Red drum were sometimes found right in our canal (about 1. “Once you spot a tailing fish, you want to cast your artificial about 5 feet in front of the fish and 4 feet past it,” says Plair. Size limits vary by state, so be sure to check the regulations before you go fishing. Subject to updates by Texas Legislature or Texas Parks and Wildlife CommissionResearchers from the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute studied the effects of exercise and air exposure on 48 “small” (8-12”) and 24 “slot” sized (20-29”) red drum. Bonus Red Drum Tag (Type 599): $3. Drum Bag & Length Limits. San Antonio, Texas 78254 (210) 688-9460 or 688-9516 Randy Myers, Biologist. Red Drum Tags. In short, you only actually have to buy them if you’re exempt from. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. In Texas, what size fish can you keep?The Texas redfish limit is a daily limit of 3 fish and a slit size of 20 to 28 inches, with the ability to keep a fish over 28 inches long with a red drum day. And not only red drum, but these reels are also great for landing any fish in the 1-40 lb. Feeding size Protein level Feeding rate2 (inches) Feed type1 (%) (%) 1 to 3 #2 crumble 45 5 3 to 6 #3 crumble or 45 5 3/32- to 1/8-inch sinking or floatingThe size of red drum landed by commercial fishermen before (1972-1974)andafter(1974-1978)thebanwas compared with thesize of. They spawn in the Gulf, possibly near the mouths of passes. David Deuel while fishing mullet along the bottom of a sandbar in Avon, North Carolina on 11/7/1984. View sales history, tax history, home value estimates, and overhead views. Note: The legal minim size was 14 inches TL at. to Max 26 IN. 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season. Red drum begin spawning in the fall when daylight hours decrease and water temperature begins to cool. The changes enacted for the 2022-23 license year take effect Sept. Other Although freshwater drum is considered a rough fish by many anglers, it is prized as a food fish in some areas. For larger bull drum with cut bait, stick to a 5/0 circle hook. San Antonio, Texas 78254 (210) 688-9460 or 688-9516 Randy Myers, Biologist. Harvest of red drum from federal waters ,s prohibited Commercial harvest and sale of native red drum has been prohibited in state waters since 1989. These declines in catches occurred while both states protected red drum with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a creel limit of two fish per day 32 inches or longer. 31, 2024. Submit only one picture of one side of the fish. Edit Close. Lake Texoma Min Length: none. Tex. (Freestone County) – Modify harvest regulations for red drum for lakes. For red drum, minimum length = 20 inches, with no maximum length limit. ; bag limit is 3; In a license year and in addition to the bag limit. 4VAC20-1400-50. 4200 Smith School Rd. The Drum Lines Black drum, also known as banded drum, drum fish, big drum or gray drum, depending on local parlance, are growing in popularity among inshore anglers. These devices, subject to restrictions listed, may be used to take fish and other aquatic life in Texas public waters. A. In the summer of 2013, a 45-pound 9-ounce red drum was caught by Al Mead in Theodore, Alabama, setting the state record for the biggest redfish. He is not a Texas resident, he is from Upper Laguna. Catching the giant bullfish is just one of the many things Louisiana is known for. Because of. The channel bass (red drum) is hereby adopted as the official State saltwater fish of the State of North Carolina. to be a hardy, fast-growing sport fish. Red drum is considered a great sport fish because it will hit on most kinds of. Upon maturity (age 4 and around 32 inches in length), red drum move out of the estuaries to join the adult spawning stock in the ocean. Why are there red. Game fish may be taken only by pole and line (which includes rod and reel), except as otherwise provided in this guide. Daily Limit: 3. Bow Fishing Regulations. Red drum is the species of blackened. A 7- or 7. Size (Inches) 34 18 14 37 14 20 14 No Limit. Report online, via the mobile app, or by calling 800. San Antonio, Texas 78254 (210) 688-9460 or 688-9516 Randy Myers, Biologist. A. Daily bag limit: 3 fish per person per day. General Regulations. 5 meters) total length. It has a diverse aquaculture industry including sportfish, baitfish, tilapia, oyster, and marine algae production and home to one of only two freshwater prawn. The state’s Gulf Coast is a prime destination for Redfish anglers, with hotspots like Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Laguna Madre. Editorial; Features. b One red drum over 28" allowed per license year with a properly filled. Marlin Bag & Length Limits. 5 to 10 cm) fingerlings and 8- to 12-inch (20 to 30 cm) stocker red drum were produced primarily by specialty hatchery producers. 075mgThe Red Drum fishery management plan (FMP) prohibited directed commercial harvest from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for 1987. That is why the upper slot is typically somewhere around that 26″ mark. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Other Although freshwater drum is considered a rough fish by many anglers, it is prized as a food fish in some areas. The rig generally involves a 50- or 60-pound leader, a circle hook, and a pyramid sinker to keep the line in position. All anglers over 16 that fish in the state or public waters must carry a valid Texas saltwater fishing license. In general, redfish must be between 18 and 27 inches long to be legal. Red drum is a fast growing fish reaching approximately 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds in three years. Spawning seems to occur in open water. New in Fishing for 2023-2024. Generally, fish do not weigh a pound an inch. Bottom Fishing / Jigging for Redfish. On the Texas coast spawning occurs. house located at 5828 Red Drum Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76179 sold for $152,000 on Jun 20, 2007. It is unlawful to possess more than seven (7) red drum per day taken in a commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of individuals or vessels involved. While the diet of larger drum does not differTexas Commercial Fishing regulations summary 2023 2024 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 – AUGUST 31, 2024. The daily bag limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. Spawning in captivity won't be easy, and once spawned, the juveniles must be raised to stocking size – a. If you are not required to hold a fishing license, this endorsement is not required. To ensure the sustainability of these species and preserve the ecosystem, it’s crucial to understand Louisiana’s regulations on saltwater fish limits. Three-year-old red drum typically weigh 6-8 lb. 4200 Smith School Rd. Immediately call (800) 962-6625 to report a stranded marine mammal. This suspends the bait up in the water column, and the sounds and vibrations from the cork attract the redfish. 18 inches long and caught in the Colorado River by Wally Escobar Jr. In Texas freshwater drum are ubiquitous exclusive of the Panhandle. 29” min carcass length or 33 lbs. The current size slot limit of 15 to 23 inches for red drum would remain unchanged. The commercial fishing industry in Texas harvests over 1. Juveniles have 4 to 6 dark vertical bars on sides (fade with age) Barbels on lower jaw. “Bay anglers who catch a 15-pound redfish are stunned. 14 when the fishery is closed (bag limit 0). Males and females weigh 2 to 3 pounds (1 to 1. Black drum Daily Bag: 5 Min Length: 14 inches Max Length: 30 inches. Fishing with a Boat. A slot limit is designed to protect both undersized redfish, as well as mature bull redfish, which form the breeding stock of the red drum population. General Regulations. between red drum size and prey size was examined for important prey species. Release Citation: 46 IN. ) 1 In Texas, the Laguna Madre is divided into two sections: Photo courtsey of Texas Aquatic Science ©2019, (Rosen Rudolph) The Upper. Bag, Possession, and Length Limits. Effective Date: September 1, 2021. In addition to shrimp and fiddler crabs, many anglers often use live finger-size mullet or mud minnows to target medium-size red drum (5 - 15 lb) found on open mud flats adjacent to large expanses of salt marsh grass. Red fish are a popular game fish, and can be found in both salt and fresh water. Possession limit is equal to the daily bag limit. The red drum and black drum are close cousins, but man are they different. One black drum per person per day over 25” TL is allowed. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to take, catch, or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 25 inches in total length. (I) Daily bag limit: 5 largemouth or spotted bass in any combination. Definitions. Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters. One fish over 52 inches may be kept as part of the daily limit, but the flesh of those fish typically contain parasitic worms, making them undesirable for the table. The Texas record taken by a sport angler is 78 pounds but most bull drum caught weigh 30 to 40. 4200 Smith School Rd. 66. edu . One or more dark, ocellated spots at base of tail (occasionally without spot) Lack barbels on lower jaw. Not more than 5 per vessel per trip. Unlawful to gig, spear, or gaff red drum. And those fish can be big. A Texas redfish bag limit is the number of a single species you can catch and take with you in a single day. Definitions. This rig consists of a sliding egg sinker, swivel, leader, and hook. As the fish grow, they may be moved into larger cages and the density decreased to ~400 fry/m 3. Red Drum. “Red drum reach sexual maturity between their third and fourth years when they are about thirty inches long. 7 pounds. Stacy’s limit is six fish with a minimum size of 15 inches. to change the appearance of fish subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head and/or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that they may not be measured and/or. Historically, red drum supported important commercial and. Minimum size: 16″ to 26″. 0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Marine Stock Enhancement Program has introduced an average of 20 million fingerling Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus into bays across Texas annually since 1983. Mouth inferior and horizontal, teeth set in bands on both jaws. Fishing mortality from 2017 -present averages 0. The regulation changes are as follows: Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Sabine, and San Augustine counties) — Delineate. com, 713-725-2401; Lower Laguna Madre: Capt. Texas redfish, or red drum, is a highly sought-after game fish off the Texas Gulf Coast. S. Black drums are saltwater fish that normally weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds. For the entire state where redfish are legal to harvest, the slot limit is set at 18 to 27 inches. All other states have redfish size limits that don’t allow you to keep fish over their slot limit. The record red drum was 94 pounds and was caught on the East coast. Throughout the southeast US, this species (known locally as spottail bass) is one of the top three fish preferred by saltwater anglers. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Feeding habits, seasonal diet variation, and predator size-prey size relationships of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were investigated in Galveston Bay, Texas through stomach contents analysis. sink@tamu. Mackerel Bag & Length Limits. But he couldn't legally keep that big a fish. one red drum exceeding the maximum length limit established by this subparagraph may be retained when affixed with a properly executed Red Drum Tag, a properly executed Exempt Angler Red Drum Tag, or with a properly executed Duplicate Exempt Red Drum Tag, and one red drum over the. In the late 1980s red drum was overfished, thus several emergency closures were established to reduce fishing pressure and allow the stock to rebuild. These two styles of hooks have a tendency to hook the fish deeper in the roof of the mouth, the gullet or the crushers. The higherMinimum size: 19 inches Possession limit: Unlimited. The “drum” part of the red drum name comes from the fish’s ability to make a drumming sound by manipulating their air bladder, a common way of calling to other redfish during the spawn. Red Drum movement varies by size, in that larger fish, at or above the upper slot limit, move around estuaries much more than smaller fish. Laboratory experiments in Texas (Neill 1987; Holt et al. 1153. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Drum exceeding 50 pounds frequent flats from Jersey to Texas. On the Texas coast spawning occurs. Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). ducers surround Matagorda Bay in Texas; it is the source of most red drum broodfish currently used in the U. Oth ers have special seasonal regulations that prohibit culling the catch. Bait Seines (a maximum mesh size not exceeding 1/4-inch bar, 1/2 inch stretched and 30 feet in length; must be operated solely on foot and by hand, without any pulley, mechanical device or assistance whatsoever). (ii) Minimum length limit: 15 inches. 3. Grouper Bag & Length Limits. Larval and juvenile red drum use various shallow estuarine habitats in coastal sounds and rivers during the first few years of life. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. 894. Stocking Most fingerling red drum are stocked into ponds for growout at a rate of 2,000 to 4,000 per acre. The diet. they both can withstand varying salinities (redfish do much better with this) There are also some striking differences: redfish are much stronger. (III) It is unlawful to retain more than two bass of less than 18 inches in length. Review Florida’s extensive laws before fishing for red drum, or any fish. 080 (e) 1154. cromis (has chin barbels and lacks spot on tail) Size. No more than one lawful gill net can be used recreationally. Get directions. Texas. 6 mm per day, though the rates varied with location and year and were. Daily Limit: 1*. 4VAC20-1400-50. Keep the boat about 15-20 feet from the rocks and work the jig (with bait or without) a foot or so from the bottom. The current state record red drum was caught in the Gulf of Mexico in January 2000 and was 54 ¼ inches long and. Figure 1. Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species. Overall, 1891 red drum larvae and early. The red drum has a characteristic eyespot near the tail and is somewhat streamlined. ft. (2) With respect to red drum, southern flounder, and spotted sea trout specifically, and until such time as the commission establishes daily take and possession limits for these species in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the following shall be the legal take, daily bag, and possession limits:The state of Florida has wrestled with how to measure saltwater finfish since 1925. Pertaining to Red Drum (adding 4VAC20-1400-10 through 4VAC20-1400-50). Drum are not afraid of rough water, and they can often times be right in the midst of heavy wave action, or in the rough waters generated by an inlet or around the. Madre in Texas to the Atlantic Chesapeake Bay contain juveniles. —The Channel Bass (Red Drum) is hereby adopted as the official State salt water fish of the State of North Carolina. 3. Red drum is a fast growing fish reaching approximately 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds in three years. 2 g) are. Sharks may not be taken by gill nets. The size limit for black drum in Texas is 14-30 inches, with a daily bag limit of five fish per person. 0 kg). For decades now, the Texas. Tuna. SC gamefish (cobia, red drum, spotted seatrout, tarpon, and striped bass) may not be taken by nets. Synonyms and Other Names: redfish. Red drum (channel bass, red fish, and puppy drum), in inland waters; Spotted sea trout, in inland waters; Pickerel (chain or “jack”, and redfin). RED DRUM AND SPECKLED SEA TROUT: PENALTIES. Fill out the necessary information on the tag which includes: (1) the date (cut out the month and day found along the edges of the tag); (2) the place where the fish was caught (such as the name of the bay); and, (3) the county in which the fish was caught. Red drum can be found “tailing” with their head down in the grass and the tail exposed to the air when feeding in shallow water. 981 - Bag, Possession, and Length Limits (a) For all wildlife resources taken for personal consumption and for which there is a possession limit, the possession limit shall not apply after the wildlife resource has reached the possessor's residence and is finally processed. Redfish grow faster, usually hitting length and weight milestones a year earlier than black drum for the first six years. recognized that red drum have been reported to feed on all types of prey at various times. Submit only one picture of one side of the fish. Catching the giant bullfish is just one of the many things Louisiana is known for. Anglers fishing for tunas in Louisiana state or federal are subject to both state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. The red drum is a popular game fish in coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico. Port Aransas/Rockport/Corpus Christi Fishing boats in the Port Aransas marina. The diet of red drum in estuaries along the Texas coast is similar to that found in other Gulf coast regions, however, information is limited and dated (Pearson 1929; Gunter 1945; Knapp 1950; Miles 1950). This may. The rig generally involves a 50- or 60-pound leader, a circle hook, and a pyramid sinker to keep the line in position. 3 beds, 2 baths, 2309 sq. The regulations for catching redfish in Texas include a bag limit, a possession limit, and red drum tag are: Bag Limit: Anglers can catch up to three redfish per day, with a minimum size of 20 inches and a maximum size limit of 28 inches. Redfish limits in Alabama. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. But this strange feeding style doesn't slow their growth any — red drum may weigh in at 50 pounds!Drum, black a Drum, red b Flounder c Gar, alligator. In China, cages are constructed of flexible mesh bags attached to solid frames and are 1. The maximum reported length is 61 inches (155 cm) total length (TL), however this species is more typically seen at lengths of about 39. Federal law also regulates species between 9. In the late 1980s red drum was overfished, thus several emergency closures were established to reduce fishing pressure and allow the stock to rebuild. Then one might wonder, “What is the legal size of a redfish?” Redfish must be between the ages of 18 and 27 inches (slot limit). The possession limit is the number of a single species you can have in your possession at one time; it is a combined total of your daily take and anything you have stored at home. The exact shades of the colors are dependent on the habitat and geographic region. 1–April 30 • Atlantic - All others open year round • •Gulf - Open year-round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - 4 per harvester Gag Grouper p. Most of the adult black drum measure 30-40 inches. (b) The possession limit does not apply to fish in the. These fish, when caught, are unCurrently, Louisiana anglers may harvest five reds per angler per day, with a size minimum of 16 inches and a maximum of 27 inches (one fish may be over). You can keep a maximum of 3 fish per angler per day. "Slot" may also refer to a fish within the size limits one can keep. Captain and crew members shall not retain a daily limit of red drum whileSurf casters along the 35 miles of Maryland's Atlantic coast catch large red drum in late fall and may occasionally catch smaller legal-size fish. Be sure to check these sites often, as regulations do. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. produced by a female black drum and. take, kill, or disturb any endangered or threatened fish species (paddlefish, shovel-nosed sturgeon, sawfish and others). The maximum legal size for the taking of red drum . You also need a valid saltwater fishing license to catch redfish in Alabama. Smaller Shark: Same as above, but increase leader length to. However, adults can live for more than 40 years, be five feet long and tip the scale at more than 80 pounds. A. The limit on black drum in Texas is five fish per day, with a slot limit of 14 inches to 30 inches. A drum this size compares very favorably to its cousins the red drum (redfish), the speckled trout and. The average weight of black drum landed by recreational anglers in Texas is about 3 pounds. The current Texas rod-and-reel record weighed 59. in salinities above 25 ppt. The Laguna Madre is the longest and largest of seven estuarine systems in Texas and is one of six hypersaline bays worldwide in which the water is saltier than normal seawater (Figure 1. Stocking Most fingerling red drum are stocked into ponds for growout at a rate of 2,000 to 4,000 per acre. The proposed change to red drum fishing regulations comes after CRD conducted a satisfaction survey in 2022, as well as two town hall meetings in June 2022, to assess angler and. Alex Suescun 2022 Redfish (Red Drum) Regulations. Size limit: Only redfish between 20” and 28” may be kept Daily bag limit: 3 per day per person; If. A redfish must be at least 20” but no more than 28” in length to be legally harvested. Redfish, also know as red drum, are a popular inshore species available throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast to Chesapeake Bay. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. Note: Filleting at sea is allowed. In China, cages are constructed of flexible mesh bags attached to solid frames and are 1. However, this year the minimum size for flounder is 17 inches. Red drum larvae feed primarily on zooplankton (Figure 1). Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit). It was birthed out of our abundance. 2011. The size limit is set between 18 inches and 27 inches to allow the larger, sexually mature red drum to spawn. The meeting was set to be held on March 12, 2016. Trout . 4200 Smith School Rd. In 1925 the Legislature first enacted length measurements for marine finfish. Red Drum fingerlings are released during seasons outside of wild juvenile Red Drum recruitment, exposing them. 1, 2022. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. , maximum size is 28 in. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is hereby amended by adding a new section at the end thereof, to be designated as G. on the 14,447 red drum tagged in Texas from 1975 to 1982, with a recovery rate of . 6 kg. The market size of red drum has shifted over time from 0. Minimum size: 16″ to 26″ Anglers can keep one fish over the 26-inch limit per day out of the three total redfish allowed per day. Alabama Record Redfish. The size limit minimum length is 14 inches, and the size limit minimum length of 30 inches. They hope the hybrid will prove. Anne Henderson-Arzapalo, Robert L. Size of the mouth may regulate the size of the preferred prey. Valid Sep. A single black drum, measuring 52 inches or more, can be kept and placed in the daily bag. The diet. R. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to take, catch, or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 25 inches in total length. For example, a "slot Red Drum" measuring between 18"-27" may be kept, but anything below may not be harvested, and any fish over 27" may only be harvested with a red drum tagWhether you are in Texas Fishing, Florida, North Carolina or wherever there is Redfish (red drum) this vid will offer you tips and how to on how to catch red. Redfish, also know as red drum, are a popular inshore species available throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast to Chesapeake Bay. A Redfish With as Many Spots as a Seatrout. The egg sinker allows the bait to move naturally with the current, while the swivel prevents line twist. The red drum is a member of the drum and croaker family. Definitions. One winner will be announced. The largest red drum on record weighed just over 94 lb and was caught in 1984 on Hatteras Island. The ports of Port Aransas, Rockport, and Corpus Christi are all in the same region along the middle coast of Texas. Generally, three-year-old Red Drum typically weigh between 6 to 8 pounds. Reds are one of the drum species,. Max Length: 25 inches. The redfish restrictions vary by region in Florida, so it is important to know where you are fishing and what regulations apply. 021. Red drum are at the top of the food chain wherever they are found in fresh water. Fishing with a Boat. Red drum, or redfish, are reddish bronze in color with a black spot on each side of the base of their tails. Previous. Fill out the necessary information on the tag which includes: (1) the date (cut out the month and day found along the edges of the tag); (2) the place where the fish was caught (such as the name of the bay); and, (3) the county in which the fish was caught. In the four decades since, the coastal. They typically reside in deeper water, and can be quite fast. The best states for catching red drum are along the sandy and shell covered bottoms of coastal areas of Florida and Texas. red drum. Digital licenses are available through online purchase only. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Red drum with multiple spots and the youth who caught the Red drum with the most spots will win. Drum are also sought after as bait for other species. The daily bag limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. Size: 7/10 Fight: 6/10 Difficulty to Catch: 6/10 Taste:. Connecticut Record Redfish. Out-of-phase (spring) stocked red drumDigital License and Tagging Information. Available at TPWD Coastal Law Enforcement offices. Daily bag = 3 fish. They then move from these creek systems to the larger riv-ers, creeks and main parts of the estuaries where they form. Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually and the lake record is 13. The following are current state regulations for redfish from the Carolinas to Texas. Colura and Anthony F. General Rules & Regulations. Note: Filleting at. USA Records by State > Why Catch Red Drum Fish? 15 inches. Distinguishing characteristics include a dark gray or green back and silvery-white below, with distinct round spots on back, fins and tail; black. To find out more about the regulations for the reservoirs call (210) 635-8289 or visit the TPWD website Recommended Guide/Charter Service: Bones Fishing Guide Service (San Antonio, Calaveras Lake) This is one of the best guide services operating on Calaveras Lake for big redfish and catfish. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. For Texas, there is a five-fish limit for recreational fishing. Effective Date: August 1, 2020. Statutory Authority: § 28. The state record black drum weighed 81 pounds and was 51. Texas Parks & Wildlife Fishing Regulations subject to change Red Drum Limit: 3 per day Size: 20 in. The state record for redfish in Connecticut is somewhat smaller than average, with a 19. The size limit is set between 18 inches and 27 inches to allow the larger, sexually mature red drum to spawn. (2) It is unlawful to have in possession for commercial or recreational purposes fish taken from Alabama waters smaller than those stated below, provided that in the recreational possession limit of three (3) Red drum, one (1) Red drum may exceed the maximum size and in the possession of six (6) spotted seatrout, one (1) may exceed the. Fishing for redfish is illegal in federal waters. Ft. 31, 2024. Clarification: No more than 1 spotted seatrout over the stated maximum length may be retained per person per day. just hope to catch one of legal size and, to borrow from the world of finance, legal tender, because both provide. (C) Unlawful to possess red drum greater than 27” TL. 5 m 3 in size. 5 m 3 in size. 145-6, and to read as follows: "§ 145-6. Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) General Description Iridescent silver-gray with a copper cast, darker above; one or more oscillated spots on upper sides from below soft portion of dorsal fin to base of caudal fin.