Black Drum
Black Drum are the largest members of the Sciaenidae family and can grow over 46 inches in length, weigh upwards of 120 pounds, and live up to 60 years. In Delaware waters, they're commonly caught in the 30-40 inch range by local anglers.
Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis
These chunky fish have a high arched back, dark silvery-gray body with a brassy sheen, and distinctive 10-14 chin barbels (whiskers) that contain taste buds for detecting bottom-dwelling food.
Juveniles display four to five distinctive black vertical bars on their sides, which fade with age.
Fishing in Delaware
Delaware River
Lums Pond
Delaware Bay
Cohansey River
Leipsic River
Maurice River
Susquehanna River
Nantuxent Cove
Mispillion River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
Black Drum are found in Delaware's Atlantic Ocean waters and Delaware Bay, preferring estuarine and nearshore coastal environments.Key Locations
Delaware Bay hotspots include Slaughter Beach, Broad Kill Slough, Pin Top, Tussey Slough, and Fishing Creek Slough.Specific Spots
Look for structure like oyster beds, bridge pilings, and deep channels where Black Drum feed.Black Drum FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Drum in Delaware?
Fresh clams are the premier bait - Delaware regulations specify that Black Drum are 'most often caught fishing at night with fresh clams on bottom rigs.' Blue crabs cut in half, shrimp (live or dead), and surf clams also produce excellent results.
When is the best time to fish for Black Drum in Delaware?
The prime Black Drum fishing season in Delaware runs from late April through early June, with May typically marking peak activity as they gather for spawning in Delaware Bay.
How do you catch Black Drum in Delaware?
Fish with fish-finder rigs. The bite can be extremely light, so maintain contact with your bait and wait a few seconds after feeling a pickup before setting the hook. Chumming with cracked surf clams and shell pieces can help attract and hold fish near your boat.
What do Black Drum eat?
They're bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth capable of crushing shellfish, feeding primarily on clams, oysters, mussels, and crabs.
Where do Black Drum live in Delaware?
Black Drum are found in Delaware's Atlantic Ocean waters and Delaware Bay, preferring estuarine and nearshore coastal environments.
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