Red Fish in North Carolina

Redfish, also known as red drum (scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus), are a popular target for anglers in North Carolina due to their abundance, size, and fighting spirit. Our state’s coastal waters, particularly along the Outer Banks, Pamlico Sound, and other estuaries, provide ideal habitat for redfish. Here's a comprehensive look at redfish in the state:

1. Habitat and Behavior

Coastal Waters and Estuaries: Redfish are most commonly found in the shallow coastal waters of North Carolina. Estuaries, marshes, and grass flats along the coast, especially in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River, provide the ideal habitat for juvenile red drum (often called "puppy drum").

Larger Adults: Mature red drum, known as "bull reds," can be found in deeper waters near inlets, passes, and offshore along sandbars. During the fall, these larger fish move into nearshore waters to spawn, often congregating in large schools.

Migratory Patterns: Redfish migrate seasonally, moving between inshore and nearshore waters depending on water temperature and the availability of food. They tend to be more active in warmer months but can be caught year-round.

2. Fishing Techniques

Bait and Tackle: Anglers typically use live or cut bait such as mullet, shrimp, or menhaden to catch red drum. Artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and gold spoons are also popular and effective.

Light Tackle: For smaller "puppy drum," light tackle with spinning rods is often used. These younger fish offer great sport on light gear.

Surf Fishing: Red drum are a favorite target for surf anglers along the Outer Banks and other coastal beaches. Cape Point at Cape Hatteras is famous for its large red drum catches, particularly during the fall months.

Fly Fishing: Fly anglers also pursue red drum in shallow flats, especially in marshy areas where the fish are visible and feeding on the surface.

3. Size and Regulations

Size Limits: In North Carolina, the regulations for keeping redfish are designed to protect the species, especially during their spawning season.

Slot Limit: Anglers are typically allowed to keep red drum measuring between 18 and 27 inches (a slot size), with larger "bull reds" required to be released.

Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for redfish in North Carolina is usually one fish per person per day within the slot size.

Trophy Fish: Red drum are known to grow quite large, with some specimens reaching over 50 inches and weighing more than 50 pounds. North Carolina holds the record for the largest red drum ever caught, a 94-pound fish landed in 1984 off Hatteras Island.

4. Conservation and Management

Sustainable Fisheries: The red drum is North Carolina’s state fish, and its population is carefully managed by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) and other regulatory bodies. Strict size and bag limits are in place to ensure the sustainability of red drum populations.

Catch and Release: Many anglers practice catch and release to preserve redfish stocks, especially when targeting large spawning fish. Proper handling techniques are encouraged, such as using circle hooks and minimizing the time the fish spends out of the water.

5. Peak Fishing Seasons

Summer and Fall: While red drum can be caught year-round, the peak seasons for catching redfish in North Carolina are late summer and fall. The months of September and October are especially productive, as large schools of red drum gather to spawn near the inlets and beaches.

Fall Surf Fishing: Fall is an exciting time for surf fishing enthusiasts, particularly around Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island, where large "bull" reds can be caught during their migration.

6. Tournaments and Events

Red Drum Fishing Tournaments: North Carolina hosts several red drum fishing tournaments, especially along the Outer Banks. These events draw both amateur and professional anglers, contributing to the state’s fishing culture and tourism.

Conclusion

Redfish are a prized species for North Carolina anglers, offering year-round fishing opportunities with peak action in the fall. Whether you're surf fishing on the Outer Banks or casting from a boat in Pamlico Sound, redfish provide a thrilling challenge. Strict regulations and conservation efforts have helped maintain healthy populations, ensuring that red drum fishing remains a sustainable and popular pastime.

For more detailed fishing regulations and information, visit the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF).