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Black Drum

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

  • Black Drum can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the US, including the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic coast.

  • They are typically found in inshore waters and are known to congregate around natural structures such as oyster beds, jetties, and shipwrecks

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

  • Shoreline Structure, Rocks, Bridges, Docks, Look for Birds, Look for Bait, Shipping Channel edges, Drop-offs, Reefs, Inlets, openings into larger bodies of water, Points and drop-offs around River openings. 

  • Coastal locations searching for bait on the bottom. Bridges, Rock piles.

  • Surf


PATTERNS

SPRING

  • Black Drum can be found in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay as they migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south.

SUMMER

  • can be found in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay as well as along the Atlantic coast. They are typically found in inshore waters where the water is warmer.


FALL

  • Black Drum can still be caught in the Mid Atlantic region as they migrate southwards. As the waters start to cool down, Black Drum may be found in deeper waters.

WINTER

  • Typically migrate deeper

Baits

  • Clams, Squid, Shrimp, Crab, Cut bait, Mullet.


Techniques

Chumming

  • How: Anglers can use a variety of fishing gear, and a variety of hooks, sinkers, and leaders to target black drum on the bottom. This involves using a mixture of ground fish parts and other natural substances to attract fish to the area. Chumming is particularly effective for black drum, which are known to be attracted to the smell of fish and crustaceans.

  • Gear: Rods: 5-7ft MH-H Reels: Reels Conventional, 4000-6000 spinning. Line: 30-50lb braid. Leader: 30-50lb mono or florocarbon. Hooks: 2/0 to 6/0) Tackle: fish finder rig or other bottom fishing rigs.

Drifting

  • How: Drifting: Drifting is when the angler uses the current to move the boat or kayak. This method is effective when fishing for black drum in tidal waters, especially when the fish are in deeper waters or around structures.

  • Gear: Rod: Heavy-duty, 6-8 ft, 40-80 lb line weight.

Sight Casting

  • How: This technique is used when the water is clear or shallower and the angler can see the fish. Anglers will cast their bait or lure in the direction of the fish.

  • Gear: Rod: Medium to heavy power, fast action tip, 7-9 ft, 20-30 lb line weight.

Surf

  • How: Select a location on the beach that may hold fish. Areas that contain currents, tides, or structure are good locations to try.

  • Gear:Rods: 8-12'. Reels: Conventional, Spinnning 6000-8000. Line: 50-80lb braid. Leaders: Hooks: 2/0 to 6/0). Tackle: Fish finder rig

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