Drum info

[bassfisher]

So yesterday i was sitting off a point fishing a shaky head,  and thought i had one dandy of a bass on, turned out to be a darn drum. So im really wanting to know if the meat is white and flakey, and good to eat like some one said on the forum before.  My thoughts are no, or else i would be hearing about how good they are on the forum 

[jdmidwest]

They are good out of cold water.  Meat is actually a little tough/chewy but good blackened on the grill.

I keep some out of the TN River and have ate many out of the St. Francois.

[Big Keene]

On 8/27/2017 at 4:36 PM, bassfisher said:

  My thoughts are no, or else i would be hearing about how good they are on the forum 

i agree. seems like there's a reason nobody fishes for them!

 

[Cobra 188D]

If you cut the meat into strips make a wet batter and deep fry drum are delicious 

[straw hat]

I know many people who go up to Caplinger Mill when they are running water, fish for drum and take them home and eat them.

["eyes"haveit]

One way to find out. 

[WhateversBitin]

The meat is more dense than what you'll expect. Just be sure to cut off all of the dark meat. It has a pretty strong flavor that I, personally, do not care for. I believe they aren't appreciated due to their down turned mouth, which makes people think they are a type of sucker. From what I can tell, their diet is more similar to sunfish. I eat them on a pretty regular basis, since they seem to like whatever I fish with. They aren't for everyone, though, My wife can't seem to get over the texture. I suspect that's some sort of ploy to get me to eat the drum and leave the crappie and walleye for her, but I can't prove it.

[Dkman]

I have never eaten a Drum either. Do you filet them as normal? And are they very boney?

Had a friend who told me he likes them just as much as redfish down in LA.

[WhateversBitin]

They have what I've heard called 'pin' bones, like trout. They're fairly noticeable after fileting. Usually, I filet with an electric knife and clean up with a regular filet knife afterward. I run into them when cutting around the rib bones. I cut both sides, and can typically pull them out of the filet with the ribs. 

[Walcrabass]

Bassfisher,

 Drum are just fine to eat. All of the old timers I fished with ate them and got me started too. You can bake them with Cavendar's Greek Seasoning mix, cut in strips to batter and fry, or make poor man's lobster out of them to dip in your homemade Shrimp sauce. Try them out. I think you will like them. I keep every single one I catch.

Walcrabass