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.
I prefer the last of the flood tide and the first of the outgoing,
especially if the change of tide is around sunset or later. I like to use a clam
and a piece of peeler crab for bait. I also like to break up some clams and hang
overboard to lure the fish near the boat.
There are several popular variations
of leaders. We use a very simple rig and it seems to work very well. I get a 3
way swivel with a snap on one eye for the sinker. I 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. I have used a variety to hooks but now use a simple circle hook, the
same size and style that we use while chunking for tuna. Live bait hooks will
also work if the angler prefers that style.
A 49 pounder from May 2000
A Drum from May 2001
A June 2001 Drum
Cleaning Black Drum for the Table
