Black drum in Florida
black drum rules, records and best waters.
- 96 lbrecord
Photo: Attackgirl (talk) (Uploads), Public domain
Fishing for Black drum in Florida
Black drum (Pogonias cromis) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record black drum weighed 96 pounds (Fernandina Beach, 2001).
The black drum profile
Habitat of black drum
“Inshore fish common to bays, river mouths and lagoons.”
“Bottom dwellers, often found around oyster beds, docks and bridge pilings.”
“May also be found offshore.”
“Juveniles found in estuaries.”
What black drum eat
“Largest of drum species.”
“Spawns nearshore in winter and early spring.”
“Feeds on fishes and invertebrates including oysters, mussels, crabs and shrimp.”
“May live to 35 or more years.”
Seasons for black drum
“Spawns nearshore in winter and early spring.”
“May live to 35 or more years.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida black drum limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5 a day | 14-24 in. with one fish over 24 in. | Open year-round |
5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24").
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record black drum
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 96 | Fernandina Beach | 2001 |
| Fly | 50.25 | Merritt Island | 1986 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Florida bays for black drum
Big Bend region
- Alligator HarborFranklin
- Apalachee BayWakulla
- Deadman BayTaylor
- Ochlockonee BayFranklin, Wakulla
- Suwannee SoundLevy
- Waccasassa BayLevy
- Withlacoochee BayLevy
Charlotte Harbor region
- Charlotte HarborCharlotte, Lee
- Estero BayLee
- Gasparilla SoundCharlotte, Lee
- Lemon BayCharlotte, Sarasota
- Matlacha PassLee
- Pine Island SoundLee
- San Carlos BayLee
Indian River Lagoon region
- Banana RiverBrevard
- Hobe SoundMartin
- Indian River (Indian River Lagoon)Brevard, Indian River
- Jupiter SoundMartin, Palm Beach
- Loxahatchee River estuaryMartin, Palm Beach
- Mosquito LagoonBrevard, Volusia
- St. Lucie River estuaryMartin, St. Lucie
Northeast region
- Cumberland SoundNassau
- Halifax RiverVolusia
- Matanzas RiverFlagler, St. Johns
- Nassau SoundDuval, Nassau
- Tolomato RiverSt. Johns
Panhandle region
- Apalachicola BayFranklin
- Big LagoonEscambia
- Blackwater BaySanta Rosa
- Choctawhatchee BayOkaloosa, Walton
- East Bay (Bay County)Bay, Gulf
- East Bay (Franklin County)Franklin
- East Bay (Santa Rosa County)Santa Rosa
- Escambia BayEscambia, Santa Rosa
- North Bay (Bay County)Bay
- Pensacola BayEscambia, Santa Rosa
- Perdido BayEscambia
- Santa Rosa SoundEscambia, Okaloosa
- St. Andrew BayBay
- St. Andrew SoundBay
- St. George SoundFranklin
- St. Joseph BayGulf
- St. Vincent SoundFranklin, Gulf
- West Bay (Bay County)Bay
Sarasota Bay region
- Little Sarasota BaySarasota
- Palma Sola BayManatee
- Roberts Bay (Siesta Key)Sarasota
- Roberts Bay (Venice)Sarasota
- Sarasota BayManatee, Sarasota
Southeast region
- Barnes SoundMiami-Dade, Monroe
- Biscayne BayMiami-Dade
- Card SoundMiami-Dade, Monroe
- Florida BayMiami-Dade, Monroe
- Lake Worth LagoonPalm Beach
Southwest region
- Chokoloskee BayCollier
- Fakahatchee BayCollier
- Naples BayCollier
- Ponce de Leon BayMonroe
- Whitewater BayMonroe
Tampa Bay region
- Boca Ciega BayPinellas
- Clearwater HarborPinellas
- Hillsborough BayHillsborough
- Old Tampa BayHillsborough, Pinellas
- St. Joseph SoundPinellas
- Tampa BayHillsborough, Manatee
Other Florida saltwater fish
Before you target black drum
What is the daily limit for black drum in Florida?
5 a day (Statewide), size: 14-24 in. with one fish over 24 in..
Who holds the Florida black drum record?
It went 96 pounds, set in 2001.
Where should I fish for black drum?
See the bays and reef counties listed for black drum above.
Where does FWC stock black drum?
FWC reports show no black drum stocking lately.
How big must a black drum be for a Big Catch?
No Big Catch size is listed for black drum.
What is the scientific name of black drum?
Pogonias cromis.
Is a license required for black drum?
A saltwater license, required from age 16 unless exempt.
When can I keep black drum?
FWC lists no closure for black drum.
How current is the black drum information?
FWC data, checked October 2026.