I invented what we now call the Croaker Killer Rig. Basically it is a heavy leader (30# is perfect) about 3' long. Attach a barrel swivel then a bead, then an egg sinker of whatever weight you need to hold bottom (mine range from 2oz. to 8 oz depending on tide, wind and depth) then another bead and then a 3/0 octopus or sickle hook. The idea is to allow the weight to slide a little so that the croaker can grab the bait or you can give a short drop back by just lowering the rod tip.
This rig really does kill the croaker and fluke, you tend to prevent the bait stealing and get a better hook up ratio. I like to tip this with a whole squid head or strip bait for jumbo croaker.
My buddy Derek like to make them fancy, but just a plain weight and hook work as well:
