Red Drum Fishing in Mississippi
When red drum are caught across Mississippi, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Red Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in Mississippi by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching red drum in Mississippi
Red Drum catches in Mississippi run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 24% 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. 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 Mississippi?+
Across Mississippi, about 24% of the red drum caught are kept and 76% are released. That works out to roughly 208K kept and 642K released in 2024.
How many red drum are caught in Mississippi?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 851K red drum caught by recreational anglers in Mississippi in 2024, making it the #8 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.
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