inshore

Black Drum

Pogonias cromis

Bigger cousin of redfish. Crab and shrimp on the bottom on incoming tide near structure. Spring spawning aggregations are eye-popping.

Preferred water temp50–80°F

Preferred depth5–50 ft

Peak monthsFeb, Mar, Apr

Holds onpasses, docks, oyster bars, channel edges

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 10 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–24″ TL (total length)

Slot 14-24". 5/person; 1 per vessel may be over 24". State-water species.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–24″ TL (total length)

Slot 14-24" TL. One fish over 24" allowed per angler within bag.

FL Gulf black drum: 5/day, 14-24" slot with 1 oversize.