Photo: Megamu at English Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sciaenops ocellatus
Red Drum
Saltwater
About this species
A copper-hued inshore favorite of the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts, marked by a black spot on the tail. It tails in shallow grass flats rooting for crabs and shrimp. Gold spoons, soft plastics and live shrimp sight-fished on the flats are classic tactics.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 6 m
Habitat Spots
EstuarySurfFlats
Fishing Methods
LureBaitBottom
Bait & Rig
Gold spoons, paddle-tail soft plastics, and live or fresh-dead shrimp worked on grass flats and around oyster bars.
Edibility & Taste
Mild, firm white flesh excellent in Cajun blackened preparations; large bull reds over 75 cm are often voluntarily released.
Similar Species
One or more prominent black spots at the tail base and copper-bronze body coloring distinguish red drum from black drum, which has chin barbels.
Record Weight
42.69 kg