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SLOT LIMIT: 14 to 24 inches (measured with pinched
tail)
BAG LIMIT: 5 per person per day (each angler may possess one over
slot fish)
SEASONAL CLOSURES: None
Black drum are generally a "seasonal" fish that we rely on to ad a
little spice to our winter time fishery. Due to enhanced regulations
on this species, we are seeing an increase in the number of slot
sized fish we are catching over the past few years. Now decent
numbers of these hard fighting fish are usually available throughout
the year on the shallow flats in the Indian and Mosquito Lagoons.
The Winter months from December through March tend to be best for
this species because they prefer when water temperatures range from
about 50 to 75 degrees. During these colder months we generally find
large schools grouping together, many of which have 250 to 500 fish
in them. Black drum ranging from 1 to 10 pounds also inhabit the
residential canals and creeks throughout the Merritt Island and
Cocoa Beach area. They
make great targets when the winds will not allow us to "sight" fish
out on the open flats. On calm winter days we often get shots at
larger black drum scaling from 20 to 60 pounds on the deeper flats
of the Indian River.
Spinning rods in the 6 to 10 pound class range are preferred when
chasing slight slot sized drum in the open flats. Live shrimp, cut
clam, and small pieces of crab are usually the best natural baits
for black drum. They will hit soft plastic shrimp or jig tails
enhanced with shrimp scent as well. Fly anglers love chasing these
"usually" cooperative fish because they "tail" aggressively and
readily eat small dark colored flies that imitate shrimp and small
crabs. Once hooked they often take the entire fly line and a
considerable amount of backing when anglers target them using 5 to 7
weight gear.
(Click on any of the thumbnails to see a
full size photo)
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