Among the most sought-after species in Southern Maryland recently are red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), commonly known as redfish. The red drum species has three distinct categories based on size: puppy drum, redfish, and bull reds. Puppy drum refers to juvenile redfish, typically less than 18 inches long, while redfish refer to larger fish in the 18-30 inch length, bull reds above 30 inches can grow over 50 inches and weigh more than 50 pounds. Southern Maryland has become a great habitat for both puppy drum and redfish, offering plenty of opportunities for anglers to target these hard-fighting and delicious fish.
Understanding Puppy Drum and Redfish
What is a Puppy Drum?
Puppy drum, also known as juvenile redfish, are typically found in shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay, especially in grassy flats, marshes, and creeks. They are easily identified by their bronze to reddish coloration and a distinctive black spot or several spots near the base of their tail. This spot is thought to confuse predators, making them think the tail is the fish’s head. Puppy drum generally range up to 18 inches in length, and their smaller size makes them easier to catch, which is ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
What is a Redfish?
Redfish are the mature, adult members of the red drum species. They are prized for their fighting ability and size.. The redfish has the same distinctive bronze color and tail spot(s) as the puppy drum, but their size and strength make them a more challenging catch.
Tactics for Catching Puppy Drum and Redfish
Catching puppy drum and redfish requires different approaches, depending on their size and location. Both fish are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to various lures and baits. Here are two popular tactics for targeting these species: small spinnerbaits and jigheads with soft plastic bodies.
1. Small Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are a versatile and effective lure for targeting puppy drum and redfish in the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They are designed to mimic small baitfish, which are a primary food source for both puppy drum and redfish.
- Choosing the Right Spinnerbait: Opt for smaller spinnerbaits in the 1/4 to 1/2-ounce range. Choose blades that produce a lot of flash and vibration, such as willow or Colorado blades. Colors like gold, silver, chartreuse, and white are popular choices.
- Casting and Retrieving: Cast the spinnerbait into likely areas such as grassy flats, creek mouths, and along marsh edges. Allow the spinnerbait to sink to the desired depth, then retrieve it steadily with a moderate speed. The flashing blades and pulsing skirt will attract the attention of nearby fish. Occasionally vary the retrieve speed to mimic the erratic movement of a wounded baitfish.
- Tips for Success: Keep the rod tip down and maintain a steady retrieve to keep the spinnerbait in the strike zone. Pay attention to subtle bites, as puppy drum often hit the lure lightly. If you’re not getting strikes, try changing the blade size or color to match the water clarity and light conditions.
2. Jigheads with Soft Plastic Bodies
Jigheads paired with soft plastic bodies are highly effective for catching both puppy drum and redfish. This setup allows for a natural presentation that closely mimics the movement of shrimp, crabs, and baitfish, which are all part of the red drum’s diet.
- Choosing the Right Jighead and Soft Plastic: Use jigheads ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, depending on the water depth and current. A jighead with a sharp, durable hook is essential for ensuring a solid hookup. Soft plastics like paddle tails, jerk shads, and shrimp imitations in natural colors (such as pearl, silver, and gold) or bright colors (such as chartreuse and pink) are excellent choices.
- Casting and Retrieving: Cast the jighead into likely fish-holding areas, such as drop-offs, oyster beds, and along channel edges. Allow the jig to sink to the bottom, then use a series of hops, lifts, and drops to work the lure back towards you. The goal is to mimic the erratic movement of prey items.
- Tips for Success: Keep in contact with the jig as it sinks, as bites often occur on the drop. A sensitive rod with a fast action will help detect subtle strikes. When retrieving, use a combination of slow hops and quick lifts to trigger a reaction strike from the fish. Vary the retrieve until you find what works best on a given day.
Cleaning and Cooking Redfish
Once you’ve had a successful day on the water and caught your limit of puppy drum or redfish, it’s time to clean and cook your catch. Redfish are delicious and can be prepared in various ways. Here’s how to clean and cook redfish to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal.
Cleaning Redfish
- Scaling: Start by scaling the fish. Hold the fish firmly and use a fish scaler or the back of a knife to remove the scales. Work from the tail towards the head, ensuring all scales are removed, especially around the tough, scaly head region.
- Gut the Fish: Make a shallow cut along the belly from the anus to the base of the gills. Carefully remove the entrails and rinse the cavity thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining blood or debris.
- Filleting: If you prefer fillets, use a sharp fillet knife to cut behind the gills and along the backbone. Follow the contours of the ribcage to remove the fillet. Repeat on the other side. The skin of redfish is tough, so it is often left on for cooking but can be removed by sliding the knife between the flesh and the skin if desired.
Cooking Redfish
Redfish has a firm texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it versatile for various cooking methods. Here are a few popular ways to cook redfish:
- Blackened Redfish: This method, made famous by Chef Paul Prudhomme, involves coating the fillets in a mix of spices and then searing them in a hot cast-iron skillet. The result is a flavorful, crispy crust with a moist, flaky interior. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of steamed vegetables or rice.
- Grilled Redfish: Grilling is a great way to cook redfish, especially with the skin on. Season the fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The skin helps keep the fish moist and adds a nice crispy texture.
- Baked Redfish: Baking is a simple, healthy method for cooking redfish. Place the fillets in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic, herbs, and a splash of white wine. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Puppy drum and redfish fishing on the Chesapeake Bay provides a unique and exciting experience for anglers. By understanding the differences between these two stages of the red drum’s life cycle and using the right tactics and gear, you can increase your chances of landing these prized fish. Whether you prefer the shallow waters of the Bay for puppy drum or the deeper channels for bull reds, there is a fishing adventure waiting for you. And once you’ve caught your fill, cleaning and cooking your redfish will reward you with a delicious meal that captures the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay. Happy fishing!
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