The NC Division of Marine Fisheries is implementing new regulations on black drum effective Jan. 1, 2014. The new regs are:
· Creel limit – 10 / day / person
· Over slot size – 1 fish over 25” / day / person
Fishermen around this area do not target black drum like they do their cousin, the red drum. Maybe it’s because black drums are not as abundant up the creeks and around the docks. However, don’t discount the flavor of their meat or the fighting power of the fish. Black drums are brackish water, bottom feeders and eat smaller fish, crabs, oysters, shrimp, etc. An excellent place to target black drums is on the Oriental artificial reef. Check out the edges where the structure exists, and put some cut bait on a medium sized circle hook and bottom fish it. A Carolina rig with a live baitfish or shrimp will work, also. Like always, the amount of weight that you use will depend on the current. You just might be surprised at the fun that you have if you get on the bite.
Don’t let the big one get away…
Capt. Bobby Brewer