September marks the start of the legendary run of big drum on the Outer Banks. The autumn air brings a crisp northeast breeze, cooling water temperatures and the highly anticipation of fall big drum migration.
Anglers wait all year for a chance to catch one of these trophy giants. North Carolina big drum are well known for their huge size and ferocious fight. Anglers travel many miles to experience this phenomenon.
These remarkable creatures originately known as puppy drum, can grow 40 to 50 inches or more in a matter of couple years. Once they reach full size, they are referred to as ābullā or just big drum.
Big drum are originally targeted early on in the surf. But as the conditions change, anglers have their best chance to land one on the ocean piers. The best bites occur with rough churning seas and constant winds up to 20 to 30 miles per hour.
Most pier anglers focus on the deep end but many different sizes of fish, along with the big drum, are caught along the entire length of the pier. So proper location is imperative.
To catch these giants, specialized gear and rigging is required. Heavy conventional or spinning surf rods of eight to ten feet or longer rated and reels designed to hold 17-20 lbs of monofilaments or 30-50 lbs braided line are the standard set up. Caution using braid lines on piers or near other anglers. And donāt forget that 50 lbs mono shock leader.
Rigging and baits are personalized. My favorite rig is the “Fish Finder” with short leaders and circle hooks. This rig helpsĀ prevent deep hooking and is the one most frequently used. The second one is a standard drum or cannon ball rig. This rig uses a heavy sinker slide attached to a weight on the main line swivel then a short leader with your preferred circle hook. Either way, these rigs work well.
Cut pieces of menhaden, mullet or spot are the baits of choice. Large chunks including bait heads with lots of scent attract these big drum. Anglers are known to use chunks of finger mullet or other oily smelly baits too.
The key to catching them is placing your baits where the drum are. While you may have the tendency to long cast, big drum will stay near structures. So while under the pier is perilous and can result in snag or being cut off, this area holds drum.
Every angler has their own strategy. Some anglers position themselves directly at the end of the pier, others will start at the shallow part and move to cover each side, just moving and looking for another opportunity. Another strategy, the big drum moves around to find a food source, so the anglers should too.
Regardless of your strategies. The passionate drum angler watches the weather and knows the migration signs.
Remember all red drum over 27 inches must be safely released in North Carolina, handling them with care is paramount. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible, minimize their time on the dry sand or pier deck, snap a quick photo, and support the fish in the water until it swims away under its own power.
Joining the elite fraternity of anglers who have landed an OBX autumn giant is an unforgettable experience, and protecting the fishery ensures the tradition continues for generations to come.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt TonyĀ