Red drum across North Carolina
Limits, records and where to find red drum.
- 1 a daydaily creel
- 94 lb. 2 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
red drum across North Carolina
Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a saltwater species in North Carolina. Under NCWRC rules (inland and joint fishing waters (ncwrc, hook and line)), the creel is 1 a day and the size rule is 18 to 27 in.
A 94 lb. 2 oz. fish from Hatteras Island in 1984 holds the state record. NCDMF citation: Award for live release of fish, 40 inches or longer.
NCDMF, per red drum
“The red drum, or channel bass, is North Carolina’s state saltwater fish. Red drum are iridescent silvery-gray overall with a coppery cast that appears darker on the back and upper sides. They have an inferior mouth, no barbels on the chin and one or more black ocellated spots on the upper side near the base of the tail.”
- SizeRed drum grow to 5 feet and 100 pounds.
- HabitatFound in coastal and estuarine waters from Massachusetts to Key West, Fla., and in the Gulf of Mexico.
- DietRed drum are generally bottom feeders that eat small crabs and shrimp but also will feed in the water column on small fish. Red drum can be found “tailing” with their head down in the grass and the tail exposed to the air when feeding in shallow water.
- Fishing tipsAnglers catch red drum while surf fishing or sight casting with traditional flyfishing rods. Angling success for red drum along the Outer Banks is legendary and a catch-and-release fishery targeting fish in excess of 50 pounds has developed in Pamlico Sound around the mouths of the Neuse and Pamlico
- Also calledchannel bass, redfish, puppy drum, spottail bass
- Confused withlarge Atlantic croaker
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina harvest rules for red drum
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCWRC | Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line) | 1 a day | 18 to 27 in | No closed season |
| NCDMF | Coastal and joint fishing waters | 1 a day | 18-27 in | Year-round |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
red drum in the state record book
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 94 lb. 2 oz. | Hatteras Island | 1984 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Who fishes for red drum
- Drum Roll Charterscoastal charter (trip type not stated), Hatteras Landing / Teach's Lair marinas, (252) 305-3012
More red drum neighbors
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
- Spanish mackerelsalt
A look around Red drum
Photo: Noelle Kendrick, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rysnap1024, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Quick facts on red drum
What daily limit applies to red drum?
1 a day (Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line)), size 18 to 27 in.
Does North Carolina keep a record for red drum?
94 lb. 2 oz. from Hatteras Island (1984).
Where do North Carolina anglers find red drum?
Found in coastal and estuarine waters from Massachusetts to Key West, Fla., and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Are red drum stocked in North Carolina?
The 2026 list does not include it.
How do I recognize red drum?
Red drum grow to 5 feet and 100 pounds.
In which months may I keep red drum?
No closed season
Do I need a CRFL for red drum?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which captains run trips for red drum?
1 guide list it, including Drum Roll Charters.
Hunt for red drum
Every water named here has a page with ramps and limits.