North Carolina · Crystal Coast
BLACK DRUM FISHING
IN BEAUFORT NC
Beaufort NC is a solid destination for black drum fishing, with good fishing in April. Book a charter and target black drum with local experts.
About Black Drum Fishing in Beaufort NC
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 — Beaufort NC
Month-by-month availability for black drum in Beaufort NC, NC.
How to Catch Black Drum in Beaufort NC
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 Beaufort NC
Top spots where local captains target black drum and other inshore species.
Taylor Creek
Taylor Creek runs along the Beaufort waterfront directly in front of the historic downtown, with wild horses visible on Carrot Island across the channel. The creek's oyster beds, docks, and grass edges hold flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and sheepshead in remarkably accessible inshore water. Fishing from the Beaufort boardwalk or a small skiff in Taylor Creek is one of the most scenic inshore experiences in North Carolina.
North River
The North River flows south through marshes and into Back Sound north of Beaufort, its winding channels and oyster-lined banks holding red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. The upper reaches of the river provide sheltered fishing in pristine marsh habitat with minimal boat traffic. Fall red drum fishing in the North River's shallow bends produces sight-fishing opportunities for tailing fish.
Rachel Carson Reserve
The Rachel Carson Reserve encompasses the islands and marshes across Taylor Creek from downtown Beaufort, including Carrot Island, Town Marsh, and Bird Shoal. The reserve's shallow flats and marsh creeks are prime habitat for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder that feed along the grass and oyster edges. The protected status ensures healthy habitat and sustainable fishing in Beaufort's backyard.
Back Sound
Back Sound lies between Shackleford Banks and the mainland south and east of Beaufort, providing expansive shallow-water fishing over sand and grass bottom. Red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and pompano work the flats and channels that weave through the sound. The sound's clear water and proximity to both Beaufort Inlet and Barden Inlet make it a crossroads for inshore species.
Other Species in Beaufort NC
More fish you can target while visiting Beaufort NC.
Black Drum Fishing in Beaufort NC — FAQ
Black Drum fishing in Beaufort NC is productive during April.
Black Drum fishing charters in Beaufort NC 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 Beaufort NC, your captain provides all required North Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Drum regulations in North Carolina 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 Beaufort NC, you may also catch Flounder, Redfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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