The vast majority of red drum caught in South Carolina aren’t kept for coolers.
Of the estimated 560,000 red drum hooked by anglers each year, 80% are released. But even under ideal conditions, studies estimate that about 10% of caught-and-released fish die.
The math is clear – with coastal angler numbers on the rise, proper handling and release are critical to ensuring good fishing in South Carolina.
Today we’re sharing our picks for the ideal rigs to use for adult red drum (aka bull reds) in particular. These set-ups are designed to minimize the chance of gut-hooking these large fish, giving them a better shot at surviving their encounters with anglers. The older and larger a fish is, the more it can contribute to the next generation of red drum – so if you target adult red drum, it’s worth taking the time to use the right rig.
Here are the specs for SCDNR-recommended rigs for adult red drum:
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A short leader (~6 inches or less) on 50-80-pound monofilament
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A fixed sinker weighing 3-6 ounces
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A non-offset and non-stainless circle hook
Two variations on the ideal adult red drum rig. Removing the barb is optional. (Image: Mark Conrardy/SCDNR)
Already fish with rigs like this? Tell us about your experience with them below.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on South Carolina Wild are solely those of the authors, and do not reflect official policies, positions, or endorsements of activity or products by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
0 comments
Great article and advice that every concerned Angler should adhere to. I have been using a "True Circle" as opposed to the "Octopus" almost exclusively in Salt water and in many freshwater situations as long as I can remember there being circle hooks. They work better in almost every situation (not a Sheepshead or Spadefish – I actually prefer a small Octopus for both), excepting the "gut hook", which is the point, once you learn how to fish them properly. As the article states, this is extremely important on big "breeder reds" of which only a small percentage make it to that age (8-10+ years ?). Bait on the bottom, in the surf, or wherever with a regular or khale hook, from my experience, gut hook 9 out of 10 of these fish. They are hardy fish, but if gut hooked don’t be too lazy to tie on a new hook – give it to her (hence non stainless) and make certain she has been properly revived before releasing. If she turns upside down and sinks, likely a goner, and a shame. Thanks for the post.
Walker Cate
If you will shorten those leader lengths to 4 inches or less, or even better 3 inches or less you will get greater than a 95% non-deep hooking rate. If interested you can research the grant funded Old drum mortality studies in North Carolina that prove that. The shorter leader lengths do not affect catching success and they also cast a whole lot better!
Walker, my understanding from talking with the biologists, is that the old drum , 40-inchers and bigger, (you described as "big breeders") be 40 years old or more! Thanks for the great comments on these wonderful fish…definitely worthy of extra care just like you described! Scott
Absolutely, our biologists have seen red drum up to 40 years old in our longline surveys. Researchers in other states have reported redfish even older, up to 60 years. Pretty incredible.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts & experience. Hearing from longtime anglers like y’all is critical to our work — it helps us pinpoint problems and share practices and set-ups that will both work in the field and improve the survival of these impressive fish.
My experience with the Lupton Rig is that they work well when fishing from a boat where the presentation is more vertical. I do not like the rig for fishing from the beach as the strong tides we have in SC will bury the weight and then bury the bait in the sand because of the short leader. Keep in mind that surf fished baits tend to sit and soak longer.
I use these rigs with a 3-4” leader, where the eye of the hook is just below the tip of the pyramid sinker. I think the pyramid sinker hanging off the three way swivel is the better option because it is harder for the fish to swallow. This is the only rig I will use when targeting these big reds.
I use circle hooks (non-offset) exclusively now in my inshore fishing. Have for at least 15 years. Very rarely will a fish be hooked deep. It also has cut down my snags in wood-cluttered creek bottoms. I use circles even for whiting and spot (yes, they make them that small). Saves a lot of small fish. I even have my inland nieces and nephews using small circle hooks for bluegill fishing. No more (well, very few) swallowed hooks on the bream beds.
It’s a beautiful thing to see a circle hook work exactly as it should. Great to hear you’ve been able to make them work for so many environments/species — thanks for sharing.