TEXAS FISH & WATER
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Saltwater species guide

Red drum

Sciaenops ocellatus

Red drum
Red drum · Identification features below.

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.