Florida · Southeast
BLACK DRUM FISHING
IN MIAMI
Miami is a solid destination for black drum fishing. Book a charter and target black drum with local experts.
About Black Drum Fishing in Miami
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Black Drum are powerful bottom feeders found throughout Gulf and Atlantic estuaries. Juveniles display 4-5 dark vertical bars on a silver body and are often confused with sheepshead, but lack the prominent teeth. Adults lose the bars and turn uniformly dark gray to black, with large specimens developing a pronounced hump and thick, rubbery lips for crushing oysters and clams. They are the largest member of the drum family.
Scientific name: Pogonias cromis
Black Drum Seasonal Calendar — Miami
Month-by-month availability for black drum in Miami, FL.
How to Catch Black Drum in Miami
Techniques & Bait
Fresh-cut blue crab (halved or quartered) on a heavy Carolina rig is the go-to bait for big drum around passes and jetties. Shrimp, clams, and oysters on bottom rigs work well around structure. For juveniles (10-15 lbs), live shrimp under a cork or on a jighead works great around oyster bars. In Texas and Louisiana, sight-casting to tailing drum on shallow flats with shrimp or crab flies is an incredible experience.
Recommended Tackle
Medium to medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30 lb fluorocarbon leader for bull drum. Medium-light tackle for juveniles. Circle hooks (4/0-6/0) are recommended for safe release of oversized fish.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Miami
Top spots where local captains target black drum and other inshore species.
Biscayne Bay Flats
The shallow grass flats of Biscayne Bay offer world-class sight-fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the southern end near Elliott Key and Sands Key. The bay's crystal-clear water and expansive turtle grass beds make it one of the closest bonefish fisheries to any major U.S. city. Guides pole skiffs across the flats on calm mornings for trophy fish.
Government Cut
Government Cut is the main shipping channel entrance to the Port of Miami between Miami Beach and Fisher Island. Tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, and large barracuda patrol the channel edges and jetties year-round. Night fishing around the channel markers produces consistent action, especially during the spring and summer tarpon migration.
Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge
The Rickenbacker Causeway connecting Miami to Key Biscayne features bridge pilings and channel edges holding tarpon, snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. The adjacent flats on both sides of the causeway are prime territory for bonefish and permit on the higher stages of the tide. It is one of the most accessible urban fishing spots in South Florida.
Black Point Marina Area
The mangrove shorelines and flats around Black Point Marina in southern Biscayne Bay provide excellent snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing. The nearby channels connecting to Card Sound offer access to additional bonefish and permit flats on the oceanside. The area serves as a gateway between the bay and the upper Florida Keys backcountry.
Other Species in Miami
More fish you can target while visiting Miami.
Black Drum Fishing in Miami — FAQ
Black Drum fishing in Miami is productive during .
Black Drum fishing charters in Miami are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Fresh-cut blue crab (halved or quartered) on a heavy Carolina rig is the go-to bait for big drum around passes and jetties. Shrimp, clams, and oysters on bottom rigs work well around structure. For juveniles (10-15 lbs), live shrimp under a cork or on a jighead works great around oyster bars. In Texas and Louisiana, sight-casting to tailing drum on shallow flats with shrimp or crab flies is an incredible experience.
No — when you book a charter in Miami, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Drum regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Black Drum in Miami, you may also catch Sailfish, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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