Red Drum

Red drum up to about 10-15 lb. (5-7 g) are very fine eating.

Region

South

Catch ease

Medium

Habitat

Bay, River, Ocean

HOW TO IDENTIFY A RED DRUM

The red drum can be distinguished from the black drum by its lack of chin barbels and more elongated body. The body has coppery red overtones on a silvery gray background. The most obvious and characteristic marking on the red drum is a large black spot about the size of the eye on either side of the caudal peduncle, just before the tail fin. Sometimes there are two spots on each side, and occasionally there may be similar spots on the body.

WHERE TO CATCH RED DRUM

The red drum is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. The red drum is a schooling species that occurs inshore over sandy or muddy bottoms. It inhabits both salt and brackish waters and can tolerate fresh water. It is found in inlets and channels, and smaller specimens may be found in shallow estuaries.Large red drum can be taken from just above the breaker line on an incoming tide or near channels, inlets and shell beds. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

Backflow

Bays and Estuaries

Man-Made Structures

Overhanging Trees and Bushes

Ripples, Currents, Swirls and Sprays

Rock and Boulder Pockets

HOW TO CATCH RED DRUM

It is a strong, hard fighter when hooked. Fishing methods include drifting or still fishing on the bottom, jigging or casting from boats or from shore, and slow trolling. In some areas red drum may be stalked on the flats like bonefish. Baits and lures include crabs, shrimp, clams, jigs, plugs, spoons, strip bait, and streamer flies. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: