Black Drum - Mack Robertson

The Black Drum fish is a saltwater fish that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a member of the drum family, which includes other species such as the redfish and croaker. The Black Drum is the largest member of its family, reaching up to five feet in length and weighing up to eighty pounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Of375kqR6Q Appearance Its body is dark grey or black in color, with a white underside. It has a long, protruding lower jaw, and two barbels (or whiskers) on each side of its mouth. The Black Drum is a bottom-dwelling fish, and can often be found around reefs, shipwrecks, or other areas where there is plenty of cover. The Black Drum is an important fish commercially and recreationally. It is often caught by recreational anglers, and is considered a good food fish. The Black Drum is also popular in aquaculture, and is farmed in many parts of the world. How to Catch To catch a Black Drum fish, anglers can use a variety of methods. The most common method is to use baitfish, such as shrimp, crabs, or mullet. Another popular method is to use artificial lures that mimic the appearance of baitfish. When fishing for Black Drum, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, Black Drum are generally found in areas with plenty of cover, so anglers should look for areas with reefs, shipwrecks, or other structures. Second, Black Drum are bottom-dwelling fish, so anglers should use bait that is heavy enough to reach the bottom. Lastly, Black Drum are large fish, so anglers should use heavy-duty tackle that can handle the fish's size. Taste and Recipes The Black Drum is a good food fish, and its meat is often compared to that of the Redfish. The flesh of the Black Drum is white and flaky, with a mild flavor. There are many different ways to cook Black Drum fish. One popular method is to fry the fish. This can be done by coating the fish in a flour or cornmeal batter and then frying it in hot oil. Another popular method is to grill the fish. Black Drum can also be baked, broiled, or sautéed. When preparing Black Drum fish, it is important to remove the dark lateral line that runs along the length of the fish. This line contains a large amount of blood, which can make the fish taste bitter. Black Drum is a versatile fish that can be used in many different recipes. FAQ Additional Questions Is Black Drum Fish Good to Eat? **Yes, black drum fish are quite delicious to eat**, often compared favourably to the flavour profile of red snapper. With a flesh described as firm yet flaky, black drum fish is versatile in the kitchen, working well in recipes that require frying or baking. However, one must also take into account the size of the Black Drum Fish when considering its edibility. The larger fish tend to have a rougher, more textured skin, as compared to the smaller ones, which lean toward the smoother side. Anecdotal experience from many chefs has informed us that smaller Black Drum Fish are preferred for their smoother texture. Therefore, while selecting, go for the smaller varieties if you like your fish meat to be smoother. Are Sheepshead and Black Drum the Same? Although young Black Drum Fish and Sheepshead can confuse even the most seasoned anglers due to their similar black and silver stripes, **they are actually quite different species**. As the Black Drum Fish matures, it progressively sheds its stripy appearance, favouring a more even-toned, silver-gray skin. The Sheepshead, on the other hand, retains its black and white stripes. To add to the confusion, both types of fish display black and white colourings but in differing orientations. Sheepshead sport black stripes against a white backdrop, while Black Drum Fish have an overall gray appearance with dark bars. Does Black Drum Tastes Like Red Drum? Interestingly, the flavour profiles of both Black Drum Fish and Red Drum Fish bear a lot of similarity. However, the Black Drum Fish features a more pronounced, meatier texture compared to Red Drum. **The flesh of both species is purely white once cooked**, making them visually indistinguishable, but certainly not in terms of taste. When it comes to the taste factor, smaller fish in both species tend to win the prize for sweetness and flakiness. Speaking from culinary experience, if you prefer a fish with a sweeter, flaky flesh, then going smaller with regard to both Red and Black Drum Fish is the way to go. What Type of Fish is Black Drum? Being part of the croaker family, the Black Drum Fish is closely related to the Atlantic croaker, red drum, and spotted seatrout. **A standout feature of this family of fish is the intriguing ability to generate croaking or drumming sounds using their air bladder**, thereby earning monikers like 'croaker' and 'drum'. This means there's more than just taste to attract one towards the Black Drum Fish. This fascinating species also brings a distinctive 'musical' element to your fishing and culinary experience.