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Black Drum

Black Drum

Black Drum are the largest member of the drum family, found in New York waters from the Gulf of Maine down to Florida along the Atlantic coast. In New York, they're present but less common than in southern waters.

These chunky, high-backed fish can live over 60 years and reach weights exceeding 100 pounds, making them one of New York's most impressive inshore gamefish.

Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis

Physical Characteristics:

These chunky, high-backed fish are distinguished by 10-14 chin barbels (whiskers) under their lower jaw, which they use to detect prey. Young fish display 4-5 dark vertical bars that fade with age to a dull gray coloration.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit brackish waters, sandy or mud bottoms in bays, around jetties, bridges, piers, and other structures. Adults prefer higher salinity areas closer to ocean inlets, while juveniles tolerate lower salinity waters.

Key Locations

Point Lookout Jetties, Jones Inlet, and other Long Island coastal areas, Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and coastal waters.

Specific Spots

Focus on sandy or muddy bottoms near oyster beds, bridge pilings, jetties, and areas with 25-40 foot depths.

Black Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits are blue crabs (halved or quartered to release scent), shrimp, clams, and cut mullet presented on bottom rigs. For artificial lures, try scented soft plastics like Berkley Gulp! Shrimp on 1/8-1/4 oz jig heads, crab imitations like Savage Gear TPE 3D Crab, D.O.A.

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

The prime season for Black Drum in New York runs from May through October, with peak fishing during their spring migration from late May through June when they move into inshore waters.

How do you catch Black Drum in New York?

Present baits and lures on or near the bottom since Black Drum are dedicated bottom feeders that rarely chase prey in the water column. Fish during moving tides when their feeding activity peaks.

What do Black Drum eat?

Black Drum are bottom feeders that use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush hard-shelled prey including oysters, clams, mussels, and crabs.

Where do Black Drum live in New York?

They inhabit brackish waters, sandy or mud bottoms in bays, around jetties, bridges, piers, and other structures. Adults prefer higher salinity areas closer to ocean inlets, while juveniles tolerate lower salinity waters.

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