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Caught a Black Drum Offshore in West Palm
Black Drum Fishing in West Palm Beach, FL
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs when fully mature. - Found in brackish waters and onshore environments. - Largest member of the drum family with nearly 300 related species. - Known for distinctive drumming sounds they produce.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Rich Adler
Meet your Guide Rich Adler
- Palm Beach Sportfishing - Tuna, Wahoo and more!
Summary
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Thursday July offers deep sea fishing adventures targeting black drum and offshore gamefish from West Palm Beach. These full-day offshore fishing charters accommodate up to 6 anglers using proven trolling, deep dropping, and live baiting techniques in Florida's productive waters. With fishing licenses included and experienced local guidance, anglers can expect encounters with black drum, wahoo, sailfish, and mahi mahi while exploring the rich fishing grounds off West Palm Beach's coast.
Deep Sea Fishing Charters with Rich Adler – Rates & Booking
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Thursday July provides full-day offshore fishing experiences departing from Riviera Beach City Marina. These deep sea fishing charters accommodate up to 6 guests for $1,200-1,800 per trip, with fishing licenses included and live bait available as an add-on. Rich combines deep local knowledge with safety-focused guidance, ensuring both novice and experienced anglers have productive days targeting black drum, wahoo, sailfish, and other offshore species. Book online or call to reserve your West Palm Beach fishing adventure.
Highlights of Deep Sea Fishing Charters
These action-packed offshore adventures feature multiple fishing techniques including trolling, deep dropping, and live baiting to maximize your chances with black drum and pelagic gamefish. Captain Rich's well-equipped vessel provides all necessary tackle and safety equipment, while his easygoing personality and local expertise create memorable experiences for families and fishing groups. Recent trips have produced quality catches including 24-inch wahoo and various drum species, with the flexibility to adjust tactics based on current conditions and fish behavior.
The waters off West Palm Beach offer year-round opportunities for offshore fishing, with summer months particularly productive for black drum encounters near structure and deeper waters. Each charter includes professional guidance on technique, fish handling, and local hotspots that have produced consistent results for both first-time ocean anglers and seasoned fishermen.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black drum thrive in the brackish and nearshore waters around West Palm Beach, where they feed heavily on shellfish, crabs, and small baitfish using their powerful crushing jaws. These largest members of the drum family are known for their distinctive drumming sounds and can be found around structure, oyster bars, and deeper channels throughout the year. In July, black drum often move between inshore and offshore areas, making them accessible to both shallow water and deep sea fishing techniques depending on tidal conditions and bait movements.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your deep sea fishing charter begins with early morning departure from Riviera Beach City Marina, where Rich's fully-equipped vessel awaits with all necessary tackle, safety gear, and fish-finding electronics. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers with ample deck space for fighting fish and storing gear. Bring your own food and drinks, dress in layers for changing offshore conditions, and prepare for a full day of fishing that typically runs 8 hours. Mate gratuity is customary and should be brought in cash, while live bait fees are settled on the day of your trip for the freshest fishing opportunities.
Fishing in West Palm Beach: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful fish are distinguished by their dark coloration, robust build, and the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles around their swim bladder. In West Palm Beach waters this July, black drum are commonly found around structure, oyster bars, and deeper channels where they feed on shellfish and crabs.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are prized by anglers for their size, fighting ability, and year-round availability in Florida waters. These fish can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, with their powerful jaws capable of crushing oysters, crabs, and other hard-shelled prey. They're known for their distinctive barbels under the chin and their ability to produce drumming sounds that can be heard both underwater and from the surface.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
Black drum inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Argentina, with particularly strong populations along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard. Around West Palm Beach, they frequent brackish waters, nearshore reefs, and deeper channels where they can access their preferred prey of mollusks and crustaceans. They move between shallow and deeper waters based on tidal conditions, temperature, and food availability.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Adult black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds considered trophy-class specimens. The largest black drum on record exceeded 100 pounds, though fish in the 20-40 pound range are more commonly encountered by recreational anglers. Younger fish under 16 inches are often called "puppy drum" and provide excellent table fare.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shells and hard prey. Their diet consists primarily of oysters, clams, crabs, shrimp, and marine worms. They use their sensitive barbels to locate food in murky water and can often be found feeding in shallow areas during high tide, then moving to deeper water as tides recede.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black drum spawn in nearshore waters from February through May, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. During spawning season, large schools gather in deeper waters where they produce their characteristic drumming sounds as part of their mating ritual. This drumming can be so intense that it's audible to anglers on the surface.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Successful black drum fishing requires heavy tackle due to their size and fighting ability. Popular techniques include bottom fishing with cut bait, crab, or shrimp near structure and oyster bars. Circle hooks in sizes 6/0 to 8/0 work well, paired with pyramid or bank sinkers to hold bottom in current. In July around West Palm Beach, anglers find success fishing deeper channels during slack tide periods and moving to shallower structure as tides begin to move.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 24 inches provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor and low in fat. Larger fish can be coarser and may contain parasites, so many anglers practice catch-and-release for trophy-sized specimens. The meat is versatile and can be grilled, blackened, or used in fish tacos, providing good protein content and omega-3 fatty acids.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Fresh or frozen shrimp, blue crab, and cut mullet are top choices. Black drum have excellent senses of smell and taste, so fresh bait is crucial for success.
Q: Where can I find black drum near West Palm Beach?
A: Look for black drum around oyster bars, bridge pilings, nearshore reefs, and deeper channels. They often feed in 10-30 feet of water around structure during moving tides.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Smaller black drum under 24 inches are excellent table fare with mild, firm white meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture and potential parasites.
Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?
A: Black drum can be caught year-round in Florida, but spring and fall often provide the most consistent action. Fish during moving tides, especially the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide.
More species you can explore on this trip
Tuna Wahoo Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Rich operates a well-maintained offshore fishing vessel equipped with modern fish-finding electronics, safety equipment, and all necessary tackle for deep sea fishing adventures. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with ample deck space for fighting fish and moving around during the action. Departing from Riviera Beach City Marina, the vessel is stocked with rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for both trolling and bottom fishing techniques. Rich keeps the boat clean and organized, with proper storage for personal items and caught fish, plus all required safety gear for offshore fishing in Florida waters.
