Rockport Texas - The History, Legends & Lore 1st Printing | Page 70

RED FISH (sp. Sciaenops ocellatus) Often known as the Red Drum. Its most distinguishing mark is a large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. This fish puts up a good fight, and that’s what the Sport Fishermen love about our Red Fish. It’s a favorite! LORE: The oldest Red Fish (Red Drum) ever recorded was 37 years old, and the heaviest ever caught in Texas was 59.5 lbs. DRUM FISH (sp. Pogonias cromis) It’s been called the Black Drum and the Texas Drum. It doesn’t put as good of a fight as a Red Fish, but it tastes just as good, and the fillets are often bigger. It’s a member of the Croaker Family, which means that it’s related to our Red Fish and our Speckled Trout. LORE: The biggest Drum Fish caught in Texas was 78 lbs. 30 & 40 lb. Drum are not uncommon. 69