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How to catch Shi drum

Umbrina cirrosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

About Shi drum fishing

The shi drum is a marine fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, featuring a moderately elongated and laterally compressed body with a greyish-silver to brownish hue and distinct dark longitudinal lines. It typically reaches a common length of 40 cm while achieving a maximum recorded total length of 104 cm and a weight up to 11.08 kg. This demersal species inhabits inshore coastal waters down to depths of 100 metres over both sandy and rocky seabeds, with juveniles commonly entering estuaries. It feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates such as worms, molluscs, and crustaceans, and is known for producing acoustic pulses during its spawning season in the warmer months. It is valued both commercially and as a notable sport fish pursued by European anglers and spear fishers.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    40 cm TL

  • Market value

    Very high

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

  • Also known as

    Bearded umbrine, Corb, Gurbell, Sea crow

Shi drum

Chin Barbel

Short fleshy barbel under the lower jaw identifies it as a croaker.

Wavy Stripes

Oblique dark wavy lines along the upper flanks distinguish the shi drum.

Shi drum fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    40 cm TL (max 104 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    1.5 kg (max 11.1 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    13.3–21 °C

  • Depth

    0–100 m

  • Longevity

    18 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    42.6

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Active

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Active

When to fish for Shi drum

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Shi drum

Tips for catching Shi drum

Anglers target the shi drum primarily along shallow coastal zones, surf beaches, and mixed rock-and-sand structures where the fish forage for bottom-dwelling organisms. Successful presentation requires heavy surfcasting gear or standard bottom rigs equipped with durable natural baits like lugworms, razor clams, or small crabs presented securely on the hook with elastic thread. Fishing is most productive during early morning and late evening hours, particularly from late spring through early autumn when the fish move closer to inshore areas to feed and spawn.

Other names for Shi drum

Local and alternate names anglers use for Shi drum.

  • Shi drum
  • Sea crow
  • Gurbell
  • Corb
  • Bearded umbrine

Best equipment to catch Shi drum

Compare fishing methods for Shi drum — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 1.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Shi drum

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

Diet and behavior of Shi drum

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Dusk

  • Feeds over

    Soft bottom · Hard bottom

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Shi drum

Prey is what Shi drum eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Baitfish

  • Upogebia spp. juv./adults

Where Shi drum lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral
Continental shelf · 0–100 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Shi drum

Mapped fishing spots where Shi drum is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Piedra del Río

Asturias / AsturiesAsturias / AsturiesSpain

Baie de la Garonne

VarProvence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurFrance