Saltwater species guide
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus

Identification
Usually bronze or copper above with a pale belly and a dark spot near the upper tail base. Some fish have more than one spot.
Habitat & biology
Young red drum use bays, tidal creeks and shallow coastal areas. Larger adults also use Gulf waters. Juveniles feed on crustaceans and small fish; feeding can occur along the bottom or higher in the water column.
TPWD species reference ↗Bay references & eating guidance
These waters have documented catches. That does not make each one a regular target fishery.

Galveston Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

East Matagorda Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Matagorda Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

San Antonio Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Aransas Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Copano Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Corpus Christi Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Baffin Bay
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Upper Laguna Madre
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→

Lower Laguna Madre
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
