Topwaters serve as excellent search baits for redfish, mimicking the sounds of wounded baitfish.
— Wayne Justice
North Carolina’s “old drum” fishery presents anglers with a remarkable opportunity to land some of the largest redfish globally. Now is the perfect time to join in on the excitement.
Red drum is a highly coveted species throughout the Mid-Atlantic coastline. Many anglers develop a special relationship with redfish due to their eager acceptance of baited hooks, artificial lures, and flies. The vigorous fight put up by redfish keeps the hearts of anglers racing and adrenaline flowing.
Fortunately, anglers in North Carolina can access some of the world’s largest red drum. In August and September, mature “old drum” move inshore to spawn near the Pamlico and Neuse rivers before heading off the Outer Banks, where they can be pursued in October and November. Anglers from all over the nation flock to secluded areas such as Cedar Island, Swan Quarter, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout in hopes of catching and releasing a “citation” fish. North Carolina’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament, known as the Citation Program, acknowledges notable catches of the state’s most popular sport fish. To earn a citation, a red drum must measure at least 40 inches. The all-tackle world record, a giant weighing 94 pounds, 2 ounces, was caught in Cape Hatteras in 1984.
Traditionally, most old drum were caught by bait fishermen using large chunks of fresh-cut mullet or menhaden in the late evening or nighttime. Anglers can successfully catch massive redfish during daylight hours with a variety of artificial lures. As the fishery evolves, it has resulted in increased fishing pressure and sometimes finicky fish. Capt. Mitchel Blake, of FishIBX Charters, grew up fishing the region over the decades and has witnessed these changes.
Where to Find Reds
Tagging data confirms that red drum can thrive when released, provided they are handled properly. Support the fish horizontally and ensure the weight is on its body, especially the tail.
— Wayne Justice
Pamlico Sound is a vast expanse of water characterized by depth variations and diverse bottom structures. There are no definitive hotspots — what worked yesterday might be unproductive today. Capt. Blake emphasizes that the fish are always on the move and are greatly influenced by boat traffic. Research indicates that drum can travel over 25 miles daily while navigating submerged ledges and edges in varied depths to find bait and prepare for spawning.
Successful anglers get out early to find them when feeding in shallow waters of 2 to 4 feet. The signs are often visible, as reds tend to disturb the water significantly when feeding aggressively. Look for pushes and wakes as you enter shallow areas; active schools of mullet and shrimp popping in the shallow waters are good indicators of feeding drum nearby. As the day progresses, particularly in highly trafficked areas, redfish often retreat to deeper waters. However, they can still be found feeding on large schools of menhaden at the surface. Capt. Blake’s keen observations keep him consistently catching fish, as he meticulously works through the river each day, contrasting with the fast-paced, hasty approach favored in today’s social media-driven environment.
As you approach an area that looks promising, maintaining stealth is crucial for success. Blake’s top piece of advice is to slow down and observe your surroundings. Cut the main engine early, before entering the zone, and utilize the trolling motor as little as possible to maintain position. If feasible, allow the wind to drift you into casting range. Avoid racing from spot to spot, as that can inadvertently pass over the fish while distracted by your phone or navigation. Events can unfold quickly, so be prepared with several rods rigged with different setups.
Reviving Red Drum After the Fight
When reds aren’t hitting topwaters, switch to a popping cork above a soft plastic. A jig head paired with a paddle tail has proven effective for catching various sizes of redfish.
— Sam Hudson
For artificial lures, there are several effective options. I prefer topwater lures since they allow for long, repetitive casts with a large surface popper. Lures that function in a walk-the-dog style also perform well. Both options serve as excellent search baits, imitating the sounds of distressed baitfish. When redfish hear the surface commotion, they often rise to seek an easy meal. Witnessing a large 50-pound redfish explode on a surface lure is an exhilarating experience. Large popping-cork rigs are also effective, especially if the fish appear skittish or reluctant to hit a surface lure.
It’s vital to prioritize the care of these fish since they form the breeding stock for the population. Be conscious of using appropriate tackle to land fish quickly to minimize exhaustion during the fight. Tagging research indicates that red drum thrive post-release when handled properly. Many fish I catch are released without coming aboard, but I must admit I enjoy holding them for a photograph. When landing a fish, never reach into or support it by the gill plate or mouth. Instead, hold them horizontally, ensuring even support for their weight, cradling it gently like a baby. Have your camera ready beforehand. Appreciate the moment spent with the fish, but return it to the water swiftly.
Take time to revive the fish after a challenging encounter. This involves ensuring water flows over its gills by gradually moving the boat forward. If in moving water, let the current do the work by holding the redfish facing into it. Simply moving a redfish back and forth in the water is ineffective — regardless of what some shows depict. Observing a red drum regain its strength and swim away is gratifying, nearly as much as coaxing it into taking your topwater lure.