Black Drum
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Ocean, Tidal regions closer to ocean.
New Jersey/Delaware. Typically not found farther north.
Variety of coastal areas and bodies of water including bays, and brackish rivers.
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.Â
Coastal locations searching for bait on the bottom. Bridges, Rock piles, oyster beds.
Black drum are bottom feeders and typically feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and other small fish that live on or near the bottom
PATTERNS
SPRING
Run occurs up and down the Atlantic coast from April into May. Found in the ocean, surf and tidal regions close to the ocean. Farther noth in maine the bite will begin later usually in June.
SUMMER
June through August are typically the best months in the north east.
FALL
Caught into the early fall typically through september before migrating south
WINTER
Found in southern states.
BaitsTechniques
Clams, cut bait, Crabs, sand crabs, fiddler crabs, sand fleas, shrimp, squid, mussels.
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.