Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Eric

Fishing for black drum in Tampa Bay can be a great experience. These fish are known for their power, putting up quite a fight when caught. While they can be found in other parts of the world, Tampa Bay is one of the best places to go black drum fishing. The waters here are warm and transparent, making it easy to see the fish. Food is abundant for the black drum to eat. Tampa Bay is a great place to try your hand at black drum fishing.

Black Drum Fishing in Tampa Bay

If you’re planning on going black drum fishing in Tampa Bay, you should keep a few things in mind. It can take some time to reel in a big black drum. However, the fight is well worth the wait. So come on down to Tampa Bay and enjoy some of the best black drum fishing around.

Black Drum

The black drum is a member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes other fish such as the red drum and weakfish. It is a saltwater fish that can be found in coastal waters around the world. Black drums get their name from their dark gray or black coloration.

They can grow to be very large, with some individuals reaching up to five feet in length and 100 pounds in weight. The black drum is distinguished from similar species by the unusually large spine in the anal fin and numerous barbels on the chin. There are large pavement-like teeth in the throat that are used for crushing shellfish. Their diet consists mostly of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Black drums are excellent table fare and can be prepared in several ways. They are often smoked or grilled but can also be fried, baked, or stewed. You’ll want to remove the dark meat from around the spine before cooking, as it can be tough and undesirable. Other than that, enjoy your fresh catch!

Where to Find

Black drum are a common sight in many coastal areas. They are often found near structures such as docks, piers, and seawalls, these structures are home to what the drum feed on. They will also congregate around oyster bars and reefs, where food is abundant. When food is scarce in the winter, You can find black drum in deep water near passes and channels. Here they can find shelter from the cold and access to the food they need to survive.

Black drum are a vital part of the ecosystem, and their presence can be a good indicator of the bay’s health. By understanding where they live and what they need to thrive, we can fish them more effectively and also know how to keep them around for fishing in the future. Black drum typically spawns in large groups, so if you find one, there’s a good chance there are more nearby.

What Bait to Use

Live bait is usually the best choice when fishing for black drum. Shrimp, crabs, and sandfleas are all excellent choices. You can also use artificial lures such as soft plastics that match their live counterparts, you can never go wrong with artificial shrimp lures. Cut bait will also work, but it is not as effective as live bait.

How to Catch

Black drum are opportunistic feeders, so they often strike at anything that appears to be food. The best way to hook a black drum is to use a rig with a circle hook. This hook will lodge in the corner of the fish’s mouth, making it easier to set the hook and remove later. When using live bait, let the fish eat it for a few seconds before setting the hook. This will ensure that the fish is appropriately hooked and less likely to spit the hook out later.

When you feel a bite, set the hook immediately. Black Drum have strong mouths and will try to pull away from your line as soon as they are hooked. Once you have them on the line, reel them in slowly and steadily. Do not try to jerk the line or pull them out of the water too quickly – this will only tire you out and make it harder for you to land them. Be patient and give them time to tire themselves before bringing them into the boat.

Final Word

Fishing for black drum can be a great experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch one of these fish. They’re known for their fight, so make sure you’re prepared before you head out onto the water. If you follow these tips, you’re sure to have a great time black drum fishing in Tampa Bay!

If you want the help of a pro, you can always book a trip with Bag’em and be on your way to bagging one of these delicious monsters.