Black Drum are one of my favorite inshore species to target, particularly on my Kids Fishing Charters. But don't be fooled, these fish are fun for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers, as we also fish for them on my Inshore Fishing Charters. They are also a great tasting fish that literally anyone can go out and catch.
Black Drum are hard fighters that offer an exciting challenge and are abundant in the waters surrounding Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Calabash, and Little River.
Let me guide you through the best areas and techniques to land your next black drum!
Prime Spots for Black Drum
Black drum are found in a variety of habitats, but the waters around Ocean Isle Beach offer some prime locations. Here are the top spots I recommend for targeting these fish:
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
The ICW is a hotspot for black drum, especially around docks, bridges, and oyster beds. These fish love structure, so working around pilings and submerged debris is key. Live or cut bait fished near the bottom is often the key to success here. I particluarly like stopping at lone channel markers, as they offer the structure needed, they are typically along the channel drop off, and being out by itself, it has a greater liklihood of holding fish.
Shallotte River
Shallotte River's tributary creeks and deep channels make it an ideal habitat for black drum. Look for areas with slow-moving currents and plenty of natural cover like oyster beds and docks. Shrimp and crab are go-to baits in this area.
Calabash River
The Calabash River is a quieter spot, perfect for anglers looking for a less pressured area. Black drum here are often found in the deeper holes and along mud flats during lower tides. It’s a great place to bring light tackle for some fun action.
Little River Jetties
For those willing to venture a bit further, the Little River Jetties offer some fantastic opportunities. The black drum here can be big, and fishing the rocks with fresh bait like blue crab or shrimp can yield impressive results. Just be prepared for a fight—they don't give up easily and the drum at the jetties can be very big!
NC Size and Creel Limits
In North Carolina, black drum regulations currently in place are:
- Minimum Size: 14 inches
- Maximum Size: 25 inches
- Creel Limit: Up to 10 fish per angler per day, with only one fish allowed over 25 inches
- Check Current Regs: NCDMF
Always double-check the latest regulations before heading out, as rules can change seasonally.
Best Baits and Techniques
Black drum are opportunistic bottom feeders, making them a lot easier to target than other inshore species like Red Drum, Speckled Trout, etc... Here are some methods I recommend:
Baits
- Shrimp. Emphasis on FRESH SHRIMP, not frozen. Doesn't have to be alive.
- Crab chunks. Larger chunks of legal-sized blue crab around major structures like jetty walls and bridges.
- Clams
- Cut mullet
- Berkley Gulp Alive: I never target Black Drum with Berkley Gulp baits, but I do have my charter customers catch Black Drum as a by-catch when using this type of lure. If you want to give it a try, then use the 3 or 4 inch swimming mullets.
Fishing Techniques for Black Drum
When targeting black drum, keep your bait on the bottom. A simple Carolina rig with a circle hook, a 20 pound fluorocarbon leader, and an egg sinker that is heavy enough to hold against the current is my go-to setup. Patience is key, as black drum often nibble before committing, so give them a moment to take the bait.
Proper Handling Techniques
Handling black drum with care ensures they survive when released and keeps the population healthy for future generations. Here are some tips for proper handling:
- Use Wet Hands: Always wet your hands before touching the fish to protect their slime coat.
- Support the Body: Use both hands to support the fish, especially larger fish.
- Avoid the Gills: Never hold a black drum by its gills as it can cause serious injury.
- Quick Release: Minimize the time the fish spends out of the water and release them gently.
Obviously, if you're keeping the fish, the above isn't important, but in that case you still need to handle the fish to ensure you keep the meat safe and tasting great. You can do this by either keeping the fish alive until the end of the trip and then placing them immediately on ice until you filet them, or skip the livewell and place them directly into the ice. On my charters, I tend to keep fish alive in the live well until the end of the trip. Nothing is fresher than a fish that's still alive.
When to Fish for Black Drum
Black drum can be caught in the Ocean Isle Beach area year-round. I tend to fish for them when I have clients that are looking to catch fish to take home for dinner, and on my kids fishing charters, or anytime the conditions aren't great for other species like speckled trout, etc...
Book Your Black Drum Fishing Adventure
Ready to try your hand at catching black drum? I'd love to show you the ropes. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, we'll make it a trip to remember. Book your trip today, and lets hit the water! call or text Capt Harvey today at (910) 250-8459 or click / tap the book now buttons on this page.
Author:
Captain Harvey Wall
Owner, Salty Dawg Fishing Charters