Red Drum Fishing in Maryland
When red drum are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Red Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Maryland
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching red drum in Maryland
Red Drum catches in Maryland run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 11% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch red drum in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release red drum in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 11% of the red drum caught are kept and 89% are released. That works out to roughly 43K kept and 358K released in 2024.
How many red drum are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 401K red drum caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #12 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this red drum data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
