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Captain Zachs Fishing Charter in Savannah
Black Drum Inshore in Savannah
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The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, known as drums or croakers due to the sounds they make. These powerful fish typically weigh between 15 and 90 pounds, making them the largest members of their family which includes nearly 300 species. - Black Drum thrive in brackish waters and onshore environments around structure. - They have strong teeth capable of crushing shellfish and oysters, their preferred prey. - The distinctive barbels under their chin help them locate food along the bottom.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in December
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Monday July brought perfect conditions for our inshore fishing charter in Savannah. Setting out from 2812 River Dr under partly cloudy skies, we headed to the productive waters around Daufuskie Island. Using a mix of bottom fishing, live bait, and artificial lures, we hooked into some great catches. The highlight was Katie landing a beautiful 28-inch Black Drum that put up an impressive fight. We also boated a nice 19-inch Spotted Weakfish. These summer months offer excellent opportunities for inshore fishing in Savannah's waters. Our private charters provide all the gear you need for targeting these local species, whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing. The consistent action this time of year makes it ideal for booking your own inshore adventure with Captain Zach's Fishing Charter.
Fishing Charter with Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Monday July offers Private Inshore Fishing Trips targeting Black Drum, Spotted Weakfish, and other local species. Our charter accommodates up to 4 guests with all fishing equipment and licenses included. We launch from 2812 River Dr in Savannah, making it convenient to access the productive inshore waters around Daufuskie Island. As a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge, I'll guide you to the best fishing spots based on current conditions and seasonal patterns. Whether you're looking for a morning or afternoon trip, we can customize the experience to match your schedule and fishing goals.
Highlights of Private Inshore Fishing Trip
Our inshore charters focus on delivering consistent action with a variety of techniques. We'll mix bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and casting artificial lures – a combination that produces results in Savannah's inshore waters. The partly cloudy summer conditions create perfect fishing environments around structures and moving water where predator fish feed. Recent trips have yielded impressive Black Drum up to 28 inches and quality Spotted Weakfish around 19 inches.
These summer fishing trips are ideal for anglers of all experience levels, including families and first-timers. The protected inshore waters provide both comfort and access to great fishing opportunities. Our focus on species like Black Drum gives you the chance to battle hard-fighting fish that will test your skills and create lasting memories of your Savannah fishing adventure.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black Drum are one of Savannah's premier inshore species, known for their powerful fights and availability throughout much of the year. These cousins to the popular Redfish thrive in our brackish waters around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deeper channels. When targeting Black Drum in summer months, we focus on structure-oriented spots where they feed on crustaceans and shellfish.
The most effective technique involves bottom fishing with fresh cut bait or crabs near structure. Their strong sense of smell makes scent-based baits particularly effective. When hooked, Black Drum use their weight and power to make strong, determined runs that provide an exciting challenge on medium-weight tackle. The summer months see these fish actively feeding in our inshore waters, making it an excellent time to target them around Savannah.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Captain Zach's Fishing Charter, wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and bring sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We provide all necessary fishing gear including quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. You're welcome to bring your own gear if preferred. A small cooler for drinks and snacks is recommended, and we'll have ice for keeping your catch fresh if you plan to take fish home. Our boat is well-equipped with safety equipment and fish-finding technology to maximize your fishing experience. Early morning trips typically offer the best conditions, but we can accommodate various start times based on tides and your schedule.
Fishing in Savannah: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. As the largest member of the drum family, these distinctive fish are recognizable by their silvery-gray to black coloration, chin barbels, and the drumming sounds they produce by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder. In Savannah waters during summer months, Black Drum provide exciting opportunities for inshore anglers.
Black Drum Overview
Black Drum are powerful bottom-dwelling fish that inhabit coastal waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They're prized by anglers for their strong fights and good table fare, especially when caught at smaller sizes. These fish are related to Red Drum (Redfish) but have a more prominent downturned mouth and barbels designed for bottom feeding.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in brackish waters around oyster beds, pier pilings, bridge structures, and channel edges. They're commonly found in estuaries, bays, and inlets throughout coastal Georgia, including the productive waters around Savannah and Daufuskie Island. They can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from nearly fresh water to full ocean salinity.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black Drum grow to impressive sizes, typically ranging from 15 to 90 pounds when fully mature. Juvenile fish (often called puppy drums) weigh 1-10 pounds while trophy specimens can exceed 100 pounds. The 28-inch Black Drum mentioned in our Savannah trip represents a quality catch for inshore waters.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
These fish are primarily bottom feeders with strong pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing mollusks, crustaceans, and shellfish. They use their sensitive barbels to detect prey along the bottom. Black Drum often feed by creating a vacuum with their downturned mouths to suck up food items, and anglers can sometimes hear or feel their distinctive "drumming" sounds during feeding activity.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black Drum typically spawn from late winter through early spring in coastal waters. During February through April, mature fish gather in large schools in deeper channels and passes. After spawning season, they disperse into various inshore habitats where they can be targeted effectively throughout summer and fall months.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
For consistent Black Drum success, use fresh cut bait, blue crabs, or shrimp on a fish-finder rig with 20-30 pound test and 2/0 to 5/0 circle hooks. Target structure such as bridge pilings, oyster bars, and channel edges where these fish search for food. In July, anglers around Savannah find them holding near deeper structure during the heat of the day, making early morning or evening fishing most productive. Bottom fishing with natural baits produces the most consistent results, but they occasionally take artificial lures like scented soft plastics or gold spoons worked slowly along the bottom.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller Black Drum (under 15 pounds) offer excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor similar to Redfish. They're versatile for cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. The meat is high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Larger specimens tend to be coarser in texture and may contain more parasites, so most anglers prefer to release the bigger breeding-sized fish.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum?
A: Fresh blue crab pieces, cut shrimp, clams, and mussels are top baits for Black Drum. Their strong sense of smell makes fresh, natural baits more effective than artificials.
Q: Where can I find Black Drum near Savannah?
A: Look for Black Drum around bridge pilings, deeper holes in creeks, oyster bars, and channel edges. The waters around Daufuskie Island and the Savannah River system hold good populations year-round.
Q: Is Black Drum good to eat?
A: Yes, smaller Black Drum (under 15 pounds) provide excellent eating with sweet, firm white meat. Larger specimens are generally released as the meat becomes coarser and may contain parasites.
Q: When is the best time to catch Black Drum?
A: Black Drum can be caught year-round in Savannah waters, with peak times being spring and fall. During summer months, early mornings and evenings produce the best action as fish seek cooler water temperatures.
Q: How do you identify a Black Drum from other species?
A: Black Drum have distinctive chin barbels, gray-to-black coloration, vertical bars when young, and make a croaking or drumming sound. Unlike their cousin the Redfish, they lack the characteristic tail spot.
Q: What tackle should I use for Black Drum?
A: Medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 20-30 pound test line works well. Use 2/0 to 5/0 circle hooks on a fish-finder rig with enough weight to hold bottom in current.
