SlotGaugeCheck a catchAtlantic Croaker regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Atlantic Croaker size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | Open year-round | 9 inch minimum | 25 per person per day |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | Open year-round | 9 inch minimum | 25 per person per day |
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 9 inches
- Limit
- Daily—25
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “Croaker (Hardhead) | 9 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—25”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “Croaker (Hardhead) | 9 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—25”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the atlantic croaker
Species of fish
The Atlantic croaker is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae and is closely related to the black drum, the silver perch, the spot croaker, the red drum, the spotted seatrout, and the weakfish. It is commonly found in sounds and estuaries from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more about Atlantic croaker on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Atlantic Croaker in Maryland?
9 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.
How many Atlantic Croaker can you keep per day in Maryland?
25 per person per day.
When is Atlantic Croaker season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
Is my Atlantic Croaker a keeper today?
A atlantic croaker is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 25.