Fishing for Tampa Bay Brutes
Black drum are like redfish in shape, but are distinguishable by their color and barbells or feeders on the underside of the lower jaw. Black drum are known for their ability to produce a “croaking” or “drumming” sound. Black drum mature at four years old and can live 40 years or more weighing over 100 pounds in Gulf coast waters. Black drum make a great sport for kids and adults.
In early March, I start fishing the sand bar in front of Pinellas Point. This seems to be their stopping area to spawn before they work their way into upper Tampa Bay. On a good day, you can spot the fish on the sand bar. They will move into deeper water along the sand bar later in the month and you will need your depth finder or a tower boat to spot them. Late March, April, May and June are my peak times to fish under the bridges or oyster bars and channels.
How to:
Sand bar fishing: Once I have found the fish, I like to use a jig head anywhere from 3/8 to 1/2-ounce depending on the depth of the water. Hook a live shrimp from the tail and work it slowly through the school. Drift with the motor turned off so as not to spook the school. Once hooked use the trolling motor, if needed, to hold your spot until the fish is landed.
Bridge fishing: Here you have two options. One, use live shrimp on a 1/2-ounce banana jig. Drop it along-side the pilings working it with a slow up and down movement no more than several feet from the bottom. This will give you a chance at both pompano and black drum. Two, use a 3/0 circle hook with a 1/2 -ounce knocker rig (heavier if needed) to keep the bait on the bottom. Use fresh blue crab either in half or quarter according to the size of the crab.
Oyster bars and channel fishing: I find most of the black drum wandering in 2 to 4-feet of water. I will use a 2/0 Circle hook with a medium to large live shrimp freelined. I cast ahead of the school and use a slow retrieve. These fish are normally feeding, so putting the food in front of them does the trick. One thing I have found is that they like clean water.
Tackle for sand bar, oyster bar and channel fishing:
· 7’.6” Okuma SRTE-S-761H inshore spinning rod.
· ITX-4000 Okuma spinning reel.
· 30-Pound Fins Windtammer braided line.
Tackle for bridge fishing:
· 7’0 Okuma CJ-S-701M Cedros spinning rod.
· 6000H Okuma Azores spinning reel.
· 50-pound Fins Windtammer braided line.