Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Red Drum are prized native coastal fish recognized by copper-bronze color and one or more black spots near the tail.
Red Drum are prized native coastal fish recognized by copper-bronze color and one or more black spots near the tail.
A long-bodied copper, bronze, or silvery fish with a gently arched back, blunt snout, large scales, and a distinct black spot near the base of the tail.
Juveniles use shallow estuaries, grass flats, creeks, and marsh edges. Adults also move through passes and offshore waters and may form large schools.
Use wet hands, support the body, and avoid gill damage. Watch the dorsal spines and use lawful tackle and handling practices.
Harvest is regulated by current FWC saltwater rules, including licenses, seasons, legal size, bag limits, and gear. Check current rules before keeping fish.
Habitat:
Estuaries and Bays, Mangroves and Salt Marshes, Coastal Waters
Area / Range:
Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast
Diet:
Crabs, shrimp, small fish, worms, and other bottom-dwelling animals.
Behavior:
Juveniles use shallow estuaries, grass flats, creeks, and marsh edges. Adults also move through passes and offshore waters and may form large schools.
Daytime, Dawn, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Early morning and late afternoon on grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove edges, and tidal creeks
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Managed Florida Game Fish
Safety Level:
Use Caution When Handling
Safety Information:
Use wet hands, support the body, and avoid gill damage. Watch the dorsal spines and use lawful tackle and handling practices.
Benefits to Property:
Supports Florida’s coastal food web, recreational fishing economy, and healthy estuarine ecosystems.
Property Concerns:
Fertilizer runoff, sediment, damaged seagrass, and loss of mangrove or marsh edges reduce nursery habitat.
Fun Fact:
Red Drum produce a drumming sound by vibrating muscles against the swim bladder, especially during spawning.
Wildlife Laws:
Harvest is regulated by current FWC saltwater rules, including licenses, seasons, legal size, bag limits, and gear. Check current rules before keeping fish.
Identification:
A long-bodied copper, bronze, or silvery fish with a gently arched back, blunt snout, large scales, and a distinct black spot near the base of the tail.