summer, have no size or bag limits, and taste great. They are perfect for introducing kids to fishing or for a relaxing day on the beach with a rod in the sand.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Croaker fishing is perfect for families and beginners. No license required for kids under 16, no complicated regulations, and the fish cooperate readily in summer. The distinctive "croaking" sound they make delights kids of all ages!
Book a Family Fishing Trip
Party boats offer family-friendly trips targeting croaker and other summer species. All tackle provided, great for beginners.
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Croaker Season
June
⭐⭐⭐
Fish arriving. Building numbers.
July
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PEAK. Best action.
August
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PEAK. Excellent fishing.
September
⭐⭐⭐
Slowing down. Fish moving south.
Best Croaker Fishing Spots in NJ
Sandy Hook
Surf & PierMiles of sandy beach with good croaker action in summer. No NJ license required on federal land.
Best: July - August
Access: Free (park fees in summer)
Island Beach State Park
Surf FishingExcellent croaker fishing on the surf. Mix of croaker, kingfish, and other surf species.
Best: June - September
Access: State park fee
Fishing Piers
Pier FishingPublic fishing piers throughout the shore offer easy access to croaker. Great for families.
Best: July - August
Access: Various locations
Back Bays
Bay FishingCroaker move into the back bays to feed. Fish sandy areas and channel edges.
Best: July - September
Access: Various launches
Croaker Fishing Tips
Use small hooks
Croaker have relatively small mouths. Size 4-6 hooks work best. Larger hooks result in missed fish.
Fish the bottom
Croaker feed on the bottom, rooting in the sand for worms and crustaceans. Use a standard fish finder rig with enough weight to hold bottom.
Try bloodworms
Bloodworms are the #1 croaker bait. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces and thread onto the hook. Fresh bloodworms significantly outperform old bait.
Fish early or late
Like many surf species, croaker are most active at dawn and dusk. Early morning surf sessions often produce the best catches.
Listen for the croak
Croaker make their distinctive sound when caught. It is part of the fun - kids especially love hearing the fish "talk."
Croaker Fishing Gear
Light tackle is all you need. Simple setups work best for croaker:
Rod & Reel
- • Light to medium spinning rod (7-8 ft)
- • Spinning reel (2500-3000)
- • 10-15 lb mono or braid
- • Sensitive tip for light bites
Terminal Tackle
- • Size 4-6 hooks
- • Fish finder rigs
- • 1-3 oz pyramid sinkers
- • Swivels to prevent twist
Bait
- • Bloodworms (top choice)
- • Squid strips
- • Shrimp pieces
- • Clam strips
Accessories
- • Sand spike rod holder
- • Small cooler
- • Needle-nose pliers
- • Bucket for catch
NJ Croaker Regulations (2026)
Size Limit
No Minimum
Keep what you catch
Bag Limit
No Limit
Keep only what you will eat
Season
Year-Round
Best in summer
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for croaker fishing in NJ?
Croaker fishing in NJ is best from June through September, with July and August being peak months. These fish prefer warm water and arrive in good numbers once summer is in full swing.
What are the NJ croaker regulations?
There is no minimum size limit, no bag limit, and no closed season for Atlantic croaker in New Jersey. This makes them an excellent target for families and casual anglers.
Where is the best croaker fishing in NJ?
Croaker are found along the entire NJ coast in summer. Sandy beaches, the back bays, and around inlets are productive. They prefer sandy bottom areas and can be caught from surf, piers, and boats.
What bait works best for croaker?
Bloodworms are the top croaker bait, followed by squid strips and shrimp. Use small pieces on size 4-6 hooks. Croaker have small mouths, so smaller baits work better.
Why are they called croaker?
Croaker get their name from the croaking sound they make using their swim bladder. You can hear them "croak" when you catch one - a distinctive and memorable sound.
Are croaker good to eat?
Croaker are excellent eating with firm, mild white flesh. They are often pan-fried whole or filleted. The meat is similar to spot or weakfish and works well in many recipes.
Book a Summer Fishing Trip
Party boats run family-friendly trips all summer targeting croaker and other species. All tackle provided.
Powered by FishingBooker • Secure online booking • Free cancellation on most trips
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more