What fish is this

Question

What fish is this

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Likely Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)**. This big, chunky inshore fish has a *blunt head*, thick lips, and a silvery-gray body with rough scales. The photo shows a stout, deep-bodied fish with a rounded tail and a large mouth, without the distinct vertical stripes you’d expect on a sheephead. Drums are common in estuaries and near pilings, especially during seasonal transitions between warm and cooler periods.

How to confirm:
- Look at the dorsal fins: Black Drum usually have a deep first dorsal fin with strong spines, followed by a softer rear section.
- Check the teeth: they’re molar-like for crushing crustaceans.
- Color can vary; sometimes they look plain gray or olive, and a dark tail spot isn’t always visible.

Fishing tips:
- Best baits: cut bait (mullet, menhaden) or live shrimp; crustacean prey and scent work well.
- Rig: bottom rig with 2–6 oz weight in estuarine channels, near pilings or structure.
- Timing: in early winter, drums can still be active in many bays; target dawn/dusk or night bites in cooler weather.

If you’re near the Florida Gulf/Atlantic coasts, this is a common catch.

Gear ideas:
- [Berkley Trilene XL 8lb line](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091HDERE?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – good for lighter setups that still handle a Drum’s heft.
- [Berkley Trilene Big Game 12lb line](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00144B7LC?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – tougher, for bigger drums and heavier rigs.
- For more rig ideas, check this fishing tip video: [Instant Hookup Fishing Lure!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-kdduANqHc)

Pro tip: handle gently, especially if you plan to release; drums’ slime helps protect the fish, so minimize air exposure. Stay patient, keep your lines tight, and good luck out there! 🎣

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