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, robust build, and specialized pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shellfish and crustaceans. In Oriental waters this May, black drum patrol the brackish flats and oyster bars of the Pamlico Sound, using their keen sense of smell and lateral line system to locate prey.

Black Drum Overview

Black drum are bottom-dwelling fish that inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Argentina, with North Carolina's Pamlico Sound representing prime habitat. They're named for the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized sonic muscles against their swim bladder. Adult black drum can live over 40 years and are prized by anglers for their fighting ability and the challenge they present on light tackle.

Black Drum Habitat and Distribution

These fish prefer shallow, brackish waters with oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they can forage for crabs, oysters, and marine worms. Around Oriental, black drum frequent the transition zones where fresh water from the Neuse River meets saltwater from the Pamlico Sound. They move with the tides, often feeding in water less than 10 feet deep during high tide periods.

Black Drum Size and Weight

Black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds considered trophy specimens. Younger fish under 16 inches are often called "puppy drum" and school together in shallow water. Large adult black drum are usually solitary and can exceed 100 pounds, though fish of this size are increasingly rare due to their slow growth rate and advanced age.

Black Drum Diet and Behavior

Black drum are opportunistic bottom feeders that use their powerful jaws to crush oysters, blue crabs, fiddler crabs, and marine worms. They feed most actively during moving tides when prey is stirred up from the bottom. Their feeding creates distinctive mud clouds that alert anglers to their presence, and they often make audible crunching sounds when crushing shellfish.

Black Drum Spawning Season

Black drum spawn in nearshore waters from February through May, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. During spawning season, they form large aggregations in deeper channels and inlet areas. After spawning, adult fish return to shallow feeding areas where they remain throughout the summer and fall months.

Black Drum Fishing Techniques

Successful black drum fishing requires heavy tackle due to their size and the structure they inhabit. Cut blue crab, whole or half crabs, and fresh shrimp are the most effective baits. Fish these baits on the bottom near oyster bars, bridge pilings, and channel edges. In May around Oriental, anglers find success fishing the incoming tide along grass bed edges where black drum cruise looking for displaced crabs and worms.

Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?

Smaller black drum under 24 inches provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to redfish. Larger specimens tend to have coarser meat and may contain parasites, so most anglers practice catch and release for trophy-sized fish. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy seafood choice when prepared fresh.

Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for black drum?

A: Fresh or frozen blue crab, either cut into pieces or used whole, is the most effective bait. Peeler crabs and fresh shrimp also work well, especially during spawning season.

Q: Where can I find black drum near Oriental?

A: Look for black drum around oyster bars, grass bed edges, and channel drop-offs in the Pamlico Sound. They frequent shallow flats during high tide and deeper holes during low water.

Q: Is black drum good to eat?

A: Smaller black drum under 24 inches are excellent eating with firm, mild-flavored white meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture and potential worm issues.

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

A: Moving tides produce the best black drum fishing, particularly the first two hours of incoming tide. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times throughout the year.