‘Old drum rig’ is required in summer

An ‘old drum rig’ baited with a steak of cut mullet is a common bottom rig for adult red drum.

When fishing for red drum in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries south of the Albemarle Sound between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., from July 1 through Sept. 30, anglers must use an “old drum” rig.

It consists of an egg sinker of at least two ounces and a circle hook; any circle hook larger than 4/0 must have the barb compressed or removed.

The sinker is crimped into place near the swivel at one end of the leader, and a snell knot is used to tie the hook to the other end.

The leader must be no longer than six inches and consist of 50- to 80-pound monofilament.

The rig is designed to improve release survival among the adult drum which are larger than the upper end of North Carolina’s 18- to 27-inch slot limit.

About Mike Marsh 357 Articles
Mike Marsh is a freelance outdoor writer in Wilmington, N.C. His latest book, Fishing North Carolina, and other titles, are available at www.mikemarshoutdoors.com.

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