how to catch croaker ? (for bait)

Saltwater Inshore Discussion
1

Anybody want to share tips on catching them. They are one of my favorite baits but only an occansional by-catch in the cast net for me. I know they bite live shrimp on the bottom, but when and where? Type of bottom and water do they like etc?

Do they respond well to chum like pinfish?

Any master-baiters out there willing to share…

2

been catching them on bits of shrimp around dock pilings in the folly all summer. spot, pinfish, pigfish, little bsb, toadfish, etc too… and the occasional target species.

3

use a smaller J-hook.

'04 Sea Hunt 200 Escape w/ Yami 150

4

caught six on dock pilings 2 weeks ago using old shrimp i had in the freezer on a carolina rig

5

i catch em often in a 20 foot hole that I tarpon fish in. Using enough weight to get it to bottom, and a gold break hook with a bit of shrimp.

6

sabiki rig…tip with shrimp…fish structure.

xHCFCx

Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.

7
quote:
Originally posted by StretchArmStrong

sabiki rig…tip with shrimp…fish structure.

xHCFCx

Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.

This...also catch dozens in the surf on small bites of shrimp on bottom rigs this time of year.
8

caught a ton last week around structure with a bit of shrimp on #8 J hook with a slip cork and split shot on ultra light, kids loved it.

1988 McKee Craft Hammerhead 198CC- “FIVE-O”

9

thanks to all for replies!!