Tradewinds Tackle

April is the best spring time month to catch big red drum in the surf on Ocracoke Island. These citation sized fish (greater than 40” in length) begin to show up in good numbers as the water warms into the lower 60’s.

While the first few big drum are caught in March and a few will stay in the surf through May, April is the peak month as these fish move inshore from the ocean.

Most will be caught on chunks of bait fished near breaks in the sandbars along the beach or near the inlets. Puppy drum, smaller 18” to 27” slot limit sized red drum, will also be found in good numbers along the beach. Shrimp, squid, mullet, and menhaden are all good baits for fishing the surf.

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