It’s that time of the year again, old drum (bull redfish, giant reds, whatever you prefer to call them) season on the Neuse river and Pamlico sound. If you want a shot at one of these big beauties during the summer months, now through late September is the time. This is an all catch and release fishery with most fish being in the 40-50” range. We are able to carefully handle these fish for a quick picture most times. My favorite trip to target them is a 6 hour early morning departure (5:30-6am) mainly using artificials.