Deanna, UR--Changes to be made!

Red drum

Q & AJoseph sec. 1: Are there any special times of day or bait types that would help you catch red drum? I also wonder about locations like near shore vs open water. Speaking of bait and the fact that you are betting on the fish size to tell you how they relate to regulations. does the size/type of the bait influence the size fish you would catch? i mean if you use a smaller bait (small shrimp maybe) you are more likely to catch a smaller fish and with a larger bait or type of bait (cut mullet if that is even used) you would more likely catch a larger red drum? i'm just wondering how you are going to account for this. thanks for your answer. maybe it will help me to know how to catch the big ones! (haha)

Great questions Joseph! First, there is no specific time or one type of bait that is going to guarantee a big fish, let alone any fish. Fishing is unpredictable- you can be in the perfect place at the perfect time, using the most recommended bait and still catch nothing. With that being said, red drum are a very active fish species therefore, as long as the bait fish are up and moving, so are they. In winter, when the water temperature is cooler, mid-day would be the best time to fish for red drum. This is due to the fact that small bait fish are most active mid-day when the water temperature is slightly warmer during the winter months. During the summer I would say, based on my research, just about any time would be a good time as long as you use a bait they want. It's all about the bait.

As far as the size or type of bait influencing the size of the fish, yes it does matter- only to an extent. The type of bait doesn't really effect the size of fish you catch, but the size of the bait can. If the red drum can't fit the bait in their mouth (they might still try to bite it) but you may not be able to set the hook. For example, if you are using a large mullet or a large lure for bait and a relatively small red drum is trying to bite it, you might feel it on the line but the fish may not be able to fit the bait in their mouth enough to get hooked. And on the other hand, there isn't bait that is "too small" (so to speak), as long as it is detectable and interesting to the fish they'll usually bite it. Even a small bait can result in a big fish. So overall, I would just recommend not using something too large.



Red drum in very shallow water

As far as locations go, inshore waterways seem to be the best bet. Red drum are known to stay inshore for the first few years of their lives and then go offshore, but return to inshore for breeding purposes. I have been focusing my efforts in shallow saltwater marsh type of areas. A good sign is to see them tailing, it is a sure way of knowing they are in that area. However, that doesn't mean you can't catch red drum in open water.
Thanks for the questions!


 
 I had received an email earlier this week from the FWC, since I am signed up to receive emails from them. The email was saying that they are doing a red drum survey and wanting information by any red drum fishermen. This means they are gathering information from fishermen for their 2016 stock assessment. This doesn't cause any changes for me and my IRP. The only current changes I will be making (as stated last week), is that instead of just focusing on Flagler county, I will also be fishing Volusia. Also a recommendation was made to me during my in class midterm presentation to make a map of where I caught these fish, which is a great addition that I will be making.