Fish guide
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis.
Showing the fish for South Jersey Shore, NJ.
Season in South Jersey
Peak months: May, Jun.
April 2025 spotty in cold Delaware Bay, clams in Great Bay channels; May 2025 good numbers on the Delaware Bay shoals to 40 ft on anchored clams, night better; June 2026 drum to 60 and 70 lb at Cape May and Fortescue. (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
Delaware Bay shoals and sloughs off Cape May and Fortescue on anchored clams, best at night (boat); deep channels next to sod banks in Great Bay.
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 NJ rules.
Typical: unknown. Large: Drum to 60 and 70 lb (June 2026).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the NJ limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.
Sources
- On The Water: Southern New Jersey Fishing Report, April 17 2025 (Hook House, Creekside, Tony's, Tackle Direct, Tight Lines) (Angler knowledge)
- On The Water: Southern New Jersey Fishing Report, May 22 2025 (Angler knowledge)
- On The Water: Southern New Jersey Fishing Report, June 11 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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