Family Sciaenidae, Drums
Sciaenops ocellatus

Description: chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and openng downward; scales large.

Similar Fish: black drum, Pogonias cromis.

Where found: juveniles are an inshore fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population offshore.

Size: one of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.

Note: red drum are an inshore species until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then they migrate to join the nearshore population; spawning occurs from August to November in nearshore waters; sudden cold snaps may kill red drum in shallow, inshore waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or more.