Deep bodied with hump back and blunt snout. The mouth is downturned and silver sided with a darker back
Location
The drum's widespread distribution is due in part to its sophisticated sensory system. Large ear bones enhance hearing and allow for orienting in dark or turbid water. The long lateral line, which extends from the gill to the tip of the tail, also increases the fish's ability to locate and attack prey where vision is limited. So while drum prefer clear water, they're obviously equipped to thrive in adverse conditions. In rivers, drum prefer a hard bottom with moderate current-the edge of flats and the base of riprap shorelines are ideal locations. In lakes, they prefer shallow flats with little weed growth.
Presentation
Cast bladebaits upstream of your target to allow it to reach bottom. Reel in slack line as you raise your rod tip to a 30-degree angle. Slowly raise your rod to 45 degrees so the lure almost drags across the bottom, then move your rod tip back down as you retrieve slack line. Dig crankbaits down to the bottom, then adjust your retrieve speed to maintain contact. Set rigs are easier for drum to locate in fast or murky water, but drift rigs cover more water in moderate current.
-
What
Freshwater
Drum Eat
- Drum
are bottom
feeders that
eat
mollusks,
insects and
fish.
-
Freshwater
Drum Spawn
- when the
water warms
in the
spring in
open water.
Their
fertilized
eggs float
until they
hatch.
-
Freshwater
Drum
Attraction
to Light
- They
may come to
lights to
feed on
insects and
minnows
attracted by
it.
-
Freshwater
Drum Life
Cycle
- after
hatching the
fry stay
near the
bottom and
feed there
the rest of
their lives.
- Freshwater Drum Problems - Drum don't cause problems since they are native but they are considered a rough fish and some fishermen get mad when they catch them. They fight hard and are so widespread that you are likely to catch one while fishing for some other kind of fish. Don't complain, just enjoy the fight. They fight like a Muskie making your reels sing away. set your drag right and you will be rewarded with a photo of a lifetime.