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 openng 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 ozs.
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.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The
records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
Min. Size
Limits: Not less than 18" not more than 27"
Closed Seasons: None.
Daily Rec. Bag Limit:
1 per person per day.
Remarks:
Gigging, spearing, and
snatching prohibited.
