Inshore Hatteras · Pamlico Sound
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis · also called Black
Bigger cousin to the red drum. Spring spawn brings the giants close.
Black drum get bigger than red drum and they eat differently. Slow-grinding bottom feeders, partial to crab and shrimp on a Carolina rig. The Pamlico spawn in April and May puts 40-pound-plus fish in casting range.
These are not the every-trip species like red drum. But when the conditions line up, a 30-plus pounder makes a half-day legendary.
Eating quality is best on smaller fish. Big black drum are catch-and-release.
When to book
Black Drum season at a glance.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Present Off season
Book a black drum trip
Target black drum with Captain Doug.
Half-day or full-day. Out of Teach's Lair, Hatteras NC. Call Doug to confirm peak-season dates.
More target species
