Gulf Kingcroaker

Menticirrhus littoralis

Gulf kingcroaker (Menticirrhus littoralis) is a small sciaenid of sandy Gulf and western Atlantic shallows. It feeds on benthic invertebrates and is often taken incidentally by surf anglers; it is more of a table-fish bycatch than a major game species.

Saltwater

Gulf Kingcroaker reference image — Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Elongated, sand-colored body with a distinct dusky oblique bar from the snout across the eye to the upper jaw
Lower jaw projects slightly and ends in a short chin barbel typical of kingcroakers
Tail fin is rounded to slightly emarginate, and the body is slimmer than many other drum species

Habitat

Shallow coastal sandy bottoms, surf zones, beach troughs, and nearshore bars; commonly around turbid inshore waters and shell-sand interfaces.

Bait notes

Best on small pieces of shrimp, sand fleas/ mole crabs, bloodworms, or cut squid; small baitfish strips and tiny scented soft plastics can work in surf conditions.

Behavior

A bottom-feeding croaker that probes sand for worms, crustaceans, and small mollusks, often moving in small schools along breakers and near tidal flow. It makes croaking sounds like other drums when handled.

Caution

No major species-specific hazards known; like other small coastal sciaenids it may be subject to local size/bag rules, and take care with the sharp gill covers and spines when handling.

Fishing notes

Fish light bottom rigs with small hooks and enough weight to hold in the surf; cast beyond the first bar and work troughs, cuts, and current seams. Keep baits near bottom and use gentle lifts rather than fast retrieves.