Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus

Description: dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.

Where found: INSHORE and/or NEARSHORE over grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather.  We target these fish in-shore, on the beaches around the Marshes of Glynn and in the cuts leading into the marshes.  It all depends upon the weather and time of year.

Inshore, these fish are typically found over oyster beds and at the edge of the grass.  They are not found everywhere. You can be one hundred feet off of the right spot, and not catch a fish.  Typically we find where the schools are located, then cast clousers or gurglers; again, depending upon the weather and time of year.

Live shrimp on a float rig is the most popular way to fish for them.  To locate them, we might fish a float rig, and then switch to a fly rod.

In the early summer, large concentrations of large trout can be caught off of the beaches of the Golden Isles.  Capt. Dave knows where the fish are, and can show you how to catch this tasty table fare.

Fly Cast Charters is conservation oriented; and as a result, strongly encourages catch and release.  The winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were extremely harsh and severely impacted our population of Speckled Sea Trout.  As a result, we very strongly encourage releasing trout over 18″.  These are the breeder fish that we need to help rebuild our population.  However, you are welcome to keep a few trout less than 18″ to enjoy for dinner.  Many restaurants in the Golden Isles will prepare your catch for you.

Capt David with red fish

Winter Time red fishing in the Golden Isles

Winter time fly fishing red fish means big schools of fish, clear water and great fishing.  In the winter the water cools and as the plankton and algae die, the water clears.  On neap tides you can see 8 feet down.  So unusual for South Georgia flats fishing.  On good weather days it is possible to have shots at schools of 25-50 fish.  Sometimes more.  Fishing success is highly dependent on the weather in the Winter.  I am not heavily booked at this time of year.  Try to be flexible with the days you can get on the water so we can be on the water on the best weather days.

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