Caught a Black Drum Inshore in Oriental

The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful fish are distinguished by their dark coloration, crushing jaws, and the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles and their swim bladder. In Oriental's brackish waters this May, black drum provide exciting light tackle opportunities for anglers targeting North Carolina's diverse inshore fishery.

Black Drum Overview

Black drum are robust, bottom-dwelling fish known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting ability. They range from dark grey to black coloration, with younger fish often displaying vertical bars that fade with age. These fish are prized by anglers for their powerful runs and the challenge they present on light tackle, making them a favorite target in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound.

Black Drum Habitat and Distribution

Black drum inhabit brackish and saltwater environments along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They prefer areas with oyster bars, mud flats, and shallow bays where they can forage for their preferred prey. Around Oriental, these fish thrive in the mixing waters of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, where salinity levels and abundant shellfish create ideal conditions.

Black Drum Size and Weight

Black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with larger specimens often called "bull drum" or "old drum." Smaller fish in the 15-30 pound range are commonly encountered in shallow water, while trophy-sized fish can exceed 50 pounds and provide battles that test both angler skill and tackle.

Black Drum Diet and Behavior

These fish are primarily bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shellfish, crabs, and other hard-shelled prey. They use their sensitive barbels to locate food along the bottom, often creating distinctive mud clouds while feeding. Black drum are most active during moving tides when prey becomes more accessible.

Black Drum Spawning Season

Black drum spawn in nearshore waters during spring months when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. During this period, they form large aggregations and produce the drumming sounds that give them their name, with males creating vibrations to attract females.

Black Drum Fishing Techniques

Successful black drum fishing requires heavy tackle and strong hooks due to their crushing jaws and powerful runs. Cut bait such as crab, shrimp, or mullet works well, presented on the bottom near structure. In May around Oriental, anglers find success fishing oyster bars and shallow flats during moving tides, using circle hooks to improve hookup ratios and reduce deep hooking.

Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?

Smaller black drum under 30 pounds provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat that flakes well when cooked. Larger fish tend to have coarser meat and may contain parasites, so many anglers practice catch and release with trophy-sized specimens. The meat has a mild flavor that works well grilled, blackened, or in fish cakes.

Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for black drum?

A: Fresh or frozen crab, cut mullet, and large shrimp are top choices. Blue crab is particularly effective, especially when fished on the bottom near oyster bars and structure.

Q: Where can I find black drum near Oriental?

A: Focus on oyster bars, shallow flats, and creek mouths in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. Moving tides often trigger feeding activity in these areas.

Q: Is black drum good to eat?

A: Smaller black drum under 30 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Larger fish are often released due to coarser meat texture and potential parasites.

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

A: Spring through fall offers the best action, with May being particularly productive as fish become more active in warming waters and begin their spawning activities.