Atlantic Croaker Fishing in Virginia
When atlantic croaker are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Atlantic Croaker catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching atlantic croaker in Virginia
Atlantic Croaker catches in Virginia run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 18% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Virginia fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch atlantic croaker in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release atlantic croaker in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 18% of the atlantic croaker caught are kept and 82% are released. That works out to roughly 1.7M kept and 8.1M released in 2024.
How many atlantic croaker are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 9.8M atlantic croaker caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #2 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this atlantic croaker data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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