Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
FR Tambour noir · ES Corvina negra · PT Corvina-negra
Also known as: DrumfishOyster CrackerCorvina NegraCorvina-pretaCorvina negraTambour noirCorvina-negra
Surf/EstuaryShoreBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Spring spawning aggregations; low light
Depth
0–20m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Feb–AprGood Jan–Oct
Depth range
0–20mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing60%
Preferred seabed
Mixed
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk bottom feeder on incoming tide. Crab or cut shrimp gets me every time...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryShallow water
Recommended baits
CrabPrawnsFish baitsShellfish
Diet
BivalvesCrabClamShrimpSmall fish
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskSlack water
I crush oysters like snacks — percussionist of the estuary.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf and southeast Atlantic marshes, jetties, surf
Where they hang out
Nearshore structure, shallow to moderate depth
Prime time
Spring spawning aggregations; low light
Tide game
High; feeds hardest on moving tide near structure
What they're into
Crab, shrimp, cut bait on bottom rigs
Temperature vibe
Prefers 16–26°C
Fave weather
Overcast, moving water improves the bite
Fun fact about me
I crush oysters like snacks — percussionist of the estuary.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Slot limits common — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. TPWD, FWC)
Looking after them
Near Threatened