Photo: Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Louisiana State University / CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Pogonias cromis
Black Drum
Saltwater
About this species
A heavy, chin-barbeled relative of the red drum that can top 40 kg, drumming loudly with its swim bladder. It crushes oysters and crabs with powerful pharyngeal teeth around bridges and channels. Fresh crab and clam on bottom rigs are the top baits.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 20 m
Habitat Spots
EstuaryNearshoreSurf
Fishing Methods
BottomFloatLure
Bait & Rig
Fresh crab, clam, shrimp, or cut mullet fished on the bottom near oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and channel edges.
Edibility & Taste
Firm white flesh with mild flavor; fish under 6 kg are the best table fare, as larger specimens become coarse-textured.
Similar Species
Chin barbels on adults and vertical bars on juveniles identify black drum; red drum has neither barbels nor bars but has a black tail-base spot.
Record Weight
51.3 kg