Black Drum

 

Black Drum reach a maximum size of just over 100 pounds but the "bulls" usually range in the 25 to 40 pound range. They have deep bodies with 4 or 5 broad black bars on their sides. Black Drum feed on a variety of things, such as, small fish, crustaceans, and oysters. They can be found over sand or mud bottoms on shallow water flats. Black drum aren't usually caught on artificial baits becaust they lack the speed to chase down lures and depend heavily on smell. These fish are know for their great fighting ability, they they just don't seem to give up.

Black drum are related to the redfish. They school up in the winter months where they move into shallow water to feed on the small shrimp, and crabs. Just like the redfish black drum will root around and tail in skinny water looking for food. Schools of 500 fish are found inside the lagoon certian times of the year. Anglers are able to sight fish the brutes on light tackle. Through out the summer months the bull drum move into deeper water around the bridges and channels.