Stalking the shallow grass flats for red drum is the ultimate challenge for the wade anglers. A weedless spoon is used in areas of heavy submerged or floating vegetation. Shrimplike plastic worms and jigs are good and both are fished under corks or bounced along the bottom. The surf provides excellent red drum fishing. The best artificial baits are the heavier spoons and slow sinking fish shaped plugs.
Plastic worms are also effective bounced along the bottom.
Saltwater flyfishing for red drum is increasing in popularity. Leader lengths can be from seven to 9 feet with a tippet strength from eight to 15 pounds. Once hooked, a red drum on flyfishing tackle is a worthy, exciting adversary. Both single and double-drop bottom rigs are good. A heavy grabbing sinker is needed to keep baits stationary on the surf bottom.