Red Drum Fishing in North Carolina
When red drum are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Red Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Red Drum catches in North Carolina run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 15% 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and May-Jun. 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 North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 15% of the red drum caught are kept and 85% are released. That works out to roughly 322K kept and 1.8M released in 2024.
How many red drum are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 2.1M red drum caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #7 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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