Red drum (also called redfish, reds, and channel bass) are gamefish found commonly in inshore waters on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Below are some of the best lures and baits for drum fishing.
Saltwater Jerkbaits, Some of the Best Red Drum Fishing Lures
Saltwater jerkbaits, such as Saltwater Assassin lures are undoubtedly among the best baits for drum. In clear waters, dull, dark colored baits generally fish best, and in stained waters or on overcast days, bright jerkbaits, such as those in white and chartreuse tend to fish better.
When using jerkbaits in shallow water, they may be rigged weightlessly. Let them flutter down slowly in the water column, with occasional rod twitches to give them motion. In deeper water, a Got-Cha grub jighead can be used to weight these baits, and they should be retrieved with slow reeling and rod twitches. This will also entice other fish, like sea trout and flounder.
Gold Spoon, a Top Lure for Red Drum Fishing
Spoons, which reflect light as they are reeled, resemble any type of baitfish upon which drum are willing to feed. Gold is the best color, but silver and copper spoons also work well.
In the shallows, light spoons that may be reeled slowly without sinking to the bottom are ideal. When fishing the shallows, reel steadily and slowly, and never jig the spoon, as this will often cause its treble hooks to tangle with the line. In deeper water, heavier and larger spoons are better because they sink faster and reflect more light, making them easier located by fish. Also reel big spoons steadily, without twitching or jerking them during their retrieves.
Bucktail Jig, Part of the Red Drum Tackle Assortment
The bucktail jig, a large, heavy jig with a big head and bucktail for the tail, is great for red drum in the surf or in the near shore waters of inlets and shoals. For big drum, which can often be sight fished for from inshore boats, this artificial lure can be best when a large Got-Cha grub is fitted over its hook. When rigged like this, it should be cast to fish, and retrieved with medium-paced reeling and constant jigging of the rod.
MirrOLure, a Hard-Bodied Minnow Bait for Channel Bass
The MirrOLure should be part of any recreational fisherman's red drum tackle box. Available in various styles that run in different levels of water, and in different color arrangements, it is a top hard bait for drum.
The floating MirrOLure is best in shallow water, where reds often bust mullet and other baitfish. Floating baits should be used when reds are seen feeding on or near the surface, and they should be twitched, and not reeled steadily. In deeper water, a sinking lures is better. This type of MirrOLure runs better when slowly and steadily reeled.
The above lures should all be included in any red drum tackle assortment. Great for uses in different waters, they all are capable of enticing big bull reds.
Thomas Wyatt - Tom Wyatt grew up in Virginia. He has been interested in the outdoors (fishing, birding, camping, and other such activities) since he was ...
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