Black Drum
Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)
- Size: Black drum can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 5 feet and weighing more than 100 pounds. They are known for their slow growth, and it can take several years for them to reach substantial sizes.
- Habitat: Black drum are known for their ability to thrive in a range of environments, from saltwater to brackish water and prefer to congregate near docks and bridges with mud or sandy bottoms.
- Bait: Black drum are primarily bottom feeders and use their strong jaws and crushers to eat hard-shelled prey including clams, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms. A blue crab or large shrimp on the bottom is the preferred bait.
- Tackle: Black drum are found on the bottom. A weighted line on light-medium spinning gear is used for juveniles, while heavier spinning gear or conventional tackle is required for adults which can reach sizes of 100 pounds. Their strength is comparable to their red drum cousins, but they do not run as far or as fast when hooked.
- Food Value: Juvenile black drum are excellent table fare, but larger specimens almost always contain parasitic worms and should be released.
