A very close relative of the Redfish (also known as the Red Drum) is the Black Drum, Pogonias Cromis, a common and welcome catch from Florida’s Shores.
Where to Find Black Drum
The Black Drum’s range extends all the way from the Delaware bay down through Florida and all of the Gulf Coast. They are found everywhere in Florida from the surf line to the Inter Coastal Waterway, to back waters and flats.
On the coast they are frequently found around piers. They tend to use the deeper holes caused by the piers pylons as staging points for feeding. They are also occasionally found free swimming the surf line, most frequently in the zone just behind the breaking waves.
Inshore Black Drum tend to relate to deeper water that is near a constant food source. Deeper holes in the Inter Coastal Waterway close to the channel will frequently hold very large Black Drum. The largest of the species are often found around bridges feeding on the crabs that congregate there. Areas of soft bottom near oyster beds are prime inshore areas to catch Black Drum.
Equipment and Bait for Black Drum
The average Black Drum catch around Florida is around 20″. The average fish can be caught on just about any type of ocean rated rods and reels. A medium weight spinning combo, spooled with 20lb test monofiliment will do best for most Black Drum caught. If targeting the VERY large fish that are often caught around bridges stout ocean gear is required. The state record is near 96lbs and fish approaching this size are very strong and live near heavy cover. A conventional reel spooled with 40-50lb test will work well for the biggest Black Drum.
The most popular baits for catching Black Drum are:
- Crabs (blue crab works the best)
- Live Shrimp (dead and pealed also works well)
- Clams
- Oysters
How to Catch Black Drum
Black Drum are primarily bottom feeders. They have barbels on their chin (looks like a fleshy beard) that are used to help in scent detection. Because Black Drum are heavily reliant on scent anglers can use fairly heavy gear with out affecting the fishing.
Once a potential Black Drum holding area is identified, using a Fish Finding Rig with a 3-4/0 circle hook on a 30lb fluorocarbon leader with just enough weight to hold bottom, put the bait in place. If using blue crab, quarter it, and remove the outer top shell. Any other bait use whole or peeled in the case of frozen shrimp.
Black Drum are active feeders and when they take a bait they will often take off rather quickly, causing any non-secured pole to go strait into the water. Because of their size and muscular build, Black Drum are good fighters, and can have quite a bit of endurance. Black Drum do not normally have more than one or two runs except for the largest of them.
Regulations
As of press time ( 7/1/14 ) Black Drum have a slot of 12″-24″ with a bag limit of 5 fish. 1 fish over slot is allowed.
