Red Drum (redfish)

redfish45.jpg (44958 bytes) Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Sciaenops ocellatus

Bull Reds:
Found along coastal areas and run in schools.

It is normally a by-catch while fishing for other species.

WB01624_.gif (281 bytes) 45 pounds

25 pounds WB01626_.gif (272 bytes)

 RedBoyframed72.jpg (32093 bytes)

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: one of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.

*Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 oz.

Remarks: red drum are an INSHORE species until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then they migrate to join the NEARSHORE population; spawning occurs from August to November in NEARSHORE waters; sudden cold snaps may kill red drum in shallow, INSHORE waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or more.