[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his is the time for the greatest, exceptional fishing that’s available in eastern North Carolina! The big drum will be in the Neuse, thinking breeding and food. This is the time for a major spawn for this incredible fish.
These fish will be found in skinny shoals and in deeper sloughs throughout the region. They can be caught using the old style of anchoring, chumming and soaking fresh mullet on large circle hooks, and using the new way of easing around looking for bait, slicks and any strange activity, throwing DOA Popping Corks rigged with DOA Airheads on MH and H rods and 3500/4000 series reels spooled with 30- to 40-pound test braid. This is an exciting strike but also a safe way to bring the beast in without over stressing.
The slot reds and trout will still be available to you along the shorelines, as you are throwing your favorite soft plastics (DOA is best) or live mud minnows on Carolina rigs with circle hooks.
Be safe on the water and release your big drum in the water. Pictures turn out really good over the gunwale of a boat!