Black Drum

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Black drum, a popular saltwater game fish, can be found in selected saltwater locations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. They are commonly found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, where they can find suitable habitat and food sources.
Alabama: Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay.
Louisiana: Calcasieu Lake, Sabine Lake, Lake Pontchartrain.
Mississippi: Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Bay.
Texas: Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, Corpus Christi Bay.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Black drum prefer areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, along with submerged vegetation and structure such as oyster beds, jetties, piers, and docks. They are often found in brackish or shallow waters near channels, drop-offs, and areas with good tidal flow.
Look for black drum around areas where there is an abundance of food sources such as crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They are bottom dwellers and feed by rooting around the substrate with their sensitive chin barbels. Black drum are known to form large schools, especially during spawning season.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, black drum begin their annual migration into bays and estuaries for spawning. Look for them in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms and submerged vegetation. Fishing with natural baits such as crabs, shrimp, or clams can be effective in enticing strikes. Focus on areas with good tidal flow and structure.

SUMMER

In the summer months, black drum are commonly found in nearshore waters and around structures such as jetties, piers, and docks. They may move to deeper waters during the hotter parts of the day. Fishing with live or cut bait, such as shrimp or blue crabs, near structure can yield success. Pay attention to tidal movement and target areas with good feeding activity.

FALL

As fall arrives, black drum continue to inhabit bays and estuaries, often following the movement of baitfish. They may move to shallower waters as water temperatures cool down. Fishing with live or cut bait near structure or areas with good tidal flow can be productive. Be patient and allow the black drum to find your bait on the bottom.

WINTER

During the winter months, black drum tend to move to deeper channels and holes in search of warmer water. They can still be targeted, particularly in areas with mild winters. Fishing with natural baits, such as shrimp or crabs, near structure or along drop-offs can increase your chances of catching black drum. Pay attention to water temperature and target areas with good tidal movement.

Black drum are bottom feeders and will readily take a variety of natural baits. Common bait options for black drum fishing include live or cut shrimp, blue crabs, clams, and even small fish such as mullet or croaker. Rig your bait with a Carolina rig or fish finder rig, allowing it to sit on the bottom where black drum are likely to feed.

Bait Fishing

How: Use natural baits such as shrimp, crabs, clams, or cut bait. Fish near structures like jetties, docks, or oyster beds, where black drum often forage for food. Allow the bait to sit on the bottom or use a slow retrieve. Black drum have a keen sense of smell, so fresh and aromatic baits work best.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods or baitcasting rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or baitcasting reels. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2/0-5/0 circle hooks or J-hooks.

Artificial Lures

How: Black drum can be enticed by a variety of lures such as soft plastics, paddle tails, or jigs. Fish near structures or areas with submerged vegetation. Retrieve the lure slowly along the bottom or use a jigging motion to imitate prey. Experiment with different colors and sizes to find what works best.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods or baitcasting rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or baitcasting reels. Line: 20-40lb test braided line or monofilament leader. Lures: Soft plastics, paddle tails, jigs.

Fly Fishing

How: Black drum can be targeted with flies that imitate crabs, shrimp, or small baitfish. Look for areas with shallow water or grass beds. Cast the fly near structure and allow it to sink slowly. Use a slow, steady retrieve or short strips to mimic natural movements.
Gear: Rods: 7-9wt fly rods. Reels: Large arbor fly reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Weight forward floating or intermediate saltwater fly line. Leaders: 9-12ft 10-20lb fluorocarbon leaders with tippet sizes ranging from 8-15lb. Flies: Crab patterns, shrimp patterns, or small baitfish imitations.

Surf Fishing

How: Black drum can be caught from the surf by casting out bait or lures. Look for areas with troughs, sandbars, or near jetties. Use natural baits such as shrimp, clams, or cut bait, or try casting lures such as spoons or plugs. Vary your casting distance and retrieve speed to find where the fish are feeding.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy surf rods. Reels: 5000-8000 size spinning reels. Line: 20-40lb test braided line or monofilament leader. Hooks: Size 2/0-5/0 circle hooks or J-hooks.