Red Drum

     Sciaenops ocellatus is the scientific name of the Red Drum or Redfish. The Red Drum gets it's name because of it's reddish brown color. One main characteristic of the Red Drum is a large spot on the tail. Rarely will you see one without the spot. The average Red Drum is about 30-37 inches long and weighs about 15-20 pounds. The largest Red Drum ever caught weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces and was over five feet tall. 
     When fishing for Red Drum one good characteristic is it's willingness to take most baits. The most effective live bait is live shrimp, finger mullet, Atlantic Croaker, and Blue Crab. When fishing with live bait it is important to allow the bait to swim freely so it looks natural to the fish. Artificial baits such as spoons, jigs, and fish shaped plugs also work effectively when fishing for Red Drum. When fishing artificial baits it is important to reel slowly, allowing the Red Drum to examine the bait and decide to bite. Moving in jerky motions will spook the fish and leave you empty handed. Another thing to remember when fishing to Red Drum is to keep the noise level down. The fish can hear you from under the water, and when they hear you they will quickly swim away. 
   There are many places to go when your fishing for Red Drum. If you are in a boat then you can stay in the sound and cast near grassy areas. These grassy areas are very popular when it comes to catching Drum. Casting towards docks from your boat is another good option when on the sound. Usually there are docks and grassy areas together in the same spot and that is where you will hook many Red Drum. Fishing in the surf will work just fine if you do not have a boat to fish on. Casting from the beach or casting from a pier will both work when fishing in the surf. 
     When you catch a big Red Drum and you are wondering if they are good to eat, the answer is yes. They have a very moderate flavor and they are not oily, which are two good qualities when eating fish. Here is a recipe courtesy of http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1726,159187-242192,00.html


Ingredients
  2 lg. red drum fillets
  1/2 onion, sliced
  1 tomato, sliced
  1/2 stick butter, sliced
  2 tsp. lemon pepper
  1 tsp. salt


Instructions 
  Place fillets on sheet of aluminum foil large enough in which to wrap them. Place 1/2 of onion slices beneath fillets and 1/2 over fillets. Place sliced tomato over onions and fish. Sprinkle lemon pepper and salt over all. Wrap in foil and grill over medium-hot fire 30 minutes. Best eaten while warm.