Black Drum Fishing with Cory Russell

The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the heavyweight champion of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers found in coastal waters worldwide. These powerful fish are easily recognized by their dark gray to black coloration and distinctive barbels under their chin, which help them locate food in murky brackish waters around Port Aransas this July.

Black Drum Overview

Black drum are prized by anglers for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting ability. Unlike their smaller cousin the redfish, mature black drum can reach massive sizes and are known for their ability to strip drag from even heavy tackle. They get their name from the distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce using specialized muscles around their swim bladder.

Black Drum Habitat and Distribution

These fish thrive in the brackish waters and shallow bays along the Texas coast, particularly around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structure near Port Aransas. They prefer areas where fresh and salt water mix, creating the perfect environment for their preferred prey of crabs, shrimp, and mollusks.

Black Drum Size and Weight

Adult black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with some trophy specimens exceeding 100 pounds. The 17-inch fish caught on recent Port Aransas charters represent younger fish that will continue growing throughout their long lifespan of up to 60 years.

Black Drum Diet and Behavior

Black drum are bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shellfish, crabs, and oysters. They use their sensitive barbels to locate food in muddy bottoms and are most active during dawn and dusk periods when they move into shallower feeding areas.

Black Drum Spawning Season

Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. During this time, large schools gather in deeper channels before moving to spawning grounds, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting these aggregations.

Black Drum Fishing Techniques

Successful black drum fishing requires heavy tackle and strong hooks due to their crushing jaws and powerful runs. Live or cut crab, shrimp, and oysters work best as bait, fished on the bottom near structure. In July around Port Aransas, anglers find success using circle hooks and fish-finder rigs in 6-15 feet of water near oyster bars and channel edges.

Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?

Smaller black drum under 24 inches provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to redfish. Larger specimens tend to have coarser texture and may contain parasites, so many anglers practice catch and release for trophy-sized fish while keeping smaller ones for the dinner table.

Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for black drum?

A: Live or cut blue crab is the top choice, followed by fresh shrimp and oysters. The key is using strong hooks since black drum have powerful crushing jaws.

Q: Where can I find black drum near Port Aransas?

A: Look for oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges in 6-15 feet of water. Conn Brown Harbor area and nearby bay systems hold good populations year-round.

Q: Is black drum good to eat?

A: Smaller black drum under 24 inches are excellent eating with firm, mild white meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture and potential parasites.

Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?

A: Early morning and late afternoon produce the best action, especially during moving tides. Summer months offer consistent fishing as fish move into shallower feeding areas.