We had plenty of fish frys when I was growing up and croaker and spot were two of the main fish that were cooked, I still prefer them fried whole but my wife and kids will only eat fillets. There is nothing like crunching down on a crispy tail fin! In my opinion croaker is an excellent fish but I dont care for it baked, the meat is white and flaky, I have tried House of Autry seafood breader, very good, also Golden Dip batter if you like it like Long John's, and I belive it is Zaterans fish breader with lemon added is pretty good. But like I said I prefer to fry croakers and you won't be disappointed. I also have had it fried in corn meal, very good also. And like some of the other posts next time you catch a pesky old skate skin and fry them there wings, mmmgood.