Virginia Puppy Drum

Virginia recreational anglers caught and released 2.5 million red drum in 2013, according to the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). By comparison, anglers reported 61,330 in 2011 and 28,000 in 2010.

Virginia’s 2012 red drum harvest is estimated to be nearly 300,000 fish. Anglers harvested less than 3,000 red drum in 2010 and 2011.

Red drum are less common in Maryland. Maryland’s 2012 red drum harvest is estimated to be nearly 300,000 fish, as compared to less than 3,000 per year in 2010 and 2011.

In both states, anglers reported large numbers of juvenile fish, known as “puppy drum”. Scientists have speculated that the influx of juvenile red drum may have contributed to high mortality rates among young Chesapeake Bay blue crabs.

source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission