Extended Half Day Black Drum Fishing in Delaware Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target large black drum up to ninety pounds in calm Delaware Bay watersSixhour afternoon trip designed specifically for beginner anglers with coachingAll fishing equipment and heavy bottom rigs provided by experienced captain
Looking for a relaxed fishing trip that won't beat you up but still delivers solid action? This six-hour afternoon charter out of Wildwood Crest targets some of the biggest black drum you'll find anywhere along the Jersey coast. Captain Stephen runs a beginner-friendly operation that gets you into fish without the stress of rough water or complicated techniques. We're talking about drum in the 30 to 90-pound range feeding in Delaware Bay's protected waters – perfect for families or anyone who wants to experience big fish without the offshore grind.
Your trip kicks off at 2:00 PM from Wildwood Crest, giving you time to sleep in and grab lunch before heading out. The beauty of fishing Delaware Bay is the short run to productive water – we're not burning two hours of your day getting to the fishing grounds. Captain Stephen knows exactly where these drum stage up during their prime feeding times, targeting nearshore structure where baitfish concentrate and the big boys come to eat. The bay's calm conditions make this trip comfortable for mixed age groups, so grandpa and the grandkids can fish together without anyone getting seasick. You'll be working relatively shallow water with good bottom structure, which means steady action and less waiting around between bites. The extended half-day format gives you plenty of time to learn the ropes, especially if you're new to targeting these powerful fish.
We're fishing heavy bottom rigs designed specifically for black drum – these aren't your typical fluke setups. Captain Stephen provides all the tackle, including stout rods and reels that can handle fish pushing 90 pounds without breaking your back. The technique is straightforward but effective: we're using circle hooks with fresh bait, dropping to structure, and letting the fish tell us when they're ready to eat. You'll learn to feel the difference between a drum pickup and bottom contact, which takes a little practice but clicks pretty quickly. The captain provides all bait and handles rigging, so you can focus on learning to fight these fish properly. Black drum are notorious for their bulldogging runs close to the bottom, so you'll get coached on pump-and-wind technique and when to let the fish run versus when to apply pressure. The bay's structure includes channels, drop-offs, and hard bottom areas where drum feed heavily during their spring run.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Delaware Bay's spring fishing scene, and for good reason. These fish show up in serious numbers from May 1st through June 5th, staging in the bay during their spawning cycle when they're most aggressive and easiest to target. We're talking about fish that regularly hit 50 to 70 pounds, with legitimate shots at drum pushing 90 pounds – that's a fish that'll test your tackle and your technique. What makes black drum so appealing to new anglers is their fighting style: they don't make crazy runs or jump like other species, but they pull steady and hard, giving you time to learn proper fighting technique without panicking about losing the fish. These drum feed heavily on clams, crabs, and worms around structure, which makes them predictable to target when you know their patterns. The bay's calm waters let you really appreciate the power of these fish without dealing with rough seas, and the extended trip format means everyone gets multiple shots at hooking up. Black drum are also excellent eating in the slot sizes, though many anglers choose to release the bigger breeders to keep the fishery strong.
This top-rated charter fills up fast during prime black drum season, especially with the beginner-friendly approach that Captain Stephen brings to every trip. The base rate covers up to six guests, making it a great value for families or small groups who want to experience world-class drum fishing without the offshore expense. Remember to bring your fishing license, drinks, sun protection, and weather gear – everything else is provided. A 15% deposit holds your date, but don't wait too long since the May through early June window is the peak time for these fish. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to serious fishing or want to target genuine trophy fish in comfortable conditions, this Delaware Bay black drum trip delivers the goods every time out.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35' Maine Coaster Downeast cruiser for your Delaware Bay black drum adventure. Built for comfort and fishing success, this classic cabin cruiser seats up to 6 anglers and runs smooth as silk with her reliable 450HP Cummins engine, cruising at a steady 18 knots to get you to the drum grounds fast. Captain Stephen keeps this boat fishing-ready with GPS and radar for navigation, plus a quality fish finder to locate those heavyweight black drum holding on bay structure. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 6-hour trip, and there's a head for convenience. With short runs to productive spots and calm bay waters, this boat handles beautifully for mixed groups and first-time drum fishers. She's equipped with everything needed to land those 30-90 pound bruisers that feed in Delaware Bay's prime structure during peak season.
New Jersey