Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Red Drum or Redfish

RED DRUM - Sciaenops ocellatus Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS

Other local names: redfish
Description: chin without barbels; copper-bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large.
Similar fish: black drum, Pogonias cromis.
Where found: juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population OFFSHORE.
Size: common to 20 pounds.
Remarks: red drum are an INSHORE species until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then migrate to join the NEARSHORE population; spawning occurs from August to November in NEARSHORE waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish, and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or more.

The best natural baits are live shrimp, small finger mullet, small croaker, and small live blue crabs. Artificial baits such as gold, copper, or silver spoons are excellent. Fish-shaped plugs, both floating and shallow-running, shrimplike plastic worms and jigs are also good. The big reds are best caught with bigger natural baits.