Black drum Fishing in Texas
Where to catch black drum, the limits and the Texas records.
- 81 lbstate record
Photo: Chaotic42 (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0
Fishing for black drum in Texas
The saltwater species black drum (Pogonias cromis) is found in Texas waters. Texas recognizes a 81 pound rod and reel record from Gulf of America, set in 1988.
Timing and cover for Texas black drum
When
Spawns mostly February-April, some June-July; "Bull" drum runs in February and March in deeper bays, jetties and channels
Where they hold
Adapts to the widest range of habitats of any important Texas food fish, from clear sand flats to muddy sloughs and Gulf water over 100 ft
Black drum facts from the TPWD species profile.
Keeping black drum in Texas
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black drum | 5 | 14 in | 30 in | 14-30 in. slot |
Lake specific limits for this fish cover Calaveras Lake.
Black drum limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Record book: Texas black drum
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 12.81 | 29.25 | Upper Laguna Madre | 2019 |
| fly fishing | 43.56 | 43.5 | San Antonio Bay | 2007 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 36.63 | 42.5 | Nueces River | 2009 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 81 | 51.18 | Gulf of America | 1988 |
Black drum records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Finding black drum along the Texas coast
Bay guides on this site include San Antonio Bay, Bastrop Bay, Lower Laguna Madre, Tres Palacios Bay, South Bay, Upper Laguna Madre, Keller Bay and Corpus Christi Bay.
- Indian Point ParkPortland
- Indianola Kayak Launch
- Jetty Park
- I. B. Magee County ParkPort Aransas, $2
- Red Dot PierCorpus Christi, $2
- Port Lavaca Bayfront Peninsula ParkPort Lavaca
- Florence's Bait Camp
- Honey Hickman Public Fishing DockPort Mansfield
- 4th Street Boat Ramp
- Cole Park – GardensCorpus Christi
Black drum spots: Texas General Land Office pier and coastal access inventory.
Questions about black drum in Texas
Where do shore anglers find black drum in Texas?
The GLO piers on this page, such as Indian Point Park and Indianola Kayak Launch, are a good start.
What Texas bays produce black drum?
Try San Antonio Bay, Bastrop Bay and Lower Laguna Madre, each with its own page of piers, ramps and guides.
Do Texas guides fish for black drum?
Look through 212 inshore guides listed by bay.
Which black drum holds the Texas record?
The rod and reel mark is 81 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 1988.
How many black drum can I keep in Texas?
Texas allows 5 a day with a 14 inch minimum.
When do black drum spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns mostly February-April, some June-July.
What habitat do black drum use?
Adapts to the widest range of habitats of any important Texas food fish, from clear sand flats to muddy sloughs and Gulf water over 100 ft.
Where do special black drum rules apply in Texas?
Special rules apply at Calaveras Lake and others.
What license covers black drum in Texas?
Fishing for black drum takes a Texas license with the saltwater endorsement from age 17.
What do biologists call black drum?
Pogonias cromis.
Is a license needed for black drum at a state park pier?
You can keep them under the saltwater black drum limits, with the license waived in the park.
More species pages
Every Texas sport fish has a page like this one for black drum.