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Black Drum

Black Drum

Black drum are chunky, high-backed fish with many barbels or whiskers under the lower jaw, making them Texas's most abundant drum species.

They're the largest members of the drum family, capable of reaching 146 pounds (Texas record is 81 pounds), though most 'bull drum' caught weigh 30-40 pounds. Fish under one pound are called 'butterfly drum.'

Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis

Also known as bull drum, butterfly drum

Physical Characteristics:
  • Younger fish display four to five dark vertical bars that fade with age, while adults vary greatly in coloration - Gulf water fish appear light gray or silvery, while bay fish show dark gray or bronze backs and sides.
  • They have many barbels or whiskers under the lower jaw and are chunky, high-backed fish.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Black drum are found in all bay and inshore waters plus offshore Gulf waters.
  • They demonstrate remarkable habitat adaptability, thriving in everything from shallow flats of the Laguna Madre where their backs are exposed, to Gulf waters over 100 feet deep, from crystal clear sand flats to muddy sloughs.

Key Locations

  • Black drum are most abundant from Corpus Christi to Brownsville on the lower Texas coast.
  • Prime locations include Trinity Bay, East Bay, Laguna Madre, South Padre Island, Padre Island National Seashore for surf fishing, and throughout Texas bay systems.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around oyster beds, docks, bridges, jetties, piers, and seawalls where their prey resides.
  • In shallow, clear water, look for muddy patches indicating feeding schools.
  • During colder months, target deeper waters, channels, and Gulf surf using bottom rigs along channel slopes and open bay areas.

Black Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Black drum are primarily caught with natural baits since they feed by smell and feel - peeled shrimp tails (preferably ripe and smelly) are most popular, followed by cut fish and squid. For larger bull drum, use half or quarter blue crabs with the top shell removed.

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

Black drum fishing in Texas is productive year-round with peak action during the annual 'bull drum' runs in February and March. Summer months offer excellent shallow water fishing for 1-4 pound schools. During colder months, they move to deeper waters and channels.

How do you catch Black Drum in Texas?

The basic technique involves putting baited hooks on the bottom and waiting, as drum will 'mouth' bait before swallowing - wait until fish moves off with bait before setting the hook. A conventional bottom rig with sinker and single hooks works well for bank, surf, and anchored boat fishing.

What do Black Drum eat?

They're bottom feeders using their sensitive barbels to locate food by feel and smell. Young drum feed on maritime worms, small shrimp, crabs, and small fish, while larger drum consume crabs, worms, algae, small fish, and mollusks.

Where do Black Drum live in Texas?

Black drum are found in all bay and inshore waters plus offshore Gulf waters. They demonstrate remarkable habitat adaptability, thriving in everything from shallow flats of the Laguna Madre where their backs are exposed, to Gulf waters over 100 feet deep, from crystal clear sand flats to muddy sloughs.

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