Catching black drum from the coasts of Texas and Florida is an exciting and thrilling experience. Therefore, whether a beginner or an experienced angler, black drum Texas offers a realistic fishing experience. Further, these drumfishes are best known for their parasitic dependency on crustaceans, crabs, and hard-shell aquatic life.
Hence, whether you plan a fishing trip in the shallow water during the spring/autumn and in the deep oceans during winter, having a basic practical understanding of the experimental techniques, gear, and bait is necessary.
Moreover, as Texas has put forward the regulations regarding black fish hunting, anglers should know about them to avoid legal consequences.
So here in this article, we will explain the procedure to catch the black drum fish Texas efficiently within the limits.
ALL ABOUT THE BLACK DRUM FISH
Black drum is on the list of most delicious fish among its species, even competing with redfish. But there are also a few other things that you must know before starting your hunting adventures. Just keep in touch with us.
What is a black drum?
A black drum is a saltwater fish that feeds on the lobs, crabs, and hard shell marine species for living. Moreover, it’s noted that the fish uses particular sonic muscles and produces drum-beating sounds to attract the mating partners. Accordingly, these sounds are so loud that some nearby passing anglers hear them.
Additionally, nature creates black drums Texas in various colors among the same species, including light to dark gay and some bronze shades. Further, black drums appear to have dark vertical bands running along both sides of the body. Remember, these bands are only sometimes visible and disappear over time.
In short, drumfish differ from redfish only by the fur appearing under their lower jaws instead of having whiskers on both sides.
How big do they normally get?
Living in the bottom waters, the black drum is divided into two classes based on weight and size, including:
Small Drum
Being the favorite among the anglers, the small black drum also called the puppy drum, is a delicious meal after a hectic fishing day. Moreover, most anglers say these are smaller and appear to be the average size and weight.
Big Drum
These bull-sized drum fish capture the attention of anglers and make them go deep. Moreover, it’s also interesting that big black drums mostly weigh 30 to 40 pounds, giving a feeling of possession to the fisherman. Adding to the information, a local angler captured the 78-pound (lbs), the highest-weight black drum Texas ever caught.
What Region do they normally live in?
You can find the black drum mostly in Nova Scotia, a province of Canada, as it is the drum’s best living habitat. Furthermore, the bull drums can also be present in the waters of Florida, the United States, and the Atlantic inlet (Gulf of Mexico). However, seasonal anglers report that this fur fish is abundantly observed along the Texas coast, making it the best place to catch them on vacation.
What habitat do they prefer?
As discussed above, the black drum Texas is a bottom eater fish, but its adaptability to live in any habitat makes it unique in the fishing world. Hence, their ability to live in all habitats makes them an attractive catch to anglers. Their most preferable habitat includes:
- All Bay
- Coastal waters
- On the seafloor in the Gulf of Mexico
Furthermore, most species also reside in salinity-low waters (slightly saltier as a mixture of fresh and seawater). Alternatively, adults prefer to stay in the salinity-rich waters closer to the ocean site.
What do they eat?
The black drum’s feeding habits are determined mainly by their living environment. Additionally, when catching prey, the fish follows the tailing method, such as a head-down and tail-up position. Therefore, declared as the fish of Texas and California waters, the bullfish use barbels and a powerful smelling sense to find delicious meals for their diet, including:
- Clams
- Oysters
- Mussels
- Hard Shell marine animals
- Worms
- Baitfish
- Molluscs
Types Of Black Drum
Searching in the waters of Mexico and Florida, you will discover that the black drum has many types, which vary according to the water habitat in which they live. Hence, drum fish are classified as follows:
- Southern Black Drum – This type is primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico along the US borders.
- Northern Black Drum – Common in the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland and Atlantic Oceana in New Jersey and Florida
- Hybrid Black Drum – You may be interested in knowing that the hybrid form is a cross between southern and northern types, giving unique physical characteristics. Further, you can search and catch them in the brackish waters (low salinity).
Black Drum Nicknames
The black drum has different nicknames depending on different factors. Yet, few of them might feel funny to you. Other Drum fish names include:
- Texas Drum
- Croaker (Drumming or Croaking sound)
- Blackfish
- Channel Bass
- Jumbo Perch
- Sea Drum
- Saltwater Drum
- Gray Drum
- Drumfish
- Puppy Drum
- Striped Drum
It’s important to note that all the above names make them unique and distinguish them from the other genera with similar names.
THE BEST FISHING SPOTS FOR BLACK DRUM FISHING
Black drums eat mostly hardshell marine animals, so find the areas in seawater where oysters, molluscs, and crabs are plentiful so you can experience the ocean’s cuisine. Furthermore, if you want to catch black drums, you must wait for a low tide with plenty of clams because drumfish usually come out on the surface to catch them and then go vertical with their tail up. Moreover, the following are some of the best black drum Texas spots:
Catch Black Drum Around The Beach
The best time to catch a big black drum is during the coldest winters. Furthermore, during this season, you just need to put a cut crab bait along the beach line and then wait for your turn. Hence, it is necessary because the black drum moves to the surf line during the cold season, and it’s the best time and opportunity to catch them.
Fish in Inshore Structures (E.g., Docks)
An active angler must have a thorough understanding of inshore waters. Actually, black drums reside in coastal structures such as docks, ramps, piers, and shorelines. Thus, it is now clear to you that if you would like to catch the biggest one, you should put your reel bait in waters where you feel that the Texas fish feed on crabs, mussels, etc. Further, keep losing the bait so that it reaches the ocean bottom, and eventually, you will catch the black drum.
Do Sight Fishing in the Shallows
Tailing in shallow waters is another pro tip that gives you an edge over your competitors. However, be careful since the drumfish can be frightened in shallow waters and might not latch on, depending on your stealthiness.
Furthermore, you can throw a crab or mussel in their direction to get their attention, but be careful not to strike the crab over the fish as that might frighten them and disappear in front of you.
THE BLACK DRUM “FISHING” TECHNIQUE
As you start your drum fish Texas journey, let me clarify that there is no one-stop catching method. Hence, you know that the fishing methods change from anglers to anglers depending on their capability and the fishing environment. Therefore, the same is applied to the Drumfish. Let’s discuss a few of them:
Live Bait Method
Without a doubt, we all know that bait is a fundamental part of the black drum-catching process. Further, anglers mostly use the live bait method for beach fishing during spring and autumn because Drumfish love to live in shallow waters.
Hooking Method
During winter, the big drum fish go deeper into the waters as it’s time to feed on the bottom living aquatic life. Hence, the experienced anglers used spinning spoons and casting jigs to hook the Black Drum Fish Texas onto the surface.
Tackle Method
This black drum fish-catching method is the most hot topic today. Moreover, the experienced anglers said it gives a sense of safety and allows for more blackfish hunting success.
Additionally, you must choose a heavy conventional metal tackler over a spinning one because you can bring your hunt to the shore without worrying about damage from underwater structures like shipwrecks and bridges. A tackler must possess the following features:
- Fish finder rig with a rod weighing 30-50 pounds
- A 4 to 5-foot fluorocarbon leader should be attached to the rig
- Circle hook sizes 8/0 to 10/0
- Make your tackler fit under the water by using heavy loads
THE MOST EFFECTIVE BOTTOM RIGS AND BAITS FOR DRUM FISH
Rigs and baits are an integral part of fish hunting, and honestly, your fishing journey is complete and fruitless without them. Let’s make choosing the best bait and rigs easier before starting your fishing journey.
Fish Finder Rig
A fish finder or Carolina rig is a great option for catching drum fish, as it functions almost like a knocker rig. On the other hand, fishing with a circle hook is also a superior option as it gives you a firm advantage in gripping the hunt. However, the size of the hook differs, and it all depends on your hunting choice, whether you are going for a smaller or bigger black drum fish. So, choose the bait and hook that fits your needs.
Hooks
It is advisable to use a circle hook when hunting black drums as it sticks firmly into the fish’s mouth and entangles the superior part of the stomach without damaging it. Hence, circle hooks come in various sizes, including:
● 1/0 to 3/0 – Standard Size: Nest for Small Drum Blackfish
● 4/0 to 7/0 – Large Size: Best for oversized drum fish matching the bait.
Sinkers
The best sinker for fish hunting depends on the inshore and offshore catch.
● Egg Sinker – When hunting along the inshore, you must use an egg sinker because it takes your bait deep into the water and helps you tumble it on the surface to your target.
● Pyramid Sinker – For ocean waters, always consider a pyramid sinker; it helps you take your bait along with 2 to 6 oz of weight to the bottom of the ocean. After that, just sit and relax until the black drum smells, and you get deceived by your trap.
Leader Material
Always go for the fluorocarbon leader material as it’s scratch-resistant compared to mono. Moreover, it holds well around structures where most bull black drum fish live.
● 20-pound fluorocarbon leader – for small black drum fish to tackle the light load
● 40-pound fluorocarbon leader – for large black drum fish to tackle the heavy load
Blue Crabs
A blue crab is the best snack to stimulate the black drum fish’s appetite, making the trip more enjoyable and adventurous. Cut a blue crab into equal halves or quarters for smaller drum fish, put it against a bait, and let it go deep into the water. Hence, it is thought that cutting the crab spreads the smell at a fast speed underwater, attracting drumfish and trapping them in the end.
Shrimps
Shrimps are also an attractive trap for the drum fish; whether the shrimp is dead or alive, these produce the same results. However, the problem is that shrimps (crustaceans) are equally appealing to all kinds of fish. Therefore, during fishing, it traps all types, and then it’s difficult to distinguish and handle your target species of black drums.
Where to catch black drum in Texas
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) states that the Black drum species is mainly seen on the Atlantic coast of New York and the south of the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, drumfish are common in Texas’s nearshore and offshore waters, including Corpus Christi and Brownsville.
Larger breeding bull drum congregate by the hundreds in deep channels.
The larger breeding bull drum during winter and spring seasons get together in the deep sea waters and the jetties along the surf line of the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, anglers caught drum fish weighing 30-40 pounds in Galveston Bay (Texas City).
Black Drum Limit Regulations in Texas
Fishing, an adventurous sports activity, depends on the season for drum fish. In contrast, all adventure-related entertainment activities, such as fishing, have a few regulations worldwide. Accordingly, Texas has formulated a few rules, as listed below.
Explanation Of The Size and Bag Limits
Texas has formulated a few regulations regarding black drum hunting for seasonal anglers and sports fishermen.
One of the important regulations includes the size and bag limits, which positively impact drumfish hunting, making it safer. Therefore, understanding this regulation is necessary as it saves you in critical times during your fishing journey.
Overview Of Penalties For Violating the Black Drum Size Limit For Texas
In general, violating any law has consequences similar to the size and bag limit regulations regarding blackfish. You will suffer fines if you violate this law, and your fishing license may be canceled.
It’s always best practice to fully understand the regulations before starting the drumfish hunting journey. You can consult the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) before heading to the trip.
Staying Compliant With the Black Drum Size Limit For Texas
Hunters on a journey to hunt the black drum fish in Texas must follow the regulations directed by the Wildlife Protection Department of Texas.
An example of a regulation is the bag limit – the number of black drums a person can catch in a day, and a possession limit means having a black drum at home. Similarly, the regulation also covers the drum fish length (minimum-maximum), so be careful and measure the size to avoid penalty. For Texas, the criteria are the following:
- Five fish limit for recreational fishing
- Size limit (14 to 30 inches)
- In state waters, one drum can hold 52 inches
Measuring Black Drum Accurately To Stay Within the Black Drum Limit
It’s always advisable to follow the regulations made by Texas while hunting drum fish in the state waters. However, don’t overfish for the day and break the rules; just stick to a limit by counting or tracking your catch.
Simply put the number on the fish bucket or note the caught fish number in a diary and smartphone – little acts count.
Performing this little act prevents you from violating the rules and taking up many fish. Doing so saves the fish population and allows others to enjoy fishing.
Tips For Catching Black Drum Within the Limit
You must have perfect practical fishing gear before leaving for a fishing trip because these gears help you along the way and save you much time and effort.
Gear for Black Drum Fishing
Here’s what you’ll need for perfect black drum hunting in the state waters:
- Fishing line with a 20-30 pound test strength
- Fluorocarbon leaders with 20-30 lbs of test strength
- High-action rods with a fast taper
- Lures that mimic crab or shrimp baits
- Drag-driven spinning reels
- Hooks in sizes 4/0-7/0
- Adjustable egg sinkers for different water conditions
Note: This is just a general list, so you need to look up specifics based on your location, environment, and type of fishing as you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the black drum size limits in Texas?
The anglers can catch 5 black drum per day, ranging from 14 to 30 inches per State regulation. Moreover, a person can retain a black drum of 52 inches per day under the bag and possession limit.
What are the penalties for violating the black drum size and bag limits in Texas?
Violating the drum size and bag limits regulations results in huge fines, fishing license terminations, and sometimes arrests.
What gear is recommended for black drum fishing in saltwater?
To ensure a successful fishing trip, the following gear is recommended:
- Fishing line with a 20-30 pound test strength
- Fluorocarbon leaders with 20-30 lbs of test strength
- High-action rods with a fast taper
- Lures that mimic crab or shrimp baits
- Drag-driven spinning reels
- Hooks in sizes 4/0-7/0
- Adjustable egg sinkers for different water conditions
What techniques can I use to catch black drum within the limit?
For successful drum fish hunting, use relevant size bait, fish in the ocean waters as per the season, use appropriate tackle, and stick to the regulations by tracking your daily bag and possession limits.