Red drum

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iRed drum

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Sciaenidae
Genus:	Sciaenops Gill, 1863
Species:	S. ocellatus

Binomial name

Sciaenops ocellatus
(Linnaeus, 1766)

The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also know as channel bass, redfish, puppy drum or just red, is a game fish that is found from Massachusetts down to Florida and from Florida to Northern Mexico. It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1971 designated the Red Drum as the official State Salt Water Fish. (Session Laws, 1971, c. 274; G.S. 145-6).

Red Drum usually occur in great supply along the Tar Heel coastal waters and have been found to weigh up to 94 pounds although most large ones average between 30 and 40 pounds. The all-tackle world record of 94 pounds 4 oz. was set in Nov. 7, 1984 near Avon, NC. The previous world record of 90 pounds, was set in nearby Rodanthe, NC, 11 years prior, to the day, on Nov. 7, 1973.^{[citation needed]} Edible specimens range from 4 to 9 pounds in size. Smaller fish are usually protected by regulation and require release. Larger fish typically are coarser and less tasty, and their sporting qualities tend to cause sportsmen to release them to be caught again.

Mature Red Drum spawn in open oceans, bay's and inlets. Juvenille red drum typically inhabit inland lakes and coastal marshes until they reach maturity between 3 and 6 years of age.

Red Drum are notable game fish, appealing to fly fishermen and anglers with spinning and baitcasting tackle alike. In shallow water settings, Red Drum are often seen "tailing," or grubbing for food in such a manner that their tail fins are exposed above the surface of the water.

Sight fishing for tailing Red Drum is an increasingly popular past time all along the United States' East and Gulf Coasts.

The Greatest concentrations of Red Drum occur on the Louisiana Gulf Coast, and in particular in the coastal marshes of the Mississippi Delta.

The famous Mosquito Lagoon in Florida is also considered one of the most consistent year round fisheries for large Redfish. Large Reds can also be caught from beaches and piers during the winter months from Jacksonville, FL down to Ponce Inlet, FL.

On the west coast of Florida, Pine Island Sound and Tarpon Bay, on the inland side of Sanibel Island, are recognized as the premier fisheries for "redfish". The pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands is even named "Redfish Pass."

On the Texas Gulf Coast, a minor bay near the city of Corpus Christi is named "Redfish Bay" and is a popular shallow water destination for anglers seeking the fish.

Once considered poor table fare, the Red Drum gained popularity as a food fish in the early 80's, due largely in part to the Cajun specialty dish "Blackened Redfish" developed by Chef Paul Prudhomme. Red Drum were harvested in great numbers until stocks were dangerously low. Various state and federal wildlife agencies, and conservation groups began a concerted effort to restore Red Drum populations. Red Drum were awarded sports fish status in almost all coastal states and harvests were regulated. Red Drum numbers have since recovered, making them one of the most targeted saltwater game fish in the U.S.