Black Drum
Black Drum are the largest members of the drum family in Louisiana, capable of reaching over 100 pounds though more commonly caught between 3-20 pounds.
These heavy-bodied fish have distinctive whisker-like barbels under their chin and pharyngeal teeth in their throats for crushing shellfish. They're euryhaline, tolerating salinities from 0-80 ppt and temperatures from 37-100°F.
The species inhabits both inshore estuarine waters and nearshore Gulf waters year-round, with adults primarily residing offshore and juveniles in shallow marshes.
Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis
Also known as puppy drum (fish under 10 pounds), bull drum (larger specimens)
- Heavy-bodied fish with distinctive whisker-like barbels under their chin and pharyngeal teeth in their throats for crushing shellfish.
- Juveniles display 4-6 vertical black bars that fade with age.
- Capable of reaching over 100 pounds though more commonly caught between 3-20 pounds.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Most abundant in the northern Gulf of Mexico, particularly near the Mississippi River Delta.
- The species inhabits both inshore estuarine waters and nearshore Gulf waters year-round, with adults primarily residing offshore and juveniles in shallow marshes.
Key Locations
- Lakes Pontchartrain, Borgne, and Catherine, Barataria Bay, passes west of the Mississippi River, Bayou Lacombe shell pad (one mile south of Goose Point), Twin Span Bridge, Lake Catherine camps, and throughout the New Orleans area marshes.
Specific Spots
- Around oyster beds, docks, and bridge pilings throughout Louisiana's coastal waters, shell pads, and rock dams.
Black Drum FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Drum in Louisiana?
Blue crab (cut in half with shell removed), live or dead shrimp (pinch tail for more scent), fresh clams, fiddler crabs, and finger mullet.
When is the best time to fish for Black Drum in Louisiana?
Most productive from May through December, with peak action in summer and fall months. Avoid fishing during spawning from January through April.
How do you catch Black Drum in Louisiana?
Use knocker rigs with sliding sinkers or dropper loop rigs. For shallow sight fishing, use jig heads with live baits or artificial baits. Target muddy plumes created by feeding schools.
What do Black Drum eat?
They're bottom feeders with age-specific diets: larvae eat zooplankton, young drum under 8 inches feed on marine worms and small fish, while larger drum consume mollusks, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, and crabs.
Where do Black Drum live in Louisiana?
Most abundant in the northern Gulf of Mexico, particularly near the Mississippi River Delta. The species inhabits both inshore estuarine waters and nearshore Gulf waters year-round, with adults primarily residing offshore and juveniles in shallow marshes.
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