Everything You Need to Find & Catch Drum in NJ

Drum

Drum, or more specifically Black Drum, are the largest inshore fish in our state waters and often exceed 70 pounds. They have recently been reported as far north as the Sandy Hook but Delaware Bay is where they appear most consistently and in large numbers. In fact, the current world record Drum was caught in Cape May weighing in at 113 pounds!! Although a few Drum are caught in the surf each year, most fish are caught by boat and there are many Charter boats in the Cape May area that specialize in the fishery.

The action is typically not as fast and furious as some of the other inshore species since most trips 2 or 3 fish is about the best that you can expect… However they are very powerful fish and put up a great fight!

Time of Year:

Best months are May and June.

How To Catch Them:

• You fish from an anchored boat
• Fish finder rig with just enough weight to hold bottom
• Best baits are whole fresh clams or shedder crabs if you can find them
• 3 foot 50-80 pound leader with an 8/0 – 12/0 hook.
• Cast your line out and let it settle to the bottom. Reel in slack until you come tight to the sinker. Set pole in holder in free spool with line out alarm on. When if fish picks it up give them a little slack… If you’re fishing a J hook click your reel into gear and set the hook sharply with a upward rod motion. If you are fishing a circle hook simply click the reel in gear and let the fish hook itself.
• These fish travel in tight schools so if you catch one there are sure to be many more so stay on guard.

Best Places To Catch Them:

• Cape May, NJ from a private fishing charter boat.
• Also, Tussey Slough and the Pin Top in Delaware Bay.

Some Fishing Tips:

• Use fresh clams rather then frozen if you can get them.
• Shedder crabs work well
• You need a fairly heavy set up… 20–50 pound class rod and reels are best.
• Fish travel in schools and move around a lot. When you get your shot you have to take full advantage so have some pre-tied rigs made up so you can get back in the water quickly.