Aplodinotus grunniens
Rafinesque, 1819

Freshwater Drum
Also Known As: Sheepshead, Freshwater Redfish

Above: A Lake Erie Freshwater Drum.

Etymology:

Genus- Aplodinotus= single back (Greek).
Species- grunniens= grunting (Latin).

Intro:

Freshwater Drum were first described by Rafinesque in 1819. It is a fish very few anglers target, but is a large growing species. This fish is usually considered a trash fish because it is considered bad table fare, and will hit any bait.

Habitat:

Drum live in large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This fish is usually found in deeper water. It has the longest longitudinal range of any native U.S.A. fish.

Spawning:

Drum spawn in spring-late summer. Eggs float near the surface of the water.

Diet:

Drums eat small fish, crayfish, snails, insect larvae, and where they occur will even eat zebra mussels.

Size:

Drum are usually 12-30 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get up to 20+ pounds.

Keeping In Aquaria:

I've not heard of this fish being kept. It is rather plain and grows to a large size.

Gaming Qualities:

I think Drum are good fighters, especially in a river with a good current. They will run deep and are a lot of fun.

Fishing Tips:

I would fish for drum in a similar way I'd fish for bass. This fish will hit artificial lures, but many of the ones I've seen caught have been taken on whole night crawlers.