Want to target Black Drum

[seapinto]

I joined this forum late last year and didn’t have too many opportunities to get out, would've been nice to meet some of you folks out on the water…this summers focus is fishing! I’ve never caught Black Drum in this area and would love to give it a go from the yak. I’m seeing some reports that they’re being caught around the beach areas of the lower DE bay and my understanding is that they should be migrating through until about June. I’ve been doing some research and have a couple spots in mind around CHSP. Anyone up for trying it out with me?? Unfortunately my work schedule only allows me go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays if anyone can swing one of those days? I used to catch juveniles a lot in FL (pic below) and remember them to be great eating.

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[Slap]

In Delaware I'd look around broadkill beach/reef area. All the large black drum come mainly off that reef. In MD I'd check out stone rock in the middle bay.

[Pinch]

+1 on stone rock and around poplar island for big 80+ lb'rs.

[kayak456]

heres my 2 cents, we have done it before and it is fun. dont listen when people say they dont fight. it may be hard for a kayk though, they are big, trust me. you slowly motor around looking for a 'submarine' on the depth finder, everyone has rods rigged with a 6 or 8 ot hook and a piece of soft shell crab with a decent piece of lead to hold bottom. once you see a mark the captain stops and everyone drops. ive always done it at stone rock though. black drum can be found at the bay bridge as well. some big but most small. you can use shrimp or hard crabs on bottom rigs rigs right up to the pilings ( like sheapshead fishing). most dont know about that though, but i have caught 10-20 inch ones while croaker fishing.
goodluck!
-Andrew

[seapinto]

Yes, broadkill area is where some reports are coming from and I'm more familiar with these waters so I figure I'll start there first.

Thanks for the tip on stone rock and poplar too, it's not too bad of drive either so I'll check it out.

Kayak456- Thanks for the heads up. I’m use to catching 10-30lbs reds in fl from a kayak on the mud flats and oysters bars and those put up one hell of a fight on light tackle so I can imagine a big bull being quite a ride in a kayak….but hey that’s the fun in it. I figure it can’t be much sketchier than a screaming 50+lb tarpon in a kayak….right?? Thanks for the tip on the pilings, I’ll give that some thought, I’m thinking having open water around me may be best to start out with just in case I do hook the big one

Was going to try for this Wednesday to start exploring it but with the weather it’s looking like I’ll have to push it to the following week.

[kayak456]

yeah, if theres alot of boats aorund use the heavy stuff, if your all by yourself you can use light tackle. around the brdige use something pretty heavy with braid

[seapinto]

yeah, if theres alot of boats aorund use the heavy stuff, if your all by yourself you can use light tackle. around the brdige use something pretty heavy with braid

Yeah good point. I have a stout shark setup with braid that i figured I'd take with me just in case. Thanks again for the tips! I'll be sure to report back when i do make it out.

[tufnik]

Have you gone to Broadkill yet? Checked it out and there's a place far south where the surf fisherman are pulling in small and big drums. You could park at the park entrance, haul your yak about 150 yds to the water, and search for drums. Anyway, sounds like an interesting trip.

[mweber02]

I took a charter out to Broadkill about 5 years ago I think. I caught a 30lb myself on light tackle. Another guy caught a 60lb. Lots of dogfish caught in the mix too.