Black Drum Fishing at Topsail Island: Reports, Tips & Regulations

Topsail Black Drum are a favorite for local anglers. They fight hard and taste great on the table. While Red Drum often get the spotlight, a Topsail Black Drum provides incredible action year-round. You can find them consistently around the island’s bridges and heavy structure.

Where to Find Them

Black Drum use their sensitive whiskers to find food on the bottom. In the Topsail area, focus on bridge pilings and deep-water docks with oyster growth. You can also find them in deep ICW holes. During cold months, check the rock jetties near the inlets.

Top Tactics & Bait

• The Best Bait: Fresh shrimp is king. Use a piece of shrimp on a simple bottom rig or a jig head. These fish also love cut sea clams and fiddler crabs.
• Be Patient: Black Drum prefer to scavenge rather than chase lures. Keep your bait still on the bottom. Wait for the characteristic “thump” before you set the hook.
• Use Heavy Gear: You will often fish near sharp barnacles. Use a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader to prevent break-offs on the pilings.

Black Drum Regulations

Black Drum are not part of the mandatory harvest reporting program. However, the NC Division of Marine Fisheries still manages them with specific limits. Always verify the rules before you keep your catch:

• Size & Bag Limits: View the latest NC Coastal Recreational Regulations.
• The “Over-Slot” Rule: The daily limit is usually 10 fish within the 14-to-25 inch slot. Anglers may keep one fish over 25 inches per day.
• NC Wildlife Resources: Check Inland Fishing Regulations if you fish further up the creeks.

Check our latest fishing reports below. See which bridges are holding fish and find the best tides for Black Drum this week.