[dropcap]H[/dropcap]earing the sound of a large old male drum drumming is one of the most intriguing and magnificent fishing experiences anglers can hope to enjoy. Only male drum make this drumming sound, and the theory is that they create this sound during spawning to attract females. Showing off their drums to attract the ladies, the sound is created by the rapid contraction of muscles near the male drum’s swim, or air, bladder.
My first experience hearing this drumming sound was at the age of 17. The sun had fallen and the sky was darkening at the jetties near Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina, when an older angler called my brother, Will, and I over to look at his catch. He asked us to listen carefully as our flashlights shined on the sides of a very large silvery, gold drum. We could hear an unusual thumping sound coming from the body of the drum, and we were amazed by the sound and sheer size of the great catch. This angler then went on to teach us the lesson and practice of letting such a beautiful catch back into the wild.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to hear stories about, chase after, fish and catch big old red drum. There are many ways to target these fish including surf fishing, pier fishing, jetty fishing, nearshore reef fishing and sound fishing.
Surf fishing is one of the most talked about and popular techniques hardcore and avid anglers use to land ye old red drum. Some of the best months to fish for them in Eastern NC are September, October and November. The fact is, from the VA state line all the way down to South Carolina, these fish can be found at the right time and place. Surf fishing for large red drum can be challenging in terms of knowing the right equipment to use and how to use it, as well as facing tough conditions of sea and wind; however, it is also known as one of the most rewarding. If you want to learn more about surf fishing for big red drum, contact Frank and Frans, Red Drum Tackle, TWs Bait and Tackle, Frisco Rod and Gun, and Frisco Tackle along the northern outer banks.
Another way to experience the giant red drum catch of a lifetime is to hire a charter captain or find your way to the sounds of Eastern NC. Targeting these fish in the sound by boat can be a bit more relaxing than bobbing up and down in the ocean near a reef/structure or fighting heavy surf conditions. In my opinion, sound fishing is one of the best ways for someone to go search for and catch a great drum. You can sound fish during the day or at night, but at night you may see more bright stars than you’ve seen in a long time and catch monster drum.
In my personal experience, many great drum have been brought to the boat while fishing with Capt. Chris Kimrey of Mount Maker Charters at (252) 342-0464. Some other captains near the Pamlico Sound, Harkers Island and Morehead City area who charter for giant red drum include Dave Stewart, Gary Dubiel, Richard Andrews, Down East Guide Service and Noah Link. So, if the sound of a drumming red drum and sound fishing sounds like music to your ears, make some calls and go fish for the giant drum of a lifetime. September is usually a great month!
Eddiebigred…. picture Eddie Hardgrove with giant red drum caught fishing with Captain Chris Kimrey
wiibigred…. picture Will Hardgrove with old red drum caught fishing aboard Mount Maker Charters