Redfish Mounts

Interesting Facts About Redfish

• Redfish (sciaenops ocellatus) also known as red drum, channel bass, spottail bass, ‘reds’, and a handful of other names are the largest member in the drum family.
• They are easily distinguished from other saltwater fish species by the large dark spot located at the base of their tail. Another unique characteristic of the species is the distinct drumming sound they create by vibrating a muscle located in their swim bladder.
• The world record record redfish was caught in North Carolina and weighed a whopping 94 lbs. Most fish of the species don’t grow anywhere near that gargantuan of a size though monster redfish are caught every year and end up as a prized fishing trophy on the wall.
• Most are found in shallow waters and prefer areas with soft mud and vegetation though they can commonly be found around jetties, pier pilings, and oyster reefs.
• Redfish take most types of bait, both natural and artificial. Live bait like shrimp, small finger mullet, atlantic croaker and small blue crabs are favorites though spoons, jigs, plugs, and worms also work well.
• Around the three of four year mark they reach their full maturity and can lay a few million eggs per season.
• They are very commonly known as red drum or simply ‘reds’, though there are no differences between the fish.
• Most states have strict regulations for catching redfish and many employ both a minimum and maximum, also known as a ‘slot’ size limit, as well as a daily bag limit.
• On October 20, 2007, President George W. Bush signed an executive order designating red drum as a protected game fish within state waters.
• Daily limits have increased in recent years due to the recreational size and bag limit restrictions placed on them years ago, and farm-raised redfish are still available commercially.