DBay Drum 5/12/16

[Romo]

Went through a lot of time, effort and money for this fish but it was all worth it. Black drum are may favorite fish to target from the kayak and each spring I'm thankful that there are even some left to catch. My buddy got 2 also. Of the 30 or so boats we were anchored near we saw quite a few caught and none ever get released. Couple that with the dire clam shortage (I had to go to NJ to get clams) and every year the chances for drum get slimmer. This is my 3rd year in a row getting at least one from the yak and hopefully I will have a couple more shots at a big boomer before the run is over.

[Slobber Bob]

Excellent! I love black drum fishing in the spring. I was hoping for a few myself yesterday but it just didn't happen.

What is the time frame for the run in the DE Bay? I know they are still smacking blackies off the surf in VA and I always assumed those fish were headed for DE Bay. More to come up that way, maybe?

[RavensDfense]

I love big (and small) drum. No matter what the color. Great job!

[Romo]

Thanks guys this is very, very early for drum in the DE bay from my experience. We didn't really know if we'd get any yesterday. The full moon next week should be prime and it should be good through memorial day into the first week of June. The problem is the clam situation... Delaware tackle shops have the worst clam hookups! My next trips will be back to the jersey side of the bay. Right now my yak is getting a plastic weld at delaware paddle sports then we're planning on heading back out after this rain moves through to try one more time even if that means fishing into darkness. The long range forecast for next week isn't looking great right now so gonna try to get them while we can.

[Slobber Bob]

Is it only a clam bite? Dropping a hook full of sand fleas or half a crab wont get you a drum?

[ComeOnFish]

I am jealous.

Joe

[Romo]

I have caught them on sand fleas but I feel like the clams are superior. Crabs will definitely do the trick but they are expensive for the amount you get and the trash fish will pick them apart quick. My fishing sessions tend to be 8 hours+ so I need quantity. Clams also give you some great chum when you crack the shells and thrown them over.

Is it only a clam bite? Dropping a hook full of sand fleas or half a crab wont get you a drum?

[Shady]

So, jelly... I'm going to join you to bang on the drum one of these days...
Have you check Asian markets for clams? I believe they sell them at the Lotte by me. That's where I normally by tog bait.

[AbuMasgouf]

So, jelly... I'm going to join you to bang on the drum one of these days...
Have you check Asian markets for clams? I believe they sell them at the Lotte by me. That's where I normally by tog bait.

Was going to suggest the same thing. The Asia grocery store also doubles as my bait shop!

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[Romo]

I checked the asian grocery store around here and they wanted $1.50/clam which is a lot when you put 3-4 clams on at a time. I think next week with the full moon is gonna be a struggle to find clams so I might end up using sand fleas.

[AbuMasgouf]

I checked the asian grocery store around here and they wanted $1.50/clam which is a lot when you put 3-4 clams on at a time. I think next week with the full moon is gonna be a struggle to find clams so I might end up using sand fleas.

Curious, how much do bait shops sell it for?

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[Romo]

It varies pretty widely by shop but it is generally in the $50/bushel range. The bushels are a gigantic burlap bag filled with surf clams and most are 6 inches+ across. One bushel is good for two kayak anglers for an entire day of fishing. You gotta watch out for dead clams because they are no good and stink like you wouldn't believe. Some shops I swear throw the bushels around in their walk in coolers and all the shells break making the clams dead and worthless. I never pay before they bring out the clams so I can have a look first

[AbuMasgouf]

It varies pretty widely by shop but it is generally in the $50/bushel range. The bushels are a gigantic burlap bag filled with surf clams and most are 6 inches+ across. One bushel is good for two kayak anglers for an entire day of fishing. You gotta watch out for dead clams because they are no good and stink like you wouldn't believe. Some shops I swear throw the bushels around in their walk in coolers and all the shells break making the clams dead and worthless. I never pay before they bring out the clams so I can have a look first

Good to know. Clams and Black Drum are new to me.

I thought of you today as I was perusing in a restaurant supply warehouse. They were selling 100 clams for $25. I don't know the type or any specifics just that they were large and grey, but it sounds like a good deal based on the price you quoted up top.



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[Mbae]

just bumped into your friends video with you in it on youtube!
thought id share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH0dzqzQJVY

[jet]

sweet catch, congrats! love the vid