Black Drum Fishing in Mississippi
When black drum are caught across Mississippi, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in Mississippi 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 Mississippi
Black Drum catches in Mississippi run hardest around Mar-Apr, with the strongest two-month windows in Mar-Apr and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 18% 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?+
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 Mississippi?+
Across Mississippi, about 18% of the black drum caught are kept and 82% are released. That works out to roughly 72K kept and 321K released in 2024.
How many black drum are caught in Mississippi?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 393K black drum caught by recreational anglers in Mississippi in 2024, making it the #14 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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