03-18-2004, 02:56 PM
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus![[Image: drum_red.gif]](http://i.timeinc.net/fieldstream/images_articles/drum_red.gif)
[ul] [li]Category: tac [li]Average Weight: 4.8 lb. - 40.0 lb. [li]Peak Weight: 144.0 lb. [li]IGFA Record: 150.6 lb. [li]Common Names: Redfish, Red Drum, Channel Bass, Puppy Drum, Spot-tail Bass [/li][/ul]
Although officially called the Red Drum, throughout most of its range this fish is known as the Redfish, which in turn spawned Chef Paul's popular blackened dish.
The edibility of the Redfish was its near demise. Taken in large numbers by the commercial sector, the species was at an all-time low 15 years ago. First Texas anglers got together and formed the Coastal Conservation Association, known simply as the CCA. Soon chapters took shape from Florida to Maine.
Through lobbying and demanding stringent conservation measures, CCA representatives and members have brought the Red Drum back from a precarious niche. Today, other species like Stripers are guarded by CCA members and other interested sportsmen and women. If your state has a CCA chapter, join it and meet other concerned anglers.
With the Red Drum back on the roster of great sportfish, we find it reasonably plentiful from Chesapeake Bay to Texas. Still, large cows in the 30-pound-plus range are scarce. If you catch one, we hope its released; and many states have seasons and slot-limits to protect the large breeders.
As a light tackle opponent, the Redfish is par excellence, a tough skinny-water fighter which makes powerful runs.
The Redfish can be found from New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico, but it does not occur in the eastern Atlantic. The great depths are a cold barrier to a very coastal species.
Top angling areas start at the Outer Banks, both ""inside"" and ocean-side. Typical networks of islands, broken but extending from Hatteras to Texas, produce the ideal environment for Reds. They feed by the tides, active during the flood and ebb, inactive at the stagnant peak and low period.
Redfish are primarily bottom or near-bottom feeders. In really shallow water on the flats, you can spot them rooting for crabs or shrimp, their tails above the surface. They also chase small baitfish, sometimes driving the bait ashore.
In color, Reds have a copper tint with lateral stripes above. Along its sides, angular stripes made from bronze dots sweep back toward the caudal fin. Just before the tail, you'll find the tell-tale black spot. This feature is absent on the fish's cousin, the Black Drum.
Most Red Drum angling can be accomplished with freshwater Bass tackle. Light salt water spinning outfits are ideal, especially those designed to use 12 to 20-lb line.
Wherever found, the Redfish is a challenge. Far from a stupid fish, the Red can get downright finicky at times. But that's half the fun.
[signature]
Sciaenops ocellatus
[ul] [li]Category: tac [li]Average Weight: 4.8 lb. - 40.0 lb. [li]Peak Weight: 144.0 lb. [li]IGFA Record: 150.6 lb. [li]Common Names: Redfish, Red Drum, Channel Bass, Puppy Drum, Spot-tail Bass [/li][/ul] Although officially called the Red Drum, throughout most of its range this fish is known as the Redfish, which in turn spawned Chef Paul's popular blackened dish.
The edibility of the Redfish was its near demise. Taken in large numbers by the commercial sector, the species was at an all-time low 15 years ago. First Texas anglers got together and formed the Coastal Conservation Association, known simply as the CCA. Soon chapters took shape from Florida to Maine.
Through lobbying and demanding stringent conservation measures, CCA representatives and members have brought the Red Drum back from a precarious niche. Today, other species like Stripers are guarded by CCA members and other interested sportsmen and women. If your state has a CCA chapter, join it and meet other concerned anglers.
With the Red Drum back on the roster of great sportfish, we find it reasonably plentiful from Chesapeake Bay to Texas. Still, large cows in the 30-pound-plus range are scarce. If you catch one, we hope its released; and many states have seasons and slot-limits to protect the large breeders.
As a light tackle opponent, the Redfish is par excellence, a tough skinny-water fighter which makes powerful runs.
The Redfish can be found from New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico, but it does not occur in the eastern Atlantic. The great depths are a cold barrier to a very coastal species.
Top angling areas start at the Outer Banks, both ""inside"" and ocean-side. Typical networks of islands, broken but extending from Hatteras to Texas, produce the ideal environment for Reds. They feed by the tides, active during the flood and ebb, inactive at the stagnant peak and low period.
Redfish are primarily bottom or near-bottom feeders. In really shallow water on the flats, you can spot them rooting for crabs or shrimp, their tails above the surface. They also chase small baitfish, sometimes driving the bait ashore.
In color, Reds have a copper tint with lateral stripes above. Along its sides, angular stripes made from bronze dots sweep back toward the caudal fin. Just before the tail, you'll find the tell-tale black spot. This feature is absent on the fish's cousin, the Black Drum.
Most Red Drum angling can be accomplished with freshwater Bass tackle. Light salt water spinning outfits are ideal, especially those designed to use 12 to 20-lb line.
Wherever found, the Redfish is a challenge. Far from a stupid fish, the Red can get downright finicky at times. But that's half the fun.
[signature]