Black Drum Fishing in Maryland
When black drum are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black drum in Maryland
Black Drum catches in Maryland run hardest around Mar-Apr, with the strongest two-month windows in Mar-Apr and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 1% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black drum in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Mar-Apr (March and April). The strongest two-month windows are Mar-Apr and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black drum in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 1% of the black drum caught are kept and 99% are released. That works out to roughly 1,078 kept and 126K released in 2024.
How many black drum are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 127K black drum caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #18 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black drum data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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