Big red drum have entered local waters, and anglers are winning citations from the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
A drum must be at least 46 inches long to qualify for a citation. The species is under strict catch regulations; the only red drum that can be kept are from 18-26 inches, maximum three a day.
Qualifying recently for red drum citations were the following residents:
Martin Bridges of Hayes, 47-inch fish caught April 20 in Mobjack Bay on crab;
Brian Gross of Hayes, 46.5-inch fish caught April 18 on Poquoson Flats, casting lures;
Nathan Gross of Hayes, 48.5-inch fish caught April 18 on Poquoson Flats, also casting lures; and,
Dakotah Mayo of Gloucester, 48-inch fish caught May 2 in Mobjack Bay.
Specks
Speckled trout catches large enough for citations are also being reported. Residents earning the honors include:
Everett Lane McFarlane of Gloucester, 5-2 fish caught on May 6 in Ware River, using bait;
Mark Ottarson of Bohannon, 5-2 fish caught April 23 in Mobjack Bay, ba...