Caught a Black Drum Inshore in Jacksonville

The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is a robust member of the Sciaenidae family, distinguished by its dark coloration and powerful build. This species represents the largest fish in a family of nearly 300 species, including their popular cousin, the redfish. Black drum are commonly called drums or croakers due to the distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce using specialized muscles around their swim bladder. In Jacksonville waters this October, these fish are actively feeding in the brackish areas around the Timucuan Preserve.

Black Drum Overview

Black drum are impressive gamefish known for their fighting ability and distinctive appearance. They feature dark gray to black coloration with a deep, compressed body and powerful jaws equipped with crushing teeth. These fish are highly valued by anglers for their size potential and the challenge they present when hooked on appropriate tackle.

Black Drum Habitat and Distribution

Black drum inhabit brackish waters, estuaries, and nearshore areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They prefer areas with oyster bars, rocky bottoms, and structure where they can feed on their preferred prey. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the waters near the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where brackish conditions and abundant structure create ideal habitat.

Black Drum Size and Weight

Adult black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with larger specimens possible in prime habitat. Younger fish are often called "puppy drum" and provide excellent table fare, while larger fish are typically released to maintain the breeding population.

Black Drum Diet and Behavior

Black drum are bottom feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, crabs, oysters, and other hard-shelled prey. They use their barbels to locate food along the bottom and are most active during moving tides when food sources are stirred up. These fish often feed in schools, particularly during spawning season.

Black Drum Spawning Season

Black drum spawn in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. During spawning, they form large aggregations and produce the drumming sounds that give them their name. Post-spawn fish often move into inshore areas to feed heavily.

Black Drum Fishing Techniques

Bottom fishing with cut bait, live or dead shrimp, and blue crabs produces the best results for black drum. Heavy tackle is recommended due to their size and fighting ability, along with strong hooks to penetrate their tough mouths. In October around Jacksonville, anglers find success fishing oyster bars and structure during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when drum are most active.

Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?

Smaller black drum under 10 pounds offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. Larger fish can be coarser and are often released for conservation. The meat is versatile and works well grilled, blackened, or in fish tacos, providing good protein content and omega-3 fatty acids.

Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for black drum?

A: Cut mullet, blue crab, and fresh dead shrimp are top choices. Live shrimp and small crabs also work well, especially around structure.

Q: Where can I find black drum near Jacksonville?

A: Focus on oyster bars, rocky bottoms, and structure around the Timucuan Preserve and inshore areas with good tidal flow.

Q: Is black drum good to eat?

A: Smaller drum under 10 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Larger fish are typically released.

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

A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk periods produce the best action, particularly in fall and spring when they're actively feeding.