The Black Drum Have Arrived

Tim Campbell and I enjoy catching black drum.  Since the winter was so mild we decided to fish for them a week early.  On Friday, 5/25/12, we launched out of Rod N' Reel West ($10.00 launch fee) in Chesapeake Beach, MD and to headed southeast to the eastern shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay.

The water temperature was 72 degrees, and the weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze out of the southeast.  We were the 1st boat to arrive at 7:00 am.  We used both spinning and baitcasting outfits strong enough to handle big fish.  They were rigged as follows. The spool had 80# test fiber line in which a fish finder was placed with a 2 oz. sinker attached.  Below the fish finder there was a hard plastic bead and then a swivel.  On the other end of the swivel was a 6' piece of 80# test monofilament with a 7/0 thick metal j-hook attached.  A fresh soft crab was cut and quartered and a piece was put on the hook.  Once you see any black drum on the fish finder you must be ready to drop down on these fish immediately.

Black drum stage on the deep sides of underwater mounds or humps. Once you sight a fish on the finder put the boat in reverse and drop down the bait as close as possible to the fish.  Turn off the power motor. If the bait isn't taken once it hits the bottom, start drifting for approximately 15 minutes to see if any other black drum are in the area.

These are strong fish and once they pick up the bait you can set the hook immediately.

I would like to thank Tim Campbell for sharing his knowledge with me on catching black drum.

NOTE OF INTEREST:  Along with fly or light tackle fishing trips using rod and reel, I have added 2 more methods used to catch striped bass. One is light tackle trolling, where you troll for stripers (rockfish) with the same light tackle equipment used to cast for them.  This can be productive and is an exciting way to catch stripers.  I have had requests from anglers to add live lining with light tackle to my service and this year it will be available.