Black Drum Fishing in Montauk, NY
Local guides, seasonality, and regulations for black drum in Montauk.
Fishing Charters in New York
Browse fishing charters in New York that can help you catch black drum.
Momentum Charters
Montauk, New York
Captain Nick Charters
Hampton Bays, New York
I'm Capt. Nick I do fishing charters in Suffolk County on Long Island. Fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and bay sunset cruises
Tide Hustle
Greenport, New York
Tide Hustle is an open boat and private charter fishing boat in Greenport, NY. Tide Hustle fishes for porgies, weakfish, striped bass, blackfish and other local fish. You can buy a single ticket or book the whole boat!
Lake Runner Charters
Hamlin, New York
Lake Runner charters offers Private Group and Family Fishing Charters for up to 6 passengers. Fishing Lake Ontario New York for Salmon, Trout, Kings and more.
Rebel Fishing Charters
Hilton, New York
Zrg Fishing
Chaumont, New York
Second Choice Charters
Montauk, New York
Nova Sport Fishing
Dunkirk, New York
Knot Right Fishing Charter
Westfield, New York
Fishooker Charter Service
Montauk, New York
Dixons To The Point Charters
East Hampton, New York
Fly Fishing in Montauk and the Florida Keys
Fin Alley Fishing Charters
Hampton Bays, New York
Fin Alley is an offshore fishing charter boat in Long Island, NY that targets bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, albacore, mahi, and marlin.
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 Montauk
While Montauk is renowned for its saltwater gamefish, targeting black drum offers a unique and rewarding angling experience. These powerful fish can be found in the shallow bays and inlets surrounding Montauk, especially during the warmer months. Gardiners Bay and Fort Pond Bay are known black drum hotspots. Look for them around oyster beds, mussel beds, and rocky structures where they forage for crustaceans and shellfish. Spring and early summer are typically the best times to target black drum, as they move into these areas to spawn. Use heavy tackle and presentation of a crab or clam on the bottom. A local tip: Fish the outgoing tide, as this often concentrates the drum in specific areas. Be prepared for a tough fight! Black drum are strong and can put up a serious battle, especially in shallow water. Also, be aware of local regulations regarding size and bag limits. The black drum in Montauk can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon.
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See what's biting in Montauk, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Black Drum
Black Drum Fishing Regulations in New York
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
3 per day
Size Limit
16-inch minimum
License Required
Recreational Marine Fishing Registry
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New York state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to catch Black Drum in Montauk, NY?
The best months for Black Drum in Montauk are May, June.
What are the Black Drum fishing regulations in New York?
In New York, the season is year-round, the daily bag limit is 3 per day, the minimum size is 16-inch minimum. Regulations change throughout the year, so confirm current rules with the New York wildlife agency before fishing.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Black Drum in New York?
Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. On a guided charter, anglers are often covered under the captain's license — confirm with your guide when booking.
Other Species to Fish in Montauk
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