New member, looking for drum fishing tips

[f-150]

i have just recently purchased an older 17 ft bassboat. i am interested in learning about red drum and spec. fishing in our backwaters off the coast. When, where, and how? I have seen em fishing for red drum on tv in the gulf, but didn't think we could do it here until i read some posts about it. Do you fish the "water way" or go up the rivers, ex: cape fear, lockwood folly, black...etc. How far inland can you go and still catch reds. A friend of mine that bass fishes sutton lake says on a rare occasion you can catch a drum or flounder while bass fishing. all my father and grandfather want to do is go out in the sound an southport and bottom fish in the fall, for years they've told me the fish are only there in the fall, but now i see otherwise. I love bass fishing but fishing for reds looks like a fun learning experience. Anyone that could point me in the right direction would be much apreciated.
thanks.