Atlantic croaker
Micropogonias undulatus
Texas recreational state waters: no species-specific bag, possession or length limit is listed for Atlantic croaker in the reviewed Outdoor Annual. License, lawful gear and other general restrictions still apply.
Texas recreational state waters · Regulation reference 2026-09-01–2027-08-31. General license, gear and area restrictions still apply.
TPWD rule source ↗TPWD general limit policy ↗
Identify your catch
Small chin barbels, a downward-facing mouth and brownish streaks or marks on silvery sides. Older fish may look brassy.
Habitat & biology
Uses bays and estuaries in spring and summer, moving offshore to spawn in fall. Feeds on bottom-associated food including shrimp and crabs. Produces its characteristic sound using muscles associated with the swim bladder.
Fishing knowledge
TPWD describes bottom fishing with dead shrimp as an approach. That is general guidance, not a report of current bait or catch activity.
Species-level knowledge, not current fishing activity or a bay-specific catch forecast.
TPWD identification & biology ↗Not named in Advisory 50, but all fish are covered in the specified Houston Ship Channel area.
Exact areas & meal guidance →Source scope
Galveston Bay
Recorded occurrence is historical evidence, not an abundance estimate or a promise of a common local catch.
Official species record evidence ↗Before you go
Sources & coastal evidence
Coastal reference review 2026-10-14. Record evidence: Galveston Bay. Historical records establish recorded occurrence, not current abundance. Artwork is illustrative scenery, not a geographical survey or a conditions feed.