Black Drum Fishing in Cape May, NJ
Local guides, seasonality, and regulations for black drum in Cape May.
Fishing Charters in New Jersey
Browse fishing charters in New Jersey that can help you catch black drum.
Catch N Hell Fishing Charters
Highlands, New Jersey
fishing
Control Freaks Sportfishing
Brick Township, New Jersey
Celtic Stoirm
Belmar, New Jersey
Charter Boat in Belmar, NJ
Fat Cat Sport Fishing
Neptune City, New Jersey
NJ Fatcat Offshore and Inshore Sportfishing from Belmar NJ
Blitzbound Charters
Lincroft, New Jersey
Fish Stix Charter Fishing
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
TRIPS AND RATES6 Passengers Max Stripers - $900. 00 - (6hrs) (April - July, October - December) Offshore Shark - $1800. 00 (12-14 hours, May/June). (20-40mil
Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj
Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey
The ZiggyB, NJ's most proud and one of the Shark Rivers longest running sport fishing Charters providing pro's/ amatuers alike with quality NJ fishing charters
Lighthouse Sportfishing
Barnegat, New Jersey
Terry Sullivans Guide Service
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
I am a lifelong resident of Ocean County, New Jersey and have been a professional fishing guide for the past ten years. I have been an intense and avid salt-water fisherman for over thirty years. Both of my boats are especially well suited for fly-fishing. In our local waters we are able to catch large striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, fluke, albacore, bonita, spanish mackerel, and a variety of different tuna. As your charter-fishing guide I will also tailor fit our itinerary to target any specific salt-water species that are within our range and season if you desire. Whether it is live-lining bait or enticing them with a custom tied fly, I well do what it takes to put us on the bite. I would enjoy and welcome the opportunity to make your day an enjoyable experience and pleasantly memorable one fishing the rivers, bays and ocean as your personal salt-water fishing guide.
Shootem Sportfishing
Brick Township, New Jersey
Spend your days of fun at Sipnseachartersnj. Enjoy with your family and friends our exciting cruise trips and events. Try out our various sport fishing charters.
Waterman Charters
Barnegat, New Jersey
No Expectations Fishing
Cape May, New Jersey
Experience world-class inshore Flounder fishing in Cape May on a shared charter. Expert-guided trips for all skill levels. Reserve your spot today!
Best Time to Catch Black Drum
Peak season: May, June. Also good: March, April, July, August, September.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Black Drum
The Black Drum is a hard-fighting saltwater fish that inhabits coastal waters from New York to Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Known for their impressive size and distinctive drumming sound (produced by muscles rubbing against their swim bladder), Black Drum offer anglers a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. They are commonly found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, often congregating around structures like bridges, docks, and oyster beds. Their powerful jaws and crushing teeth make them well-suited for feeding on crustaceans and mollusks, making them a popular target for anglers using natural baits.
Black Drum Fishing in Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey, is a fantastic location to target black drum, particularly in the Delaware Bay. This area is known for its robust population of these hard-fighting fish. Spring and early summer are the peak seasons, as the drum migrate into the bay to spawn. Look for them around oyster beds, channel edges, and deeper holes. A great tactic is to anchor up-current and present a bait of clam or crab on a fish-finder rig. The Cape May Canal offers good shore access, but a boat will open up many more opportunities in the bay. Be aware that the Delaware Bay can get choppy, so check the weather forecast before heading out. The black drum here can reach impressive sizes, with many fish exceeding 50 pounds. A stout rod and reel are essential to handle these powerful fish. Don't forget to check the current regulations, as they can change from year to year.
Plan a Trip to Cape May
See what's biting in Cape May, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Black Drum
Black Drum Fishing Regulations in New Jersey
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per person
Size Limit
16-26 inches
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Possession limit is equal to the daily bag limit. Check the current regulations guide for any seasonal or area-specific closures.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New Jersey state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to catch Black Drum in Cape May, NJ?
The best months for Black Drum in Cape May are May, June.
What are the Black Drum fishing regulations in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the season is year-round, the daily bag limit is 1 per person, the minimum size is 16-26 inches. Regulations change throughout the year, so confirm current rules with the New Jersey wildlife agency before fishing.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Black Drum in New Jersey?
Saltwater fishing license. On a guided charter, anglers are often covered under the captain's license — confirm with your guide when booking.
Other Species to Fish in Cape May
Ready to Catch Black Drum in Cape May?
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