The Drum Fish

The drum fish are a freshwater species of the Sciaenidae family of fishes. It is one of only three members of this broad group to live exclusively in fresh water (others are the saltwater black drum of the Atlantic and the striped bass or rockcod of the Pacific). Freshwater drum have an oblong body with a humped back which is more pronounced in larger individuals. Their long dorsal fin extends from the peak of the hump almost to their tail. Their mouth is subterminal or turned down partially and they have small barbels on each side. Drums feed primarily on invertebrates but also take some fish, especially during certain times of the year. They have heavy pharygeal teeth in their throat which enable them to consume mollusks as well. Drums spawn in April and May over shallow gravel and sandy stretches of river bottom when the water is between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The eggs float and hatch within two weeks. The adults spend most of their time near the bottom and eat crayfish, fish, mollusks and immature insects.

Drums have a lateral line of sense organs that extend to the end of their tail, which allows them to pick up vibrations in the water and distinguish food and enemies from each other. They feed mainly by rooting around in the substrate or flipping stones to expose prey items. Drums are an important predatory fish in their ecosystem and a valuable source of protein. They are also a keystone species in many freshwater systems.

While they are not a highly-valued sportfish, they put up a good fight and make for excellent table fare. They are also a very important part of many local angling communities and provide an abundant supply of quality bait. Drum fillets are not bony and have a firm texture that makes them a great choice for broiling or grilling. They also have a relatively mild flavor. The meat is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Like most fish, drum do carry trematode parasites and should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Although the name “drum” is misleading, they are a very distinctive fish. Drum are easily identified by their oblong body and long dorsal fin. They inhabit a wide range of West Virginia medium to large rivers, streams and reservoirs but are more common in larger rivers with clear waters than in turbid ones. They prefer slow or moderate current over sand and mud bottoms and can survive in a wider range of water conditions than other fish species. They are not often found in pristine waters but they thrive in some of the most polluted habitats in North America. This flexibility makes them an attractive target for anglers across the region. The drum’s specialized abdominal muscles surrounding their air-filled swim bladder can be vibrated with a flick of the rod to produce a deep, thudding sound similar to the drums they are named after.