Each year the large Black Drum make a "run" from the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico through the Intercoastal waterways on their journey to the shallow bay systems along the Texas coast to spawn. The prime month for catching these monsters is February and March.
| Beverly Newton struggles to hold up a 40 incher |
Texas Parks & Wildlife allows you to keep 5 per day ranging from 14" to 30". The drum that are caught in the annual run range from 25" and up so you rarely get to keep one of these beauties. Keep your camera handy because they are a blast to catch...even if you do release them.
| Allycia
Oliver poses with the 36 inch Drum she helped land, it's almost as big as her! |
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The boat is rigged with both light and heavy tackle giving the fisher a choice in their degree of fight. You can have a leisurely fight with the heavy tackle or you can opt for an arm stretching, sweat popping wrestle on 12 lb. test line. You really get a workout!
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As always please remember to practice fishing etiquette when you release these fish by relieving them of the air pocket that forms when they come up from the deep water. Take your pictures quickly then have an ice pick or small bladed knife handy to punch a hole just below the lateral line to let the air out. Please see picture below for example. While she is laying on the deck press down on the fish and you can hear the air escape. Return the fish to the water and gently move it up and down until it swims out of your hand. This process keeps them from floating away to a certain death.
Chelcie Oliver
