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Caught a Black Drum Offshore in West Palm
Black Drum Fishing in West Palm Beach
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs and inhabits brackish waters and onshore areas. - Largest member of the drum family with nearly 300 related species. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce. - Powerful jaws with strong teeth for crushing shellfish and oysters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Rich Adler in December
Meet your Captain Rich Adler
- Palm Beach Sportfishing - Tuna, Wahoo and more!
Summary
Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Friday November delivered an action-packed deep sea fishing charter from West Palm Beach, targeting black drum and offshore gamefish in the productive waters off Riviera Beach. Using proven trolling spreads, live bait techniques, and drift fishing methods, anglers consistently hooked up with black drum along with yellowfin, king mackerel, and barracuda throughout the full day trip. The fall season provides ideal conditions for offshore fishing, with partly cloudy skies and calm seas creating perfect opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers to experience Florida's premier deep sea fishing. Our licensed captain provides all fishing gear and licenses, with live bait available on-site for the most exciting fishing action. Book your deep sea charter today and experience why West Palm Beach remains one of Florida's top offshore fishing destinations.
Deep Sea Fishing Charter with Captain Rich Adler – Rates & Booking
Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Friday November offers full day deep sea fishing charters for up to 6 guests, departing from Riviera Beach City Marina. Our offshore fishing adventures target black drum, sailfish, mahi mahi, and king mackerel using professional-grade tackle and proven techniques. Rates include fishing licenses, all gear, and expert guidance from our licensed captain with years of local experience. Live bait is available for an additional fee to maximize your chances of landing trophy fish. Food and drinks are welcome aboard, and mate gratuity is customary. Book online or call today to secure your spot on Florida's premier deep sea fishing charter.
Highlights of Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Our full day offshore adventures put you in the heart of South Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where black drum, yellowfin tuna, and king mackerel roam the deeper waters. Captain Rich combines trolling spreads with live bait fishing and strategic drift techniques to target multiple species throughout the day. The fall season delivers consistent action with comfortable weather conditions, making it ideal for both experienced anglers and families new to deep sea fishing.
We focus on structure-rich areas where black drum congregate, along with the blue water zones that hold pelagic species like mahi mahi and sailfish. Our 6-person capacity ensures personalized attention while maintaining the social atmosphere that makes these trips memorable for groups and families.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black drum thrive in the brackish waters and nearshore structure around West Palm Beach, where they feed heavily on shellfish, crabs, and small baitfish. These powerful fighters use their crushing jaws to work oyster bars and rocky bottom, making them exciting targets for anglers using cut bait and live offerings. During November, black drum move between inshore flats and offshore structure, providing excellent opportunities for charter boats working the 20-60 foot depths. Their distinctive drumming sounds can actually be heard underwater, and experienced captains use this behavior to locate schools. The 15-90 pound size range means every hookup could be a personal best, with larger specimens putting up fights that test both angler skill and tackle strength.
Plan Your Deep Sea Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, from heavy-duty rods and reels to terminal tackle designed for offshore species. We provide coolers with ice for your catch, along with cleaning and filleting services. Departure times are scheduled for early morning to maximize fishing time during peak feeding periods. The boat features comfortable seating, shade areas, and safety equipment including life jackets and emergency communications. Bring sunscreen, hats, and any preferred snacks or beverages. Our experienced mate assists with bait, rigging, and landing fish while Captain Rich navigates to the most productive fishing spots based on current conditions and seasonal patterns.
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 November, black drum move between nearshore structure and deeper offshore areas, providing excellent opportunities for charter boat anglers.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are prized gamefish known for their incredible fighting ability and substantial size. They possess powerful, crushing jaws equipped with pharyngeal teeth designed to crack open shellfish, crabs, and mollusks. Their dark gray to black coloration helps them blend with rocky bottoms and oyster bars where they commonly feed.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit brackish waters, nearshore reefs, and offshore structure throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Around Riviera Beach, black drum frequent oyster bars, bridge pilings, and rocky bottom areas in 15-60 feet of water. They move seasonally between inshore flats during spawning periods and deeper offshore structure when feeding.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with trophy specimens exceeding 100 pounds. Younger fish under 30 pounds are considered excellent table fare, while larger breeding-age fish are often released to maintain healthy populations.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are bottom feeders that use their powerful jaws to crush oysters, clams, crabs, and shrimp. They feed most actively during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk. Their feeding creates distinctive crunching sounds that experienced anglers can hear underwater, helping locate feeding schools.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from February through May, with peak activity in March and April. During this period, large schools gather in shallow bays and estuaries, producing the drumming sounds that give them their name. Water temperatures between 68-75°F trigger spawning behavior.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Cut bait such as blue crab, shrimp, and mullet work exceptionally well for black drum. Fish these baits on the bottom using circle hooks and heavy sinkers to maintain contact with structure. Live bait including pinfish and croakers also produce excellent results. In November around West Palm Beach, focus on oyster bars and rocky bottom areas during incoming tides for best success.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 30 pounds offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to redfish. The flesh is mild-flavored and works well grilled, blackened, or in fish tacos. Larger specimens tend to have coarser meat and may contain parasites, making catch-and-release the preferred option for trophy-sized fish.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Cut blue crab, fresh shrimp, and mullet chunks are top producers. Live pinfish and croakers also work well when fished on the bottom near structure.
Q: Where can I find black drum near West Palm Beach?
A: Focus on oyster bars, bridge pilings, and rocky bottom areas in 15-60 feet of water. The areas around Riviera Beach and nearshore reefs consistently hold feeding schools.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Smaller black drum under 30 pounds are excellent table fare with 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: Moving tides during dawn and dusk provide peak feeding activity. Fall and winter months offer consistent action as fish move between inshore and offshore areas.
