The Pamlico Sound is the largest saltwater lagoon along the eastern seaboard and the second-largest in the United States. With thousands of square miles of water available, the brigade of adult red drum has endless places to travel. But a few tips can help fishermen make their trips more productive.
Adult red drum migrate seasonally and travel in schools, especially as they grow older.
“No doubt, fish are schooling to some degree,” said guide Gary Dubiel. “If you hook up on one, throw right back to the same spot, and you will have a good possibility to double up.”
This is another reason why the popping cork is so effective. The splashing sound of the cork popping at the surface triggers a feeding reaction from fish, and drum expect to hear the sound when they’re travelling together near a major food source. From July through early August, old drum are primarily feeding, and any signs of feeding activity will energize them fish quickly.
Also, fish will typically find a good food source and stay close to it. Unlike tarpon, red drum will not travel long distances on a daily basis. If a good food source is nearby and conditions don’t change significantly, the red drum will stay right there.
“Drum will stay in the same area for most of the summer,” Dubiel said.
A substantial change in the weather or the salinity of the water will move baitfish around, and the drum will follow the food. But as long as conditions remain the same, anglers can expect the same cuts, oyster mounds and shoal edges to hold a good school of drum during the summer season. Logging the GPS coordinates of a good place is never a bad idea.
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