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Caught a Black Drum Wade Fishing in Port
Black Drum Wade Fishing in Port Aransas, TX
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs when fully mature. - Largest member of the drum family with nearly 300 related species. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce. - Powerful jaws with strong teeth capable of crushing shellfish and oysters.
Fishing Charter & Guided Hunts by Captain Cory Russell in August
Meet your Captain Cory Russell
- Best Port Aransas Fishing Charter
Summary
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Monday March delivered an outstanding wade fishing charter in Port Aransas, TX. Working the shallow flats with light tackle and heavy gear, we targeted black drum and redfish in perfect Gulf Coast conditions. The black drum put up incredible fights, stripping line with powerful runs while we worked both shallow waters and deeper channels. This half-day wade fishing experience showcases why Port Aransas remains a premier destination for inshore fishing, combining world-class gamefish with expert local guidance and pristine brackish waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Cory Russell – Rates & Booking
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Monday March offers wade fishing charters targeting black drum and redfish in Port Aransas' productive shallow waters. These half-day trips include light tackle and heavy gear setups, with experienced guidance through the best flats and channels. Licensed and insured, Captain Russell provides all necessary equipment and local expertise for a successful Gulf Coast fishing experience. Contact Russell & Sons Outdoors directly for current rates, availability, and booking your wade fishing adventure.
Highlights of Wade Fishing Charter
This Port Aransas wade fishing experience focuses on the productive shallow flats where black drum and redfish feed actively. Working with both light tackle for finesse presentations and heavy gear for fighting power, anglers target these gamefish in brackish waters and deeper channels as tides change. The trip combines casting techniques with jigging and baitcasting methods, adapting to fish behavior and water conditions throughout the day.
Black drum provide exceptional fighting power, known for their line-stripping runs and stubborn resistance. These fish inhabit the same waters as redfish, creating opportunities for mixed bags while wade fishing the flats. The shallow water environment allows anglers to sight-fish and experience the excitement of watching gamefish take baits in clear conditions.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black drum thrive in Port Aransas' brackish waters and shallow flats, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish, crabs, and oysters along the bottom structure. These fish move with tidal changes, feeding actively in shallow areas during optimal water movement. March conditions often find black drum concentrated near oyster reefs and grass flats, where they forage aggressively and provide excellent wade fishing opportunities. Their fighting ability and size make them a prized target for Texas Gulf Coast anglers seeking powerful gamefish in shallow water environments.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Wade fishing charters with Russell & Sons Outdoors accommodate small groups for personalized attention and optimal fishing success. All tackle, bait, and equipment are provided, including both light and heavy setups for different techniques and fish sizes. Trips typically start early morning or afternoon, taking advantage of optimal tide and feeding periods. Comfortable wading gear and sun protection are recommended, with Captain Russell providing local knowledge of productive flats, channels, and structure for the best black drum and redfish action.
Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful gamefish are distinguished by their dark coloration, robust build, and the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles. In Port Aransas waters this March, black drum frequent shallow flats and brackish areas where they feed on crustaceans and mollusks.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are prized gamefish known for their incredible fighting power and stubborn resistance when hooked. They inhabit coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, with Texas waters supporting some of the healthiest populations. These fish are closely related to redfish but grow significantly larger, making them a premier target for wade fishing and shallow water angling.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in brackish waters, shallow bays, and nearshore environments where salinity levels fluctuate with tides. Around Port Aransas, black drum concentrate near oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges where they find abundant food sources. They prefer areas with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can root for crabs, worms, and shellfish.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Adult black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with larger specimens occasionally exceeding 100 pounds. Younger fish under 10 pounds are commonly called "puppy drum" and provide excellent light tackle action. The largest black drum can reach lengths over 4 feet and live for several decades.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing hard-shelled prey. They consume oysters, clams, crabs, shrimp, and marine worms, using their sensitive barbels to locate food in murky water. These fish feed most actively during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when prey is most vulnerable.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. Large schools gather in deeper channels and passes, creating drumming sounds that can be heard from considerable distances. After spawning, adult fish return to shallow feeding areas where they remain active throughout warmer months.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Successful black drum fishing relies on bottom fishing with natural baits like blue crab, shrimp, and cut bait. Heavy tackle is recommended due to their fighting power and tendency to seek structure when hooked. Wade fishing allows anglers to target feeding fish in shallow water, while drift fishing covers more water in deeper channels. In March, anglers around Port Aransas find them concentrated near oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 15 pounds offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. Larger fish tend to have coarser texture and stronger taste, making them better suited for catch and release. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with lower mercury levels than many offshore species.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Fresh blue crab, cut shrimp, and live or cut mullet are top choices. Black drum prefer natural baits presented on or near the bottom where they typically feed.
Q: Where can I find black drum near Port Aransas?
A: Look for black drum around oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges in shallow bays. They concentrate in areas with 2-6 feet of water during feeding periods.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Smaller black drum under 15 pounds are excellent eating with mild, firm white meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture and reproductive value.
Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?
A: Moving tides, especially incoming water, trigger the most active feeding. Early morning and late afternoon periods often produce the best action.
Q: What tackle do I need for black drum?
A: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 20-30 lb line handles most situations. Circle hooks in sizes 4/0 to 8/0 work well with natural baits.
Q: Do black drum make noise?
A: Yes, black drum produce distinctive drumming or croaking sounds using specialized muscles around their swim bladder, especially during spawning season.
