Inshore Fisheries Research Section

Red Drum - Project Overview

Project Goal:

To find out what proportion of red drum survive the catch-and-release encounter when caught by recreational South Carolina anglers.

Accomplishments:

• Surveyed South Carolina's recreational anglers to determine their fishing habits, including hook types used.
• Co-operated with professional fishing guides throughout South Carolina.
• Tested several hook types to determine short- term (48 hour) catch-and-release mortality of red drum.
• Used our findings to educate anglers about the best ways to catch-and-release red drum in order to minimize the damage to the fish.

Our Results:

• Red Drum Life History
• Complete Survey Results
• Hook Mortality
• Tips for Catch-and-Release Fishing

Other Links:

• Thank you's
• Current red drum fishing regulations

This project was funded by a grant from the Cooperative Research Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office.