[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ig Drum season is in full gear and should remain so through September with possible catches in early October. These fish move into Pamlico Sound and Neuse River region to spawn and follow the menhaden in to feed and breed heavily. They will spawn out on the full moons of August and September then head back to the ocean for the winter.
You can target these beast during the day or as a lot of anglers have done for years soaking bait at night. Bait soaking requires heavy outfits that you can cast with a Lupton Rigs on bottom with a chunk of fresh mullet. You have to continually check bait cause credit fishing gets NOTTA. Keep line tight and fish will hook themselves on the circle hooks. Set up quietly on the edge of shoals look for active bait areas for the best opportunity. You will go through lots of baits, so go prepared or just fish on CREDIT! Chumming or menhaden oil is a way to attract bait and drum as well.
The popping cork day time tactic started about 3 years ago and is exciting. You can see what craziness they have in them when they strike. The DOA Popping Cork rig is the best rig proven out. I use a VMC Heavy Weighted hook and a DOA 5″ Swim Bait. Your gear is lighter than bait fishing. I have proved of the Daiwa Lexa 3500 on a TFO Signature 7′ MH rod spooled with FINS 30# braid as the out to handle these beast and get them in without stressing them too long. On 3rd year and many fish and gear still in great shape! You find an area with a concentration of bait and ease in quietly to set up a drift through area or ease through with trolling motor. Quite is key – don’t come flying into or through an area or else! Fan cast all around bait areas and aggressively pop cork. This turns the head of drum – they look – and – FISH ON. And HANG ON too. Dont leave hood setting overboard with bait in water or you may have to come see me for another outfit! YEAH.
These are exceptional fish that we need to care for so we continue to enjoy this fishery. Get them to boat and released as fast as possible. Measure for the magic 40″ minimum which will get you a NC Citation frame-able certificate. All you need is a fish measuring over 40″ – the actual length and come see me or another NCDMF official weigh station.
Be safe on the water and Tight Lines.
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