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Red
Drum (Redfish)
(Sciaenops
ocellatus)
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.
Remarks:
Red drum are 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;
sudden cold snaps may kill red drum in shallow, Inshore waters;
feeds on crustaceans, fish, and mollusks; longevity to 20
years of more.
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