Black Drum Fishing in Topsfield MA with Taylor

Landed a Black Drum Fishing in Topsfield

4.5

4 Reviews

550%
450%
30%
20%
10%

Angler holding black drum fish on boat deck in Topsfield Ma with cloudy sky

Black Drum (Pogonias Cromis) are powerful gamefish belonging to the Sciaenidae family, commonly found in brackish waters along the coast. These impressive fish typically weigh between 15-90 pounds, making them a challenging catch for anglers visiting Topsfield waters. - Black Drum are known for their distinctive drumming sounds produced by muscles against their swim bladder. - They have strong pharyngeal teeth capable of crushing shellfish and crustaceans. - Their barbels under the chin help them locate food along the bottom.

Fishing Charter by Captain Taylor in December

Meet your Captain Taylor Lord

Boston, MA

Updated short desc

Summary

Join our Fishing Charter in Topsfield for an action-packed day targeting Black Drum in the backcountry waters. Wednesday January brought partly cloudy skies and early morning snow, creating interesting but productive conditions for our anglers. Captain Taylor guides these winter backcountry trips where multiple species are always on the menu. The Sunset Cruise Tour offers consistent results with access to diverse fishing grounds where Black Drum and other species cruise the shallows. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to backcountry fishing, you'll appreciate our local knowledge and productive spots that deliver year-round action.

Fishing Charter with Taylor – Rates & Booking

Captain Taylor of Taylors Company for Fishing Hunting and Wine Tours offers Wednesday January charters aboard well-equipped vessels that accommodate groups of 1-6 anglers. Our Sunset Cruise Tour provides all the necessary tackle and gear for a successful backcountry fishing adventure. With years of local experience, Captain Taylor knows exactly where to find the best Black Drum action throughout the seasons. Book your trip today and experience the excitement of Topsfield's productive waters.

Highlights of Sunset Cruise Tour

Our backcountry approach gives anglers access to multiple species in one outing. The winter months produce fantastic fishing when you know the right spots, as demonstrated by our recent catch of Black Drum. The partly cloudy conditions with early morning snow created an interesting backdrop for an exciting day on the water.

Anglers on our Sunset Cruise Tour can target various species that inhabit these productive backcountry waters. The trip provides both exciting action and a scenic experience through Topsfield's waterways. Whether you're after hard-fighting fish or just enjoying a day outdoors, our tour delivers memorable moments.

Local Species Insights: Black Drum

Black Drum in Topsfield's waters are often found in brackish areas where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crustaceans. These fish are recognizable by their distinctive body shape and characteristic barbels under the chin. During winter months, they can be targeted effectively in the backcountry waters where they seek more stable temperatures.

When fishing for Black Drum, we typically use natural baits like crab, shrimp, or cut bait presented on the bottom. Their strong pull makes them exciting to catch, offering a genuine test of an angler's skills. The winter season can be particularly productive as these fish school up in certain areas, making for consistent action once located.

Plan Your Fishing Charter Day

Our vessels accommodate anywhere from 1 to 6 anglers comfortably, with all necessary fishing gear provided. Morning departures are typical for our Sunset Cruise Tour, allowing us to maximize our time on the water. We recommend dressing in layers during winter trips, as weather conditions can change throughout the day. Our experienced crew ensures both safety and comfort throughout your fishing adventure in Topsfield.

Fishing in Boston, MA: Black Drum

Black Drum

Species Name: Black Drum

Species Family: Sciaenidae

Species Order: Perciformes

Habitat: Brackish Waters, Onshore

Weight: 15 - 90 pounds

Length: " - "

Black Drum Overview The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. As the largest member of the drum family, these distinctive fish are known for the drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles against their swim bladder. In Topsfield waters this winter, Black Drum provide exciting action for anglers seeking a powerful adversary. Black Drum Habitat and Distribution Black Drum primarily inhabit brackish and coastal waters, showing preference for estuaries, bays, and nearshore areas with structures. They adapt well to various water conditions but prefer areas with oyster beds, pier pilings, and bridge structures. Around Topsfield, they're commonly found in areas where fresh and saltwater mix, particularly around structure that attracts their preferred prey. Black Drum Size and Weight Black Drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with larger specimens reaching impressive proportions. Younger "puppy drum" are smaller but put up spirited fights, while trophy-sized adults over 50 pounds provide exceptional challenges for anglers. Black Drum Diet and Behavior These fish are primarily bottom feeders, using their sensitive barbels to locate prey in the substrate. Their powerful pharyngeal teeth allow them to crush oysters, clams, crabs, and other hard-shelled creatures. They often feed most actively during tide changes and tend to be more aggressive during dawn and dusk periods. Black Drum Spawning Season Black Drum typically spawn in late winter through early spring when water temperatures begin to rise. During this period, they gather in larger schools in deeper channels before moving to spawning grounds, often announcing their presence with characteristic drumming sounds that can sometimes be heard above water. Black Drum Fishing Techniques The most effective approach for Black Drum involves bottom fishing with natural baits like blue crab, clams, or shrimp. Use medium-heavy tackle with enough backbone to handle their powerful runs. A simple fish-finder rig with circle hooks works well in most situations. In January around Topsfield, focus on deeper channels and holes where these fish seek more stable water temperatures during colder periods. Black Drum Is It Good to Eat? Black Drum offers good table fare, particularly smaller specimens under 15 pounds which have firmer, sweeter flesh. The meat is white with moderate flakiness and mild flavor that works well in numerous preparations. Larger specimens can sometimes have coarser meat and more parasites, so many anglers practice catch and release with trophy-sized fish. Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum in Topsfield? A: Fresh blue crab, clams, and shrimp are top baits, with crab typically producing the largest specimens. Q: When is the best time to catch Black Drum? A: While available year-round, winter through early spring often produces the most consistent action as they school up in predictable areas. Q: Do Black Drum actually make drumming sounds? A: Yes, they produce distinctive drumming noises by contracting muscles against their swim bladder, especially during spawning season. Q: What size tackle is needed for Black Drum? A: Medium-heavy rods with 30-40lb test line handle most Black Drum, though trophy specimens may require heavier gear.