When you ask an experienced angler in North or Central Florida what their favorite fish to target would be, most will respond with ‘The DRUM’.
Pogonia Cromis, more commonly known as the Black Drum are a favorite among Florida Anglers to target, especially in the winter months. Its close relative, Sciaenops Ocellatus, or the Redfish is also among the most popular Saltwater game fish species targeted when temperatures drop.
Through years of research and following migratory Drum and spawning patterns, it’s been determined this species thrives from December through March because they tend to prefer water temperatures from 50 to 75 degrees. While Drum species can obviously be found in warmer or cooler water temperatures, this range is best for targeting hungry and active Red and Black Drum.
Depending on your preferred method of fishing (i.e., from a Boat, from a kayak, or from land), tactics will range. Speaking with any seasoned angler, it is clear the use of crustaceans (Blue Crabs, Fiddler Crabs, Sand Fleas, Clam Bellies, or Shrimp) is always best. Crustaceans and shellfish work so well because of the scent they distribute throughout the water column.
Drum species cannot resist the scent of a live Blue Crab. While some anglers choose to break the fresh Live Blue Crab up into sections ( 1⁄4’s, or 1⁄2’s ) other fisherman like to send out an entire Blue Crab for Drum to hunt down and locate.
Looking at the Anatomy of Drum Species, it is obvious they often feed directly off the sea floor. Their mouth and lips face downward allowing them to easily scoop crustaceans off the bottom while their whiskers (barbels) and nostrils allow them to feel through muddy areas to seek out smaller prey/meals in the surrounding area. In short, drum mostly feed in a head down position.
Whether fishing in the back country, in the mangroves, on a flat, or near a dock, you’ll want to beef up your terminal tackle. This is especially true when targeting larger Drum species under bridges, near jetties, or passes. These Drum species can get very BIG and being fully prepared will be essential.
I typically use no less than 40-pound Fluro carbon leader, with a larger 4/0 to 7/0 sized Circle hook when targeting Red or Black Drum. Ensuring you have a heavy-duty swivel when utilizing any size lead weight will also be an important consideration. The proper weight (lead-Egg sinker) to use will very based on the current and depth in the area you choose to target these fish. In deeper more high-current areas, I tend to use a heavier lead-Egg sinker, ranging from 2oz. to 6oz. When in shallower areas that drum can be found, I will often use just a pinch weight (Split-shot) up to a 1, or 1.5 oz. (lead-Egg sinker).
As long as your circle hooks point is exposed after attaching your bait of choice, you have a fairly good chance of hooking your targeted Drum species.
These winter Drum are rather hungry fish that will gorge (feed) for days on end. Rarely will schooled up Drum ‘pass’ on a free meal especially in the form of crustaceans. Just be sure when targeting any species of Drum, you are in an area where water is moving/ flowing. An ‘IN’ or ‘Outgoing’ tidal flow works best when searching for Drum species.
Both Red and Black drum can grow very large and fight very well and this is often why anglers make it their mission to target these unique species. According to the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission), the current state record for a Redfish is 52 pounds and was caught along the east coast of Florida in Brevard County. Also, important to note, the current All-Tackle World Record Redfish weighed over 94 pounds and was caught along the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
When looking at the Black drum species, the Florida record is currently at 96 pounds (www.myFWC.com). According to the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, the largest Black Drum on record weighed a whopping 146 pounds. With larger species of Drum being caught each year, it is clear this species of fish loves to eat and gorge on crustaceans. This is an extremely FUN fish to target that will send your drag screaming. Just be prepared to hold on tight!
Knowing your Drum species Regulations in Florida is very important. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Slot for a Black Drum is 14” to 24” with a 5 fish limit (per person, per day). While licensed anglers are able to keep one black drum over the 24” slot, it is not recommended. Knowing most larger Drum don’t taste as good as the smaller slot Drum, and that Larger drum sometimes carry a Spaghetti Worm which makes harvesting larger Drum species a Bad idea. Being Larger Drum species are typically ‘Breeders’, it is most important you take the time necessary to fully revive these fish before setting them free. Properly releasing these larger Red and Black drum species is critical when considering their
reproduction cycle.
When it comes to the Redfish (aka Red-drum), they have a slot of 18”-27”. Depending on your region of Florida, ‘Per Person Limits’ can very. Some regions have special restrictions, and it’s critical to check these regulations in your area before you hit the water. I recommend visiting www.myFWC.com to familiarize yourself with recent updates before your next fishing adventure.
If you, your friends, or family are interested in catching the Redfish or Black Drum of a Lifetime, connect with Captain Martin Goldys of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters as he is a Master of targeting larger Drum species.
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
Captain Martin Goldys
(386)679-0317
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