North Carolina · Cape Fear
BLACK DRUM FISHING
IN SOUTHPORT
Southport 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 Southport
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 — Southport
Month-by-month availability for black drum in Southport, NC.
How to Catch Black Drum in Southport
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 Southport
Top spots where local captains target black drum and other inshore species.
Cape Fear River (Southport Waterfront)
The Cape Fear River flows past Southport's historic waterfront, where the river's depth, current, and structure create a productive inshore fishery within sight of downtown. Red drum, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead hold around the city's docks, rock walls, and pilings year-round. The river's tidal swings concentrate baitfish along the waterfront, attracting predators on every tide change.
Dutchman Creek
Dutchman Creek winds through the marshes behind Southport, its tidal channels and oyster-lined banks providing sheltered inshore habitat for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. The creek's narrow bends and deeper holes hold fish during low water, while rising tides push bait and gamefish across the adjacent marsh flats. It is a prime destination for kayak and light-tackle fishing near Southport.
Intracoastal Waterway (Southport Reach)
The Intracoastal Waterway section near Southport runs through marsh islands and tidal flats, connecting the Cape Fear River system to points south toward Calabash. Red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead use the waterway's channel edges and adjacent flats for feeding and travel. Drifting the ICW with live bait or soft plastics produces consistent catches year-round.
Battery Island Area
Battery Island sits in the Cape Fear River just off Southport's waterfront, and the surrounding waters provide excellent inshore fishing over oyster beds and along marsh edges. Red drum, flounder, and speckled trout feed in the shallow waters around the island, particularly on incoming tides. The island is a protected bird sanctuary, and the nutrient-rich waters surrounding it support a thriving baitfish population.
Other Species in Southport
More fish you can target while visiting Southport.
Black Drum Fishing in Southport — FAQ
Black Drum fishing in Southport is productive during April.
Black Drum fishing charters in Southport 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 Southport, 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 Southport, you may also catch King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Redfish, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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