Saltwater
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
- Peak season
- Winter and Spring (January-April)
- Length range
- 30–130 cm
- Weight range
- 1–40 kg
- Typical depth
- 0–30 m
Habitat
Bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Found near oyster beds and shell substrate.
Behavior
Powerful bottom feeder that crushes oysters, crabs, and shrimp with pharyngeal teeth. Makes loud drumming sounds.
Best techniques
- Bottom fishing with crab or shrimp
- Cut mullet on circle hook
- Sight casting on shallow flats
- Live shrimp near oyster reefs
