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How to Catch Red Drum Fish in North Carolina

Red drum fish are named for their red color and the drum-like sound that male red drums produce during spawning. Red drum begin breeding around 4 years of age. Red drum inhabit the coastal waters and estuaries of North Carolina and are largely bottom feeders. They are popular with both recreational and commercial fishermen, which has led to a shortage of the species in recent years.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License if you are over 16 years of age and you intend to fish in a public waterway. To register for a license, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website (ncwildlife.org).
- 2
  Fish in coastal and estuary waters, where red drum breed. Ideally, fish in the Pamilico Sound, its estuaries and off the Hatteras beaches. These waters are prime locations to fish for red drum, as they reach temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees, which red drum prefer. Fish during peak season, which is April to May.
- 3
  Use live bait or fresh cut bait, such as crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden heads, jigs or grubs. Use a circle hook for bait, to improve the survival rate of red drum that you throw back.
- 4
  Use fishing rods that are at least 10 feet in length and line approximately 20- to 25-pound test. Use a spinning rod and a reel with a good drag system to cast bait away from the boat.
- 5
  Measure the red drum fish that you catch. Release the fish if it is shorter than 18 inches or longer than 27 inches, according to North Carolina regulations. Keep only one red drum per day, according to the state creel limit for this species.

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