Fish guide
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis.
Showing the fish for Delaware, Maryland and Virginia ocean coast.
Season in Delmarva
Peak months: May, Jun.
Maryland DNR: spawning at the Bay mouth and Eastern Shore seaside inlets April into early June. Virginia ocean-side citations April and May, including a surf citation at Assateague on sand flea (April 2025). DNREC: common, typically 30 to 40 in, mostly at night on clams. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Georgia | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Northeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Space Coast | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southwest Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Tampa Bay | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Big Bend | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Panhandle | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Alabama | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Mississippi | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Louisiana | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Upper Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Middle Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Lower Delaware Bay in spring on clams at night; the Assateague surf on sand fleas in April.
Bottom, around structure.
What to look for
Structure with moving water.
Bait
Fresh or peeled shrimp, Clams, Sand fleas, Crab pieces. Fish-finder or double-drop, 2/0 to 5/0 circle, 2 to 4 oz.
Leader
20 to 40 lb.
Common mistakes
- Fishing away from structure
- Using lures
Landing
Heavy fish; use waves.
Handling
- Crushing throat teeth
- Stout dorsal spines
Keep fingers out of the throat; watch the dorsal spines.
Keep or release
Smaller drum eat well; big drum are better released. Check state rules.
Typical: 30 to 40 in. Large: unknown. Delaware record 115 lb (1978).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the DE and MD and VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Delaware DNREC Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.
Sources
- Maryland DNR Fish Facts: Black Drum (Official source)
- VMRC Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament: 2024 Citations Year To Date (every trophy citation with species, catch date, area, technique) (Official source)
- VMRC Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament: 2025 Citations Year To Date (printed May 8 2026) (Official source)
- DNREC Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts: Black Drum (Official source)
- ASMFC 2017, Atlantic Sciaenid Habitats (Habitat Management Series 14): Black Drum chapter (Official source)
- SCDNR species profile: black drum (Official source)
- SCDNR Saltwater Fishing Trends (pier operator forecasts) (Angler knowledge)
Is black drum worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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