Croaker

Point Judith, Rhode Island, offers a surprisingly good opportunity to target Croaker, particularly in the late summer and early fall. While not as well-known as other species, Croaker thrive in the relatively shallow, brackish waters of Narragansett Bay and its surrounding estuaries. Look for them around sandy or muddy bottoms, especially near inlets and tidal creeks. These fish are drawn to the warmer waters and abundant food sources found in these areas during the warmer months. Access is readily available from several public fishing piers and beaches around Point Judith. A great starting point is the Galilee area, where you can fish from the shore or launch a small boat. A light to medium action rod with a simple bottom rig is ideal. Use small pieces of shrimp, squid, or bloodworms as bait. A local tip is to fish during the incoming tide, as this brings in fresh saltwater and stimulates feeding activity. The Croaker in Point Judith are generally smaller than those found further south, but they are still a fun and accessible species to target, especially for beginner anglers or families.