Black Drum Fishing Guide

The black drum (Pogonias cromis) is a highly sought-after fish for anglers in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Mosquito Lagoon. Known for their impressive size, subtle flavor, and challenging fight, black drum are a rewarding catch for both novice and experienced fishers. This guide explores everything you need to know about black drum fishing, including their behavior, feeding patterns, rigs, setups, bait, locations, and even recipes to enjoy your catch.

Identifying Black Drum

Black drum are the largest members of the drum family and are easily identifiable by their unique physical characteristics:

• Size and Shape: Juvenile black drum are small, often mistaken for their cousin, the red drum, but adults can reach over 100 pounds. They have a robust, rounded body.
• Coloration: They have a dark gray or black coloration with faint vertical stripes (on juveniles). These stripes fade as the fish age.
• Barbels: One key feature is the whisker-like barbels under their chin, which they use to detect prey on the bottom.
• Mouth: They have a downward-facing mouth suited for bottom feeding.
• Drumming Sound: Black drum produce a drumming sound by vibrating muscles in their swim bladder, especially during spawning.

Spawning and Behavior

Black drum spawning activity peaks during late winter and early spring (January to April), particularly in the warm waters of Florida's inshore areas like Mosquito Lagoon. Spawning occurs in deeper channels and passes where currents help carry fertilized eggs. During this period:

• Grouping: Black drum congregate in large schools, making them easier to locate.
• Feeding Changes: Although spawning takes precedence, black drum still feed opportunistically, often targeting high-protein foods.

Feeding Behavior

Black drum are bottom feeders, relying on their barbels to locate prey in murky waters. Their diet primarily consists of:

• Crustaceans: Blue crabs, shrimp, and fiddler crabs.
• Mollusks: Clams, oysters, and mussels.
• Baitfish: Occasionally small fish and other prey.

Their crushing pharyngeal teeth allow them to crack open hard shells, making shellfish baits particularly effective.

Best Fishing Locations

The black drum thrive in the shallow waters, sandbars, and deeper channels of New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon. These areas are ideal due to their mix of grass flats, oyster beds, and sandy bottoms.

Why Fish Mosquito Lagoon?

• Abundance: These waters are home to year-round populations of black drum.
• Accessibility: Shallow flats make it easy for anglers to spot and target schools of black drum.
• Prime Conditions: Warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters create an ideal habitat for feeding and spawning.

Fishing Tackle and Setups

Rods and Reels

• Rod: Use a medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod (7–8 feet) with a fast action tip for better sensitivity.
• Reel: A quality spinning reel or baitcasting reel in the 4000–6000 size range is ideal for handling larger drum.
• Line: Spool with 20–30 lb braided line for strength, paired with a 30–50 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance.

Best Rigs for Black Drum

1. Fish Finder Rig:

• Components: Sliding sinker, swivel, leader, and circle hook.
• Benefits: Allows the bait to move naturally with the current while the weight holds it on the bottom.

1. Carolina Rig:

• Components: Egg sinker, swivel, leader, and circle hook.
• Benefits: Effective for presenting live or cut bait on the bottom.

1. Dropper Rig:

• Components: Weighted line with one or more hooks above the weight.
• Benefits: Great for fishing in deeper channels or strong currents.

Best Baits for Black Drum

• Natural Baits: Live or dead shrimp, blue crabs (cut in half), fiddler crabs, and clams.
• Artificial Baits: Scented soft plastics, like Gulp! shrimp, can also be effective.

The Role of a Fishing Guide

Fishing for black drum can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Hiring a knowledgeable fishing guide ensures a more successful and enjoyable experience. Here’s why:

• Expert Knowledge: Local guides, like Code Red Fishing Charters, know the best spots, tides, and techniques for targeting black drum.
• Gear Included: Code Red Fishing Charters provides all the necessary rods, reels, and tackle, making it an all-inclusive experience.
• Technique Mastery: Learn the nuances of casting, bait presentation, and identifying schools of fish.
• Stress-Free Adventure: Focus on fishing while the guide handles navigation, gear setup, and finding fish.

Code Red Fishing Charters, based in New Smyrna Beach, is renowned for its expertise in inshore fishing. With top-of-the-line gear and years of experience, they offer unparalleled service and success rates.

How to Catch Black Drum

1. Scout the Area: Look for sandy flats, oyster beds, and channels. Use polarized sunglasses to spot schools.
2. Anchor or Drift: Position your boat to cast toward likely feeding zones.
3. Present the Bait: Use natural bait close to the bottom, ensuring it appears natural and enticing.
4. Set the Hook: Black drum often nibble before fully biting. Wait until you feel weight, then set the hook firmly.

Cooking Black Drum: Two Delicious Recipes

Black drum is a versatile fish with a mild, sweet flavor. Here are two simple recipes to try with your fresh catch.

1. Blackened Black Drum

Ingredients:

• 2 black drum fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp blackening seasoning
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry.
2. Rub olive oil on both sides of the fillets, then coat generously with blackening seasoning.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking.
4. Cook the fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

2. Grilled Black Drum with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 black drum fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
2. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
4. Grill the fillets for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with garlic butter as they cook.
5. Remove from the grill and drizzle with remaining butter before serving.

Why Black Drum Fishing Is Special

Catching black drum in New Smyrna Beach or Mosquito Lagoon is more than a fishing trip—it’s an adventure. The blend of challenging fishing, stunning scenery, and rewarding catches makes it an experience to remember. Whether you’re fishing solo or booking a trip with Code Red Fishing Charters, the excitement of hooking into a big drum is unparalleled. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to identify, catch, and cook black drum. Happy fishing!