Fish guide
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis.
Showing the fish for Long Island, NY.
Season in Long Island
The Fisherman (2019): black drum make regular visits from Staten Island to Montauk; a school was seen in Great South Bay's West Channel in late May or early June and an 80 lb fish was landed. OTW: a 14 lb black drum at Northport in late August 2026. Occasional, not a dependable target. (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
An occasional visitor: Great South Bay channels (West Channel), the NY Bight and the harbors of the North Shore, usually on bait.
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
Check the New York rules before keeping one.
Typical: unknown. Large: An 80 lb fish in Great South Bay; a 14 lb fish at Northport (2026).
New York (marine waters) limits
No state limit entry.
Last checked 2026-10-17. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. New York State DEC fishing regulations.
Sources
- The Fisherman: Southern Visitors Arrive on LI (2019) (Angler knowledge)
- On The Water: Long Island and NYC Fishing Report, August 27, 2026 (Angler knowledge)
- 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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