black-drum
Species Facts

Science Name: Pogonias cromis
Other Names: drum, sea drum, common drum, oyster cracker, banded drum, butterfly drum
Ideal Temp: 70 to 75
World Record: 113 lbs. 1 oz, Delaware
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle
Range: Eastern United States

 

Description

The scientific name of the black drum is derived from the Greek words pogonias, meaning “bearded,” and cromis, “to grunt” — and for good reason. The species has conspicuous chin barbels and utters a loud grunting sound when excited. Adults have dusky to black fins and are silver with a brassy luster in life, changing to dark gray after death. Young drum possess 4 to 6 black vertical bars, and may be misidentified as juveniles of closely related species.

Habitat
The preferred habitat is coastal waters including bays, sounds, and inlets where salinities range from near fresh to sea strength. They are commonly found near bridges, piers and other manmade structures.

Feeding Habits
Black drum feed on the bottom, aided in their search for food by the chin barbels that serve as feelers. Food items include clams, mussels, oysters, crabs, worms, and some fishes. Strong throat teeth, pharyngeals, are capable of crushing shells of clams, oysters, and crabs to make them easier to digest.

Tips for Fishing

Surf casting is very productive for both red and black drum.