%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F55243%2Fimages%2F1758927964520qtq_95.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Black Drum Inshore in Port OConnor
Black Drum Fishing in Port O'Connor
%2F%2Fusers%2F7cb0a14f-4a09-4406-98bc-5dca68d88a2b%2Fimages%2Fblack-drum-fishing-port-oconnor-4641.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs and inhabits brackish waters and onshore areas. - Largest member of the Sciaenidae family with nearly 300 species. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds. - Powerful jaws capable of crushing shellfish and oysters.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Capt Stephen Boriskie in October
Meet your Guide Capt Stephen Boriskie
- Port O’Connor inshore fishing, floundering, ducks
Summary
Capt Stephen Boriskie of Mid Coast Outfitters POC on Saturday October delivered an outstanding guided fishing trip targeting black drum and redfish in Port O'Connor's productive inshore waters. This extended half day adventure combines drift fishing over grass flats with bottom fishing near structure, giving anglers multiple opportunities to hook into the area's premier gamefish. Port O'Connor's diverse fishery and clear fall conditions create ideal scenarios for both experienced anglers and families looking to experience quality inshore fishing on the Texas coast. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers with optional spots available, and all tackle and guidance are included for a complete fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Capt Stephen Boriskie – Rates & Booking
Guide Capt Stephen Boriskie of Mid Coast Outfitters POC on Saturday October offers this 6-hour extended half day charter from 7am to 1pm for $125 per additional angler beyond the base group of 4. The trip targets black drum, redfish, and speckled trout using proven techniques like drift fishing and bottom fishing that consistently produce results in Port O'Connor's inshore waters. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, with live bait available at market price when conditions allow. This private charter accommodates beginners through experienced anglers, and deposits are non-refundable due to the specialized nature of the trip.
Highlights of Port O'Connor Inshore Fishing Charter for Speckled Trout, Redfish and Black Drum
Port O'Connor's grass flats and diverse structure create perfect conditions for targeting multiple inshore species during a single outing. The extended half day format provides ample time to work productive areas using different presentations, from casting lures over shallow flats to bottom fishing near structure where black drum congregate. Clear fall conditions and manageable water make this trip ideal for families and anglers of all skill levels.
The combination of drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques allows anglers to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Port O'Connor's location along the Texas coast provides access to both shallow grass flats where redfish cruise and deeper structure where black drum feed, maximizing opportunities for consistent action during the 6-hour charter.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black drum thrive in Port O'Connor's brackish waters and nearshore structure, where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs along the bottom. These members of the Sciaenidae family are known for their distinctive drumming sounds and can reach impressive sizes, with fish ranging from 15 to 90 pounds in Texas waters. During fall months, black drum move into shallower areas to feed, making them accessible to anglers using bottom fishing techniques with cut bait or live crabs. Their strong fighting ability and willingness to take bait near structure make them a favorite target for Port O'Connor charter fishing.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
The charter includes a fully equipped boat with all necessary rods, reels, and tackle for targeting inshore species around Port O'Connor. Morning departures at 7am take advantage of cooler temperatures and active feeding periods, while the 6-hour duration allows time to explore multiple fishing spots based on conditions. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, with space for additional guests at $125 each. Safety equipment and local knowledge are provided, and the captain will adjust techniques based on weather and fish activity to ensure a productive day on the water.
Fishing in Port O'Connor: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful fish are distinguished by their dark coloration, robust build, and the distinctive drumming sounds they produce using specialized muscles around their swim bladder. In Port O'Connor waters this October, black drum move into shallower areas to feed on crabs and shellfish, making them prime targets for bottom fishing techniques.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are prized by anglers for their impressive size potential and strong fighting ability. These fish use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush hard-shelled prey like oysters, crabs, and mussels, making them perfectly adapted to the oyster-rich waters around Port O'Connor. Their ability to produce audible drumming sounds has earned them their common name and helps anglers locate schools during feeding periods.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
Black drum inhabit brackish and nearshore waters along the Gulf Coast, thriving in areas with oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where their preferred prey is abundant. Around Port O'Connor, they frequent shallow bays, channel edges, and structure where they can forage for crustaceans and mollusks. These fish are well-adapted to varying salinity levels, allowing them to move between freshwater inflows and saltwater areas.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, with larger specimens becoming more common in deeper waters and around offshore structure. Young black drum, often called "puppy drum," are more abundant in shallow areas and provide excellent action for light tackle fishing, while mature fish offer the potential for trophy-sized catches.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are opportunistic bottom feeders that use their sensitive barbels to locate prey in murky water. Their diet consists primarily of crabs, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish, which they crush with their powerful jaws. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black drum spawn in nearshore waters during spring months when water temperatures reach optimal levels. During spawning season, large schools gather in deeper areas, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish. Post-spawn fish often move into shallower areas to recover and feed heavily.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with cut bait, live or dead shrimp, and blue crabs produces consistent results for black drum. Heavy tackle is recommended due to their size and fighting ability, with circle hooks helping ensure proper hooksets. In October, anglers around Port O'Connor find success fishing oyster reefs and channel edges where black drum congregate to feed on abundant shellfish.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 10 pounds offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor and low in fat. Larger fish tend to have coarser texture and stronger taste, making them better suited for catch and release. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and works well grilled, blackened, or in fish tacos.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Cut mullet, live or dead shrimp, and blue crabs are the most effective baits. Fresh cut bait works particularly well around oyster reefs and structure.
Q: Where can I find black drum near Port O'Connor?
A: Look for black drum around oyster reefs, channel edges, and grass flats where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Shallow bays and nearshore structure are productive areas.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Smaller black drum under 10 pounds are excellent table fare with mild, firm white meat. Larger fish are typically released due to coarser texture.
Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?
A: Early morning and late afternoon feeding periods are most productive, though black drum can be caught throughout the day in favorable conditions.
More species you can explore on this trip
Mid Coast Outfitters POC Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for some extended fishing action in Port O'Connor? This 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to cast lines and soak up the coastal scenery. We'll head out at 7am and fish until 1pm, hitting prime spots for inshore species. The boat comfortably fits up to 4 anglers, with room to add 2 more if you've got a bigger group. Don't worry about gear - your captain provides quality rods, reels and tackle. Live bait can be arranged when available (just pay market price). It's a great option if you want more fishing time than a quick half-day, but can't commit to a full 8 hours on the water. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to maximize their chances of reeling in some good catches. You'll get to experience more of Port O'Connor's rich fishing grounds and increase your odds of landing that trophy fish.
