Sciaenops ocellatus

redfish, channel bass, puppy drum (under 18 inches), bull drum (over 10 pounds), spottail bass

salt

The red drum, or redfish, is the second largest member of the drum family in the western Atlantic. The species is readily identified by the inferior (or subterminal) mouth, by the lack of barbels on the chin and by the 1 or more black, ocellated spots on the upper sides near the base of the tail. It is the only sciaenid with large spots. Red drum are iridescent silvery-gray overall, with a coppery cast that is usually darker on the back and upper sides.

Redfish are a favorite target species for coastal and inshore species alike. They will live a long time in estuaries, mud/grass flats, and other shallow-water enviroments and then move to deeper waters as they grow larger. Many will migrate through inlets to live close to the coast.

The species uses its senses of sight and touch to feed on animals that live on the bottom. Crabs, shrimps, sand dollars, and fishes such as menhaden, mullet, pinfish, pigfish, searobin, lizardfish, spot, atlantic croaker, and flounder compose the bulk of the diet of large drum. Smaller individuals feed on copepods, amphipods, and tiny shrimps. Channel bass are often seen in a head-down position browsing and rooting the bottom in search of food.

The red drum, or redfish, (AKA Channel Bass), is the second largest member of the drum family in the western Atlantic, reaching a maximum length of 5 feet and a weight of approximately 100 pounds. They can live up to 50 years.

Red drum are caught year-round. Surf fishing and sight casting are the two methods preferred by anglers. Bottom fishing in coastal passes and inlets is also effective, especially in the Mississippi delta of Louisiana. Sight casting combines the thrills of hunting and fishing in one outing as fishermen search for schools of drum in shallow water and then quietly maneuver their boats (pushpole or trolling motor) into an effective casting position. Saltwater fly rods (5 to 9 weights), spinning rods, casting rods and stiff surf rods with matching reels are used to cast for red drum. Redfish have a reputation for being extremely skittish gamefish, so presentation is of the uttmost importance.

Suggested baits are shrimp, crab or baitfish flies, gold spoons, bucktail jigs, and floating or swimming plugs and jerkbaits. These should be presented right in front of the fish. Surf fishermen use 10- to 11-foot surf rods with bait-casting or spinning reels and 20- to 30-pound test monofilament line.

Red drum are excellent food. The "Blackened Redfish" craze of the early 80's nearly decimated the populations. Small fish may also be fried, baked, or broiled; larger fish make good stews.