As a seasoned angler and outdoor writer with over a decade spent exploring Tennessee’s waterways, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the often-overlooked freshwater drum. Many anglers dismiss them as “trash fish,” but I’m here to tell you that drumfish in Tennessee offer a surprisingly fun and challenging fishing experience. This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to catch freshwater drum, where to find them, tackle recommendations, and even a look at the current freshwater drum record. We’ll also touch on techniques used in catfish drum fishing, as these two species often overlap in their habits.

Understanding the Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)

Before diving into tactics, let’s understand our target. Freshwater drum, also known as gasper or shepherd’s pike, are members of the sciaenidae family. They’re native to the Mississippi River basin and are common in large rivers and reservoirs throughout Tennessee. They get their name from the drumming sound they produce using their swim bladder, particularly during spawning season. These fish are opportunistic feeders, consuming everything from insects and crustaceans to smaller fish. They can grow to impressive sizes, with the Tennessee state record being a testament to their potential. (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency State Records)

Identifying Freshwater Drum

Distinguishing drum from other bottom-dwelling fish like catfish is crucial. Drum have a silvery-grey body, a deeply forked tail, and a prominent chin barbel. Their mouths are relatively small, but they possess strong pharyngeal teeth (located in the throat) used for crushing shells. Unlike catfish, they lack barbels around the mouth, except for the single chin barbel. Their scales are also noticeably larger and more cycloid (smooth) than those of catfish.

Where to Find Drumfish in Tennessee

Knowing where to look is half the battle. Drumfish in Tennessee thrive in areas with slow-moving water, muddy bottoms, and plenty of cover. Here are some prime locations:

  • Tennessee River: The entire length of the Tennessee River holds drum, but areas around dams and backwater sloughs are particularly productive.
  • Cumberland River: Similar to the Tennessee River, the Cumberland River offers excellent drum fishing, especially near the Cordell Hull Lake and Barkley Lake impoundments.
  • Reelfoot Lake: This unique lake in West Tennessee is a known hotspot for drum, along with catfish and crappie.
  • Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley: These large reservoirs consistently produce large drum.
  • Smaller Rivers & Reservoirs: Don’t overlook smaller waterways; drum can be found in many of Tennessee’s lesser-known rivers and reservoirs.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, drum often congregate near structure like submerged timber, rock piles, and channel edges. Pay attention to areas where tributaries enter larger bodies of water, as these often hold concentrations of baitfish and, consequently, drum.

Tackle and Techniques for Catching Freshwater Drum

Successfully targeting how to catch freshwater drum requires the right gear and techniques. Here’s a breakdown:

Rod and Reel

A medium-heavy to heavy action rod, 6.5 to 7.5 feet long, is ideal. Drum are strong fighters, and you’ll need a rod with enough backbone to handle them. Pair this with a sturdy baitcasting or spinning reel with a gear ratio of around 6.3:1. Line strength should be at least 20-30 lb test monofilament or braided line.

Baits and Lures

Drum aren’t particularly picky eaters, but some baits and lures work better than others:

  • Nightcrawlers: A classic bait that consistently produces drum.
  • Cut Bait: Shad, bluegill, or other small fish are excellent cut baits.
  • Chicken Liver: A smelly but effective bait, especially for larger drum.
  • Crayfish: Drum love crayfish, so live or prepared crayfish are a good choice.
  • Jigs: 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with a trailer can be effective, especially around structure.
  • Crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits can be used to cover water quickly.

Fishing Techniques

Several techniques can be used to target drum:

  1. Bottom Fishing: The most common method. Use a Carolina rig or a three-way swivel rig with a weight heavy enough to hold bottom.
  2. Float Fishing: A float rig can be effective for presenting bait at a specific depth.
  3. Jigging: Vertical jigging around structure can entice drum to strike.
  4. Trolling: Trolling crankbaits or jigs can be a good way to cover a lot of water.

When practicing catfish drum fishing, remember that drum often share the same habitat and respond to similar baits. However, drum tend to be more active during the day than catfish, so focus your efforts during daylight hours.

Breaking the Freshwater Drum Record in Tennessee

The current freshwater drum record in Tennessee is 41 lbs 12 oz, caught in the Cumberland River in 2007. (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency State Records) Breaking this record will require a combination of skill, patience, and luck. Here are some tips:

  • Target Large Reservoirs: The Cumberland River and Kentucky Lake are your best bets.
  • Fish During Spawning Season: Drum spawn in the spring, and larger fish are often concentrated in shallow areas during this time.
  • Use Heavy Tackle: You’ll need strong gear to land a record-class drum.
  • Be Patient: Drum can be finicky, so be prepared to spend time searching for them.
  • Document Everything: If you think you’ve landed a record fish, carefully document its weight, length, and location. Follow the TWRA’s guidelines for submitting a record claim.

Responsible Angling and Conservation

As responsible anglers, we must prioritize conservation. Here are some important guidelines:

  • Follow Fishing Regulations: Be aware of and comply with all Tennessee fishing regulations, including size limits and creel limits. (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing)
  • Practice Catch and Release: Consider releasing larger drum to help maintain the population.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, minimize your impact on the environment, and respect the natural surroundings. (Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics)
  • Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species: Clean, drain, and dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. (US Geological Survey Aquatic Invasive Species)

Resources for Further Exploration

Want to learn more about freshwater drum and fishing in Tennessee? Here are some helpful resources:

I hope this guide inspires you to give freshwater drum fishing in Tennessee a try. Don’t underestimate these often-misunderstood fish – they offer a rewarding angling experience and the potential for a truly memorable catch. Remember to fish responsibly, respect the environment, and enjoy the beauty of Tennessee’s waterways. For more Tennessee fishing adventures, check out my article on Fly Fishing the Clinch River or Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Hiwassee River.

See also: