Black Drum Fishing in Clearwater / St. Pete Beach, Florida
Black drum are bottom-feeding fish that range from small slot-size keepers to massive bruisers over 40 pounds. In the Clearwater and St. Pete Beach area, they are commonly caught around docks, bridges, and oyster beds using fresh bait on the bottom. Their drumming sounds and powerful fights make them a fun and underrated catch.
Where to Catch Black Drum
Look for black drum near:
Bridge pilings and seawalls
Oyster bars and deep tidal cuts
Residential docks with structure
Fish slow on the bottom with fresh bait to entice a bite from these cautious feeders.
Best Time to Fish for Black Drum in Clearwater / St. Pete Beach
| Season | Black Drum Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Very good—especially around bridges and docks |
| Summer | Fair—found in deeper water near structure |
| Fall | Excellent—bigger fish move inshore |
Peak Season: Fall through spring
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Not commonly used—stick to bait
Bait: Fresh shrimp, crabs, or cut bait on the bottom
Leaders: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon
Gear: Medium spinning or conventional tackle
