Physical description:

The red drum is easily identified by the inferior, or subterminal, mouth, by the lack of barbels on the chin, and by the one or more black ocellated spots on the upper sides near the base of the caudal fin. Red drum are iridescent silvery-gray overall, with a coppery cast that is usually darker on the back and upper sides. During the mating season, males may change color and become a dark red or bright bluish-gray above the lateral line.

Biological description:

The red drum is distributed in coastal and estuarine waters from Massachusetts to Key West , Florida, along the southeastern United States and in the Gulf from southwest Florida to Tuxpan, Mexico. Spawning occurs at dusk in coastal waters near passes, inlets and bays from early fall to late winter. Sexually mature fish are 3 years old or older, and engage in several hours of prespawnign behavior. The lifespan of Red Drum is probably 20 to 30 years, reaching a maximum length of 5 feet and weight of 100 pounds. The species uses its sense of touch and sight to feed on animals that live on the bottom.

South Atlantic Federal Regulations

(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)

Closed to possession or harvest in federal waters (in or from the EEZ).