Are Drum Fish Good To Eat? (Explained)

Freshwater drums are a popular food fish with firm flesh. The drum is not fished as often as their saltwater cousins, but they are becoming more popular as people become aware of their delicious taste and abundance around the United States.

CATCH and COOK with Black Drum Is It Good?
Takeaways
Drum fish can be consumed, but considerations should be made based on their size, location, and preparation methods.
The taste of drum fish is mild and sweet, often compared to redfish or snapper.
It’s important to be mindful of potential environmental contaminants, such as mercury, when consuming drum fish.
Drum fish can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, baking, frying, or using them in fish stews or chowders.
Fishing for drum fish can offer an exciting angling experience and the opportunity to catch a species that provides delicious meals.

Do Drum Fish Make Good Table Fare?

Drum fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D. They also contain selenium which is an antioxidant that helps to prevent damage to DNA.

Drum fish are very versatile as they can be prepared in many different ways: baking, pan frying, steaming, or poaching.

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How Long Do Drum Fish Live?

Drum fish may live for about 10 years. They are freshwater fish that grow up to 15 inches long and are popular game fish. They can also be eaten by humans, though they aren’t the most common thing you’d find on a menu. 

If you do decide to try eating drum fish, be sure they are not contaminated with toxins or chemicals before doing so as they can be very toxic if improperly prepared!

Drum Fish SpeciesAverage Lifespan
Red Drum30-40 years
Black Drum20-30 years
Freshwater Drum15-20 years

What Eats Freshwater Drum Fish?

Because freshwater drum fish are so abundant and easy to find, they have a wide variety of predators. There is almost no predator that does not eat freshwater drum fish at one point in its life cycle. Humans eat freshwater drum fish too! 

They are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Africa where they are often served as an appetizer or snack. Other animals like birds also enjoy feasting on these tasty creatures; after all, they don’t have teeth!

But what about other species? There’s something for everyone here: Birds can eat them whole without fear of being harmed by their sharp spines or scales (because birds don’t have teeth). 

Mammals such as bears can consume the fleshy parts of this fish without getting impaled by its sharp spikes (because bears do not have mouths). 

And even dead bodies can be used as bait by fishermen when fishing for larger predators such as sharks (for obvious reasons).

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Do You Need A License To Fish For Red Drums?

If you want to fish for the red drum, you’ll need a fishing license. You can buy them online or at the DMV. If your state doesn’t have a local tackle shop, there may be an option to buy one online as well. 

The fee will vary depending on what state and where you are fishing, but the cost is usually around $15-$20 per year for residents and $30-$40 per year for non-residents (depending on where they’re from).

Eating Red Drum

If you have successfully caught a red drum while fishing, now it’s time to figure out what to do with these delicious fish! 

Depending on which part of its body was used in cooking (for example: if it were steamed whole), then it might be best served with some kind of sauce or gravy poured over the top before eating…

StateFishing License Required?
TexasYes
LouisianaYes
FloridaYes
North CarolinaYes
MississippiYes

Are Freshwater Drum Fish Edible?

Drum fish are edible, and they are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. They also contain selenium.

Drum fish has a firm texture and firm flesh when cooked.

They are best grilled or baked whole but can be fried as steaks or fillets with the skin removed first if you prefer them without it.

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Is The Freshwater Drum A Good Eating Fish?

Yes, the freshwater drum is a very good eating fish. They are a great source of protein and are known to be delicious when fried, baked, grilled, or steamed.

If you like to eat seafood but don’t have time to catch it yourself, you may want to buy your fish at your local grocery store or market. Many stores sell frozen freshwater drums that you can use in any recipe that calls for cooked freshwater drums.

What Is The Difference Between Redfish And Drum?

Drum, or redfish, are very similar in appearance. However, there are some key differences. The drum is the name used for several different species of fish found throughout the world’s oceans and seas. The ones that you might find in your area include:

  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Atlantic Ocean (including Gulf Stream)
  • Pacific Ocean (including Hawaii)
CharacteristicRedfishDrum
Scientific NameSciaenops ocellatusMultiple species (e.g., Pogonias spp.)
ColorationCopper or bronze with a reddish hueSilver or gray with darker vertical bars
HabitatSaltwater estuaries and coastal areasSaltwater and freshwater environments
SizeTypically 20-30 inches, up to 50 inchesVaries by species, up to 4 feet in length
Popular Fishing AreasGulf of Mexico, Atlantic coastGulf of Mexico, Atlantic coast, lakes, rivers

Do You Have To Throw Redfish Back In?

Redfish are not a protected species, so it is perfectly legal to catch them. These fish are also not game fish, so you won’t have to release them for legal or ethical reasons either. 

Redfish are a food fish and you can eat the ones that you catch without any worries about breaking the law or harming the environment.

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Does Redfish Have Scales?

Scales are on the sides of redfish and they’re not always visible. Sometimes you can see them, but other times you won’t be able to tell if there are any scales on your fish until it’s been cooked and served. 

If you want to know whether or not your fish has scales before cooking it, look for one of the following:

  • Scales on the side of the fish (which should be obvious)
  • Those small pieces of skin that look like flakes or dandruff (this is also called “scale dust”)

If there aren’t any scales visible on your redfish then don’t worry! Scales don’t affect how good a fillet tastes when it’s cooked properly and eaten fresh out of the pan or grill!

Drum Fish Are A Delicious Table Fare

Drum fish is a delicious table fare. A drum fish is a type of fish, but it’s also the name for their fleshy body part that grows in the shape of a cylinder with two round ends. 

Drum fish are known for their large size and pleasant taste. They come from freshwater streams, so they’re not very likely to be found in an ocean or sea environment.

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Conclusion

Drum fish is a tasty meal that is hard to beat. They can be prepared in many ways and are best when fried or grilled. If you’re looking for something different then give drum fish a try!

Further Reading

Freshwater Drum Are Fun to Catch, but Can You Eat Them?: Learn more about the edibility of freshwater drum and find out if they are suitable for consumption.

Are Black Drum Good to Eat?: Discover the culinary qualities of black drum and explore their suitability as a food fish.

6 Reasons to Try Freshwater Drum Fishing: Interested in freshwater drum fishing? Find out six compelling reasons why you should give it a try.

And here’s the markdown code for the “FAQs” section:

FAQs

Can I eat drum fish?

Yes, drum fish can be eaten, but it’s important to consider factors such as their size, location, and preparation methods.

What does drum fish taste like?

Drum fish have a mild, sweet flavor often compared to that of redfish or snapper.

Are there any health risks associated with eating drum fish?

As with any fish, it’s important to be mindful of potential environmental contaminants such as mercury. Checking local advisories and practicing moderation can help minimize any health risks.

How should I cook drum fish?

Drum fish can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, frying, or even using them in fish stews or chowders.

What are the benefits of fishing for drum fish?

Fishing for drum fish can offer an exciting angling experience, a chance to enjoy the outdoors, and the opportunity to catch a species that can provide delicious meals.