In the Chespeake Bay and along the coast of Virginia,
Black Drum are a seasonal catch. The first fish may arrive
inshore as early as April. Most anglers begin fishing for
for Black Drum in May and June
from areas such as Kiptopeake State Park in
Kiptopeake, Virginia. The area is known for good black drum fishing, especially around buoys 16 to 13 in about 20 to 25 feet of
water.
Some anglers prefer the last of the flood tide and the first of the outgoing,
especially if the change of tide is around sunset or later. Depending on
personal preference, anglers may use quahog clams, surf clams, peeler crab,
or other baits. Chumming with broken some clams is also popular,
which sometimes helps to attract fish to the boat.
The common black
drum rig is very simple to rig and seems to work very well.
These can be make using a 3
way swivel with a snap on one eye for the sinker. Anglers vary the weight from 3 to 8
oz. depending on the current. A 3 to 4 'leader of #50 or #80 mono is attached to
the swivel. Anglers use circle hooks or live bait hooks for catching black drum.
Cleaning Black Drum for the Table