Black drum are the heavy-bodied cousins of the redfish — slow, powerful bottom feeders that pull with deep, throbbing head shakes on the line. Found around the bridges, docks, oyster bars, and rocky bottom of Choctawhatchee Bay, black drum are a bridge-and-jetty specialty in the Destin and Fort Walton Beach inshore fishery.
Our Destin black drum charters fish the jetties of East Pass, the pilings under Mid-Bay Bridge, and oyster bar edges with fresh-dead shrimp and crab. Drum have a subtle bite: they suck in the bait and sit there — our guides coach every hook-set.
When to Fish
Year-round, with peak action in spring (February–April) when big black drum move into the bay to spawn. Slot-sized fish (14–24 inches) stay year-round.
What to Expect
Fresh-dead shrimp and crab, fished slow on bottom around bridges and jetties. Often caught with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Spring
Year-Round
Slack to Moving Tides
Perfect for redfish, speckled trout, and more in the calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Rates Per Boat
Includes up to 4 passengers
Extra Passengers $50
Includes Gear + License
Questions about black drum fishing in Destin
Seasons, technique and what you can keep, plus which bay fishing trip to book.
When is the best time to catch black drum in Destin?
Year round, with the peak in spring, roughly February to April, when the big fish move into the bay to spawn. Slot sized fish are around all year.
How do you catch black drum?
Fresh dead shrimp or crab, fished slowly on the bottom around bridges, jetties and dock pilings. It is a patient bite rather than a fast one, and it often comes on the same trip as redfish and trout.
Which trip targets black drum?
The bay trip, from $800 for four hours. It is calm water, short runs and light tackle, which suits families and anyone who does not want the Gulf.