Saltwater Fishing Videos and Expert Tips

Sight Fishing Black Drum: Gulf Coast

Sight Fishing Black Drum

Sight Fishing for Black Drum:

Black drum is a species of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. They are typically gray or black in color and can weigh up to 90 pounds. Black drum are known for their powerful, bottom-dwelling abilities, making them a challenging catch for anglers.

Watch Video: Sight Fishing Black Drum

Where to Find Black Drum in the Gulf of Mexico

To increase your chances of catching black drum, it’s important to know where to find them. They are typically found in shallow water near structures like jetties, bridges, and oyster reefs. Look for areas with a mix of sand and mud bottoms, as these provide ideal feeding grounds for black drum.

Bag Limits for Black Drum

Gulf Coast StateBlack Drum Bag Limit
Texas5 fish per day, 14-inch minimum size limit
Louisiana10 fish per day, 16- to 27-inch slot limit
Mississippi3 fish per day, 14- to 24-inch slot limit
Alabama10 fish per day, 16- to 26-inch slot limit
Florida5 fish per day, 14- to 24-inch slot limit

Equipment for Sight Fishing Black Drum

To successfully sight fish for black drum, you will need the right equipment. A medium-heavy spinning rod with a fast action tip is a good choice, paired with a spinning reel loaded with 20-30 lb test braided line. A fluorocarbon leader is recommended to increase your chances of a bite.

Lure Selection for Sight Fishing Black Drum

The right lure selection is critical for sight fishing black drum. Soft plastic baits like curly tail grubs and shrimp imitations work well, as do topwater lures like poppers and walk-the-dog style baits. Experiment with different colors and sizes until you find what works best for you.

Sight Fishing Techniques for Black Drum

When sight fishing for black drum, it’s important to be patient and observant. Look for signs of feeding activity, like tails or swirls on the surface of the water. Slowly approach the fish and make a cast past them, reeling your bait back towards them. Make sure to keep your line tight and be ready for a strike at any moment.

Tips for Optimizing Your Sight Fishing Experience

To increase your chances of success when sight fishing for black drum, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, try to avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could spook the fish. Secondly, pay attention to the tide and time of day, as black drum tend to feed more actively during certain times. Finally, be prepared to adjust your tactics as necessary to adapt to changing conditions.

Sight fishing for black drum is an exciting and challenging experience for anglers of all levels.

With the right equipment, lure selection, and techniques, you can increase your chances of a successful catch. Remember to be patient and observant, and always be willing to adapt your approach as needed to optimize your sight fishing experience.

Sight Fishing Black Drum

Sight fishing for black drum is a technique where anglers look for the fish in shallow water and cast their bait or lure directly to them.
The best time of day to sight fish for black drum is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low and the water is calm.
The best bait to use for sight fishing black drum is live or cut bait such as shrimp or crab. Artificial lures can also work, but live bait can often be more effective.
Sight fishing for black drum is most effective in water that is 2 to 4 feet deep.
The best way to spot black drum when sight fishing is to look for dark shadows or patches on the bottom of the water.
A medium to heavy spinning rod with a fast action paired with a quality reel is ideal for sight fishing black drum.
The best technique for casting to black drum when sight fishing is to lead the fish by a few feet and cast your bait or lure directly in their path.
When you feel a bite, wait a moment before setting the hook to make sure the fish has the bait or lure in its mouth. Then, give the rod a firm upward jerk to set the hook.
When fighting a black drum, keep your rod tip up and reel in any slack line. Be patient and let the fish tire itself out before trying to reel it in.
To release a black drum, hold it in the water and gently remove the hook. Then, support the fish under its belly and release it back into the water.