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Black Drum

Black Drum

Black drum are the largest members of the Sciaenidae family and New Jersey's largest inshore gamefish, capable of reaching over 120 pounds and living up to 60 years. The New Jersey state record is 109 pounds, caught in Delaware Bay in 2008.

Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis

Also known as bearded croaker

Physical Characteristics:
  • Chunky, high-backed fish have dark silvery-gray bodies with a brassy sheen and distinctive chin barbels (whiskers) that give them their 'bearded croaker' appearance.
  • Juveniles display 4-5 distinctive black vertical bars that fade with age.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Delaware Bay (the state's premier black drum fishery and major spawning ground), Great Bay, and have been expanding into Barnegat Bay, with some appearing in the surf from Island Beach State Park to Long Beach Island.

Key Locations

  • Delaware Bay (including Slaughter Beach, Broad Kill Slough, Pin Top, Tussey Slough, and Fishing Creek Slough), Great Bay (around Grassy Channel, Pebble Beach, and cedar stakes at Graveling Point marking shellfish beds), Barnegat Bay, surf from Island Beach State Park to Long Beach Island.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like shellfish beds, docks with marine growth, and oyster bars.
  • Fish around cedar stakes at Graveling Point marking shellfish beds.

Black Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Drum in New Jersey?

Fresh surf clam is the premier bait - use whole fresh clams with closed shells and dark yellow meat, avoiding pale, spoiled clams. Secure stringy clam pieces with unscented white dental floss. Blue crab (halved), fiddler crabs, and fresh shrimp are also effective.

What flies work for Black Drum in New Jersey?

Use dark colors (black, dark brown, root beer) that stay on bottom: weighted flies like Redfish Worms, Merkin patterns, and black Clouser Minnows.

When is the best time to fish for Black Drum in New Jersey?

Black drum fishing peaks during May and June, with good fishing continuing through August. They migrate inshore to New Jersey waters during April-June to spawn, with peak spawning activity in May around full and new moon periods.

How do you catch Black Drum in New Jersey?

Present baits directly in front of feeding fish rather than trying to entice them from a distance. Use light chumming with cracked surf clams and shells. Circle hooks work well for aggressive bites or when using multiple rods, while J-hooks are better for light bites requiring immediate hook sets.

What do Black Drum eat?

Black drum are bottom feeders that use their barbels, covered with thousands of chemoreceptors, to locate prey by feel and smell rather than sight. Adults primarily feed on mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels), crabs, and shrimp, using powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shells.

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