World Class Red Drum Fishing, Virginia Beach

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If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you realize that Virginia’s coastal waters are about to become home to a “World Class Fishery”. One of the most amazing fish you can catch, red drum, also called channel bass, redfish, or simply drum. These fish are huge and powerful, weighing up to 90 pounds or more. They belong to the Croaker family, and make a drumming sound when they are hooked.

The peak season for catching them is in May and June, when they are plentiful and hungry. You can find them near the surface along the ocean front beginning in late April. They also like to hang out around the shoals near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Inner Middle Grounds, and the Latimer Shoals, as well as the shoals off Fisherman’s Island.

You can use different kinds of baits and lures to catch them, such as bucktails, spoons, blue crab, peeler crabs, fresh menhaden, spot, or clam. A great way to fish for drum is to anchor your boat over the shoals and use chum to lure them in. When a school is spotted on the surface you can sight cast them with lures. As long as you don’t spook the school you can catch and release multiple fish.

Be ready for a challenge, as these fish are strong and stubborn. You will need a large net to bring them on board. Catching LARGE drum is a fun and satisfying adventure that you will never forget!

VBSF charter boats fill up early for this great fishery, so book your trip ASAP!

CHARTER LINK: Charter Fishing Virginia Beach 2023

Enjoying your catch! 

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to cook red drum, try this recipe. All you need is some fresh red drum fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the fillets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy your red drum with some rice or salad on the side.