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Catching the freshwater cousin of the redfish, the Gaspergou
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This fish caught below the Sam Rayburn dam
The freshwater Drum or Gaspergou are a blast to catch if you know a few tips about their habits and where to find them. Most people are not sure about it's name or the fish itself, but the mystery sometimes adds to the trip when this fish is caught. The word Drum comes from a group of fish that are capable of making a drumming noise. Yes, people do eat them and some say they are similar to redfish in texture and taste. Their ribcage is a bit bigger in relation to their body. They fight a lot like a catfish and can grow quite large.
Very few people intentionally fish for Gaspergou despite the fact that they are found in most lakes throughout Texas and North America. When targeting these fish it helps to keep in mind how this fish spends its life. They spend most of their time along and around the bottom. Their habits differ from the catfish in the fact that they prefer a slow moving meal and have a smaller mouth.
Minnows, fresh water muscles, snails and crayfish along with other crustaceans make up the majority of it's diet. Many fishermen have been successful using the freshwater muscles found along the edge of many lakes. Small lures like rooster-tails, and small grubs on a jig head can produce hits from an unsuspecting Gou.
So the next time you find yourself fishing at the lake just after dark and hear a low drumming sound put on a minnow with a little weight and cast in that direction. Then when you start reeling them in you can say, "I meant to catch that fish."
For More info:
Texas Parks and Wildlife's page on the Freshwater Drum Sam Rayburn reservoir Recipe for Freshwater Drum
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