Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a coastal sciaenid prized by anglers, common in bays, estuaries, and surf zones. It feeds on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, and larger adults are often protected in many areas as trophy spawners.
Identification points
- Copper-bronze body with a slightly lighter belly
- One prominent black spot at the upper base of the tail fin, though some fish have multiple spots or none
- No chin barbels and a blunt, rounded head with a sloping forehead
Habitat
Shallow coastal waters including bays, estuaries, tidal creeks, marsh edges, surf flats, oyster bars, and inlet shorelines; juveniles often use higher-salinity marsh and seagrass habitat, while adults also move nearshore over sand and shell bottom.
Bait notes
Live or cut shrimp, blue crab pieces, finger mullet, menhaden, mud minnows, and sand fleas are top baits. Soft plastics, spoons, and paddle tails that imitate baitfish or shrimp also work well.
Behavior
An opportunistic bottom-and-midwater feeder that roots in mud and sand for crabs, shrimp, worms, and small fish. Red Drum often tail in very shallow water on outgoing tides, school by size, and larger fish can be more solitary.
Caution
Many states have slot limits, bag limits, and seasonal rules; large Red Drum are often catch-and-release only. Consume according to local advisories, and watch for sharp gill plates and the tail spot used in species ID.
Fishing notes
Fish moving water around marsh points, oyster edges, drains, and surf troughs; focus on incoming or outgoing tides. Use a Carolina rig or fish-finder rig for bait, and slow-roll lures or work them near bottom with occasional hops.