Fishing Tips: How To Catch Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Moderate to large, up to 30 lbs.

Medium rods and lines.

Low to moderate.

Moderate.

Widespread in large rivers and lakes.

Common

More photos of Freshwater Drum.

Freshwater Drum, also known as Sheepshead, are unique due to their ability to thrive in both clear and turbid water conditions. They are commonly found in large rivers and lakes throughout North America. Known for their distinct croaking sound, Freshwater Drum are bottom feeders that prefer sandy or muddy substrates where they search for mollusks, insects, and small fish.

Successful fishing techniques include bottom fishing with live bait, casting spoons, and jigging in deeper waters.

Baits For Catching Freshwater Drum:

Berkley Gulp! Minnow

Soft plastic baits come in many shapes and sizes, imitating worms, grubs, and other small aquatic ...

Soft plastic baits come in many shapes and sizes, imitating worms, grubs, and other small aquatic creatures. The Berkley Gulp! Minnow is favored by anglers for its lifelike scent and movement, making it particularly effective for walleye. Soft plastics can be rigged in numerous ways, including Texas rig, Carolina rig, or on a jighead, allowing them to be fished in various environments and conditions. Their lifelike texture and movement make them appealing to fish.
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Cut Mullet

Cut mullet is an effective bait due to its oily flesh, which releases a strong scent trail in the ...

Cut mullet is an effective bait due to its oily flesh, which releases a strong scent trail in the water. Using fresh cut mullet, either in chunks or strips, can be particularly effective in attracting predatory fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
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Cut Shad

Cut shad is an effective bait for many species of fish, especially catfish. The oily flesh of shad...

Cut shad is an effective bait for many species of fish, especially catfish. The oily flesh of shad releases a strong scent trail in the water, attracting fish from far away.
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Minnows

Minnows are small freshwater fish used extensively as live bait due to their natural appeal to a v...

Minnows are small freshwater fish used extensively as live bait due to their natural appeal to a variety of game fish. They are typically hooked through the lips or behind the dorsal fin, allowing them to swim naturally and attract predators. Their lively movements and natural scent make them irresistible to many species, including bass, trout, and crappie.
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Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and ...

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and movement. They are commonly used for a wide range of fish species. When hooked correctly, they wriggle enticingly in the water, drawing the attention of nearby fish. Nightcrawlers can be used in various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to rivers.
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More Thoughts on Baits: When targeting Freshwater Drum, using baits that are part of their natural diet, such as mollusks, can be particularly effective. Live baits like nightcrawlers and minnows can also entice drum by appealing to their opportunistic feeding nature.

Gear To Use For Catching Freshwater Drum:

Gear Type	Specifications	Purpose
Rod/Reel	Medium action rod paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel.	Suitable for the size and strength of Freshwater Drum.
Line	10-15 lb test line, to handle the potential size and fight.	Provides strength and durability for bottom fishing and pulling through structures.
Hook	Size 4-6 hooks, appropriate for the size of baits used.	Ensures solid hooksets in the tough mouths of drum.
Weights	Enough to keep bait anchored near the bottom.	Essential for effective bottom fishing where drum are most active.

More Thoughts on Gear:

Using gear that can withstand the abrasive environments where drum live is crucial. They often inhabit areas with rocks and other structures, so durable line and robust hooks are necessary to prevent breakages and ensure successful catches.

Best Time Of Year To Catch / Weather Conditions:

Freshwater Drum can be caught throughout the year, but the best time is during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. During this time, drum are more active and feed more aggressively, especially before spawning in the spring.

Most Active Feeding Times: They are typically most active during the evening and early morning hours, though they can be tempted to bite throughout the day if the conditions are right, particularly in overcast or murky water conditions.

How To Identify If You Caught Freshwater Drum: Freshwater Drum can be recognized by their deep bodies and blunt snouts, with silvery to grayish colors and a white underside. They have a humped back and are the only North American fish with a lateral line that extends to the end of the caudal fin. Their ability to produce a drumming or croaking sound, especially during the spawning season, is also a distinctive trait. For more detailed identification or to confirm your catch, you can refer to resources like the Catchpedia Fish Identifier.