Where to Fish for Red Drum Today

Also called channel bass, redfish, or (as juveniles) puppy drum. Summer and fall target around the lower Bay shoals and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Big "bull reds" cruise the surf in fall.

Preferred conditions

Water temp: 65–85°F (ideal 75°F)
Tide: incoming
Moon: either
Depth: 3–20 ft
Active months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Best red drum conditions today

Sort Open harvest only

What anglers are reporting about red drum

From the Maryland DNR weekly fishing report, published May 27, 2026 · 105 days old — a newer report may be available.

Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays

Surf anglers are enjoying good fishing off the beaches of Ocean City and Assateague Island. Anglers fishing with large cut baits are catching large striped bass, red drum and bluefish. Most of the striped bass measure over the maximum slot size of 31 inches, but provide exciting catch-and-release action, as do the large red drum. Black drum are being caught on sand fleas and clams. At the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, anglers are catching striped bass by casting soft plastic jigs and paddletails . A fair number of the striped bass being caught are falling within the 28-31 inch slot.

Species mentioned: black drum, bluefish, red drum, striped bass

Excerpts are anecdotal and reflect a single week's observations from DNR biologists and reporting anglers — not predictions. Use as one signal among many; verify against current conditions before planning a trip.

Regulations by jurisdiction

Maryland (tidal)

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

tidal bay

Min size: 18"
Max size: 27"
Creel: 1

Chesapeake Bay: 18–27 inch slot, 1 per day. All fish outside the slot must be released. ASMFC red drum addendum — re-verify annually.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

atlantic

Min size: 18"
Max size: 27"
Creel: 1

Atlantic coast and coastal bays: 18–27 inch slot, 1 per day. Release all fish outside the slot.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Delaware (tidal)

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

tidal delaware

Min size: 20"
Max size: 27"
Creel: 5

Delaware Bay and tidal tributaries: 20–27 inch slot, 5 per day. Noticeably looser than MD (18–27 in slot, 1/day) — DE allows a higher creel and a narrower (higher) minimum size. Release all fish outside the slot.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

atlantic

Min size: 20"
Max size: 27"
Creel: 5

Delaware Atlantic coast and Inland Bays: 20–27 inch slot, 5 per day. All fish outside the slot must be released.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Virginia (tidal — VMRC)

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

tidal bay

Min size: 18"
Max size: 26"
Creel: 3

Virginia tidal waters (lower Chesapeake Bay, including the Eastern Shore seaside creeks): 18–26 inch slot, 3 per day. 4VAC20-1400. Note the slot is TIGHTER than MD (18–27 in) by one inch on the top end, but the creel is higher (3 vs. MD's 1). Fish outside the slot must be released.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Stale: last verified 140 days ago.

atlantic

Min size: 18"
Max size: 26"
Creel: 3

Virginia Atlantic coast: 18–26 inch slot, 3 per day. Same rule as tidal Bay. All fish outside the slot must be released. Popular fall surf fishery along the Eastern Shore seaside and Virginia Beach.

Source · verified 2026-04-22