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Caught a Black Drum Inshore in Savannah
Black Drum Fishing in Savannah
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs when fully mature. - Largest member of the drum family with nearly 300 related species. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce. - Powerful jaws with strong teeth capable of crushing shellfish and oysters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in August
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Monday July delivered an exceptional inshore fishing experience in Savannah's productive coastal waters. This private inshore fishing trip targets Black Drum, Spotted Weakfish, and other gamefish using proven techniques like bottom fishing, live bait, and artificial lures around Daufuskie Island. With all gear included and local expertise guiding every cast, anglers enjoy consistent action in Savannah's rich estuaries and salt marshes. The charter accommodates up to 4 guests and focuses on productive inshore spots where seasonal bite patterns keep fish actively feeding. Summer conditions provide ideal opportunities for both experienced anglers and newcomers to experience the thrill of hooking hard-fighting Black Drum in these scenic coastal waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Monday July provides comprehensive inshore fishing experiences targeting Black Drum and coastal favorites. This private charter accommodates up to 4 guests with all tackle, bait, and local expertise included. Trips depart from 2812 River Dr and focus on productive waters around Daufuskie Island where consistent action keeps lines tight. Licensed and experienced, Captain Zach tailors each outing to current conditions and guest preferences. Book online to secure your preferred dates and experience Savannah's premier inshore fishing opportunities.
Highlights of Private Inshore Fishing Trip
This charter combines proven techniques including bottom fishing, live bait presentations, and artificial lure casting to maximize success in Savannah's inshore waters. Recent trips have produced quality Black Drum up to 28 inches and Spotted Weakfish, showcasing the diverse fishery these coastal waters support. The scenic backdrop of salt marshes and estuaries adds natural beauty to every fishing moment.
Captain Zach's local knowledge ensures productive time on the water, focusing on seasonal patterns and structure that hold fish consistently. Whether targeting hard-fighting drums or exploring different species, each trip delivers hands-on fishing education and memorable catches.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black Drum thrive in Savannah's brackish waters and inshore structure, making them a premier target for local anglers. These powerful fish use their crushing jaws to feed on oysters, crabs, and shellfish around docks, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Summer months bring excellent opportunities as drums move into shallow feeding areas during tide changes. Their distinctive drumming sounds and stubborn fighting ability create exciting encounters that test both tackle and angler skill in these productive coastal waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your private inshore fishing trip includes all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment for up to 4 guests. Captain Zach provides local expertise and instruction suitable for all skill levels, from beginners learning basic techniques to experienced anglers refining their approach. Trips typically run 4-6 hours depending on conditions and guest preferences, with flexible scheduling to match optimal tide and weather windows. Comfortable seating and fish cleaning services ensure a complete charter experience in Savannah's scenic inshore waters.
Fishing in Savannah: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful fish are distinguished by their dark coloration, robust build, and the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles against their swim bladder. In Savannah waters this July, Black Drum frequent brackish areas where oyster bars and structure provide abundant feeding opportunities.
Black Drum Overview
Black Drum are prized gamefish known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting ability. They inhabit coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, with Georgia's inshore waters providing excellent habitat. Anglers value them for their size potential, fight quality, and the challenge they present on tackle.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in brackish waters, estuaries, and nearshore environments where salinity levels fluctuate. Around Savannah, they frequent oyster bars, creek mouths, dock pilings, and shallow flats during feeding periods. They prefer areas with hard bottom structure where shellfish concentrate, making spots around Daufuskie Island particularly productive.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black Drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds when fully mature, with fish over 40 pounds considered trophy-class. Juvenile drums under 10 pounds are common in shallow waters, while larger specimens patrol deeper channels and structure. The current Georgia state record exceeds 90 pounds, showcasing their impressive growth potential.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black Drum use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters, clams, crabs, and other shellfish. They feed most actively during tide changes when current dislodges prey from structure. These fish are opportunistic feeders that also consume shrimp, marine worms, and small fish when available.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during spring months when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Large schools gather in deeper channels and inlet mouths during this period, creating excellent fishing opportunities before they disperse to summer feeding areas.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with cut bait, live or dead shrimp, and crab produces consistent results. Heavy tackle is essential due to their size and fighting ability. Popular techniques include Carolina rigs with circle hooks, fish finder rigs, and live bait presentations near structure. In July around Savannah, anglers find success fishing oyster bars and creek mouths during moving tides.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller Black Drum under 10 pounds offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. Larger fish tend to be coarser and are often released for conservation. The meat is versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying, providing good protein content and omega-3 fatty acids.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum?
A: Cut mullet, live or dead shrimp, and blue crab are top producers. Fresh bait works best, with circle hooks recommended for better hookup rates.
Q: Where can I find Black Drum near Savannah?
A: Focus on oyster bars, creek mouths, and structure around Daufuskie Island. Dock pilings and shallow flats during tide changes also hold fish consistently.
Q: Is Black Drum good to eat?
A: Smaller drums under 10 pounds are excellent table fare with mild, firm meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture and conservation concerns.
Q: When is the best time to catch Black Drum?
A: Moving tides produce the most action, especially during dawn and dusk periods. Summer months offer consistent opportunities in Savannah's inshore waters.
