“Beating to a Different Drum”
During the past few years, fishing for black drum has become increasingly popular. Most anglers think of targeting black drum around the pilings of the Howard Frankland or Gandy bridges. Late spring to late fall are excellent times to catch 30 to 50-pound black drum in these areas by simply dropping half a crab to the bottom of the pilings. Heavy rods and conventional reels loaded with 30 to 50-pound test line, rigged with 50 to 60-pound leader and a 6/0 or 7/0 hook, seem to work best when horsing these bruisers to the surface.
However, in February, they’re at their peak spawning season, which lasts through March and winds down in April. At this time, black drum can also be found near deep channels and oyster beds, where they feed actively…