Channel
Bass (Red Drum)
Sciaenops ocellatus
Adopted 1971
Each spring and fall, pier and surf fishermen expect to catch channel
bass weighing 40 to 50 pounds. Often called the red
drum because of its copper-red color, the channel bass
may live as long as 30 years and reach a length of five feet. These fish
spawn in coastal waters near inlets and bays. Wind and water currents
carry the newly hatched larvae to nursery areas in the estuary. Within
six to eight months, the young fish move to salt water.
Cool Link:
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries: Red Drum - Characteristics, habits, status, and other information for sports fishermen. They also have a nice color illustration of the fish.
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