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Black Drum - Pogonias cromis
Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Description: High arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or black colored body in adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical bars; has cobblestone- like teeth capable of crushing oysters; scales large.
Similar fish: Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus; the vertical bars on juvenile black drum are somewhat similar to those on sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus; and spadefish, Chaetodipterusfaber.
Where found: INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE.
Size: Common to 30 pounds.
Remarks: Largest member of the drum family; spawns nearshore in winter and early spring; feeds on oysters, mussels, oysters, crabs, shrimp, and occasionally fish; longevity to 35 or more years.
Florida record: 93 lbs.
Regulations:
Size Limit: Not less than 14" or more than 24".
Season:
Bag Limit: 5 per person per day.
Comments: May possess 1 over 24".
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads and tails intact)
Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with life or dead natural bait.
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