Damn Good Black Drum Fishing Charters In Pensacola

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Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters In Pensacola, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Pensacola

Gulfbound Glory: Emerald Coast

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Orange Beach Hook Up!

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Epic Inshore Adventure

100% (17)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Hooked On Fun: 2hr Kid Fishing

94% (18)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Kid’s Trip ***CATCH & RELEASE***

94% (18)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Orange Beach Bowfishing

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $700

Top Types of Black Drum Trips in Pensacola

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Target Species in Pensacola

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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More Black Drum Fishing Charters In Pensacola, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Big 3 Catch & Release

100% (5)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Blackwater Bay Fishing

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Afternoon Angling

100% (5)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $725
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Alabama Inshore Magic

100% (5)
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Pensacola

Family Fun ***CATCH & RELEASE***

94% (18)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Pensacola

4 Hour Family/Kids Fishing Trip

100% (4)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
See All Black Drum Trips in Pensacola

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Everything to Know About Booking a Pensacola black drum fishing charter

What are the best black drum fishing charters in Pensacola?

Why should I book a black drum fishing charter in Pensacola with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 20 black drum trip in Pensacola: Gulfbound Glory: Emerald Coast guided by Tim.

Our guides in Pensacola are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 3809 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black drum guides / fishing lessons in Pensacola? Check out our beginner and family friendly black drum guides in Pensacola.

What types of black drum fishing charters are common in Pensacola?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for black drum in Pensacola as well as nearshore fishing, jetty fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Pensacola are light tackle fishing, trolling, and drift fishing but bottom fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Pensacola black drum fishing charters cost?

Prices for black drum in Pensacola can range anywhere from about $480 to $1,275, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in Pensacola is $652. The average price for a full day trip for black drum in Pensacola is $1,326.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for black drum fishing in Pensacola?

The most popular season for black drum fishing in Pensacola is summer, and most anglers book their trips 13 days in advance.

Do I need a Pensacola fishing license for black drum and what are the bag limits for black drum in Pensacola?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Pensacola, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Pensacola. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Pensacola.

What is black drum fishing in Pensacola all about?

Black drum, known for their hefty size and distinctive black coloration, are a common sight in the waters around Pensacola. These large, bottom-dwelling fish can be found in a variety of habitats, including bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, where they feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. While not as flashy as some other species, black drum offer anglers a rewarding challenge and delicious table fare. Pensacola's coastal waters are home to healthy populations of black drum, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target these prized fish throughout the year.

Fishing for black drum in Pensacola requires patience, persistence, and the right techniques. Anglers often target black drum by bottom fishing with heavy tackle and sturdy rigs, as these fish are known for their powerful fights and ability to break weaker lines. Baits such as shrimp, crabs, and cut bait are commonly used to entice bites from black drum, which have a keen sense of smell and can be picky eaters at times. Anglers may need to experiment with different bait presentations and rig setups to find what works best on any given day.

One effective technique for catching black drum in Pensacola is to target areas with structure, such as docks, bridges, and oyster bars, where these fish often congregate in search of food. Anglers can use fish-finding technology to locate these underwater features and position their baits accordingly. Additionally, black drum can be caught in deeper channels and along drop-offs, where they can find shelter from strong currents and ambush passing prey. By focusing on areas with structure and using the right bait and rig setup, anglers can increase their chances of success when targeting black drum in Pensacola's diverse and dynamic coastal waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for black drum fishing in Pensacola?

In Pensacola, black drum fishing can be pursued throughout the year, with different seasons offering unique opportunities to anglers. Spring and fall are generally considered prime seasons for targeting black drum in Pensacola. During these transitional periods, water temperatures are moderate, and black drum are more active and abundant in the area's coastal waters. Anglers targeting black drum during spring and fall may have better success as the fish are actively feeding and willing to strike a variety of baits.

Summer can also be a productive time for black drum fishing in Pensacola, especially during the early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler. While summer heat can sometimes slow down fishing activity, black drum can still be found in the area's bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, where they seek refuge from the heat and feed on crustaceans and small fish. Anglers targeting black drum during the summer months may need to adjust their fishing tactics and target areas with deeper water or stronger currents to locate active fish.

During the winter months, black drum fishing in Pensacola may require anglers to adapt to cooler water temperatures and changing fish behavior. While black drum can still be caught during the winter, they may be less active and more scattered compared to other seasons. Anglers targeting black drum during the winter months may need to focus on fishing deeper channels or along drop-offs, where these fish can find shelter from colder temperatures and ambush passing prey. By adjusting techniques and locations based on seasonal patterns, anglers can continue to enjoy consistent black drum fishing in Pensacola's diverse and dynamic coastal waters throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for catching black drum in Pensacola?

Fishing for black drum in Pensacola requires anglers to employ a variety of techniques to entice these elusive fish. One effective method is bottom fishing with heavy tackle and sturdy rigs, as black drum are known for their powerful fights and ability to break weaker lines. Baits such as shrimp, crabs, and cut bait are commonly used to entice bites from black drum, which have a keen sense of smell and can be picky eaters at times. Anglers may need to experiment with different bait presentations and rig setups to find what works best on any given day.

Targeting areas with structure, such as docks, bridges, and oyster bars, is another successful technique for catching black drum in Pensacola. These fish often congregate around underwater features in search of food and shelter. Anglers can use fish-finding technology to locate these structures and position their baits accordingly. Additionally, black drum can be caught in deeper channels and along drop-offs, where they can find refuge from strong currents and ambush passing prey. By focusing on areas with structure and using the right bait and rig setup, anglers can increase their chances of success when targeting black drum in Pensacola's diverse and dynamic coastal waters.

Patience and persistence are key when fishing for black drum in Pensacola. These fish can be wary and selective in their feeding habits, requiring anglers to be attentive and adaptable in their approach. Anglers should be prepared to wait patiently for bites and be ready to adjust their techniques based on changing conditions. By remaining patient and persistent, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into a trophy-sized black drum and enjoying a rewarding fishing experience in Pensacola's beautiful coastal waters.

What other species are popular in Pensacola?

Aside from targeting black drum, Pensacola offers anglers a wide variety of species to pursue, ensuring there's always something exciting to catch. One popular catch among anglers is the red snapper, prized for its size, strength, and delicious flavor. These iconic reef fish inhabit offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, providing anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches. Red snapper season in Pensacola typically spans from June to August, offering ample opportunities for anglers to reel in these prized fish.

For those seeking inshore action, Pensacola offers abundant opportunities to target species like speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. These prized inshore game fish can be found patrolling the shallow waters of bays, estuaries, and marshes, where they feed on baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers targeting speckled trout often use light spinning tackle and artificial lures such as soft plastic baits or topwater plugs to entice strikes. Additionally, redfish can be targeted using live or cut bait along the bottom or around structure, while flounder are commonly caught by bouncing baits along the sandy bottom near inlet mouths and channels.

Moreover, Pensacola's rich offshore fishery includes pelagic species such as king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and tuna. These high-speed predators can be found cruising the Gulf waters, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities for trolling or casting. Whether targeting nearshore reefs or venturing farther offshore, anglers can enjoy the challenge and excitement of pursuing these dynamic game fish. With such a diverse range of species available, Pensacola offers anglers endless opportunities for adventure and memorable catches on the water.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Johnny and JT were great! Winter fishing is tough but we all had a great time! I would definitely book a trip with Johnny again!

    Carmel B. | November 26, 2024

    Trip: Alabama Inshore Magic

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Corey did an awesome job would. recommend

    Jerry C. | November 2, 2024

    Trip: Half Day Gulf Classics

  • ★★★★★
    Great Trip Donald is very good at what he does. We had a Great Time and caught a lot of fish.

    William S. | October 7, 2024

    Trip: Hooked on Fun: 2hr Kid Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Bradley was very good with making these 10-15 year old boys make sure they knew what to do and had a good time of fun. He made sure they each had a rod, baited. Nd could cast it where they needed. For two first time fisherman, they had a blast. The 10 yr old catch the most fish. We got back to the condo, and he told his dad let’s go fishing tomorrow. Thanks for a great first trip, saltwater fishing for theses boys.

    Douglas | October 6, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Hook up!

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Corey was awesome. We caught lots of fish.

    John C S. | October 5, 2024

    Trip: Half Day Gulf Classics

  • ★★★★★
    Patrick was awesome! We ran into some weather issues but he worked with us, and still squeezed us in while we were in town. We had an absolute blast and were on some trout! We will be coming back for sure!

    Anthony A. | September 17, 2024

    Trip: Epic Inshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Patrick was hands down on top of his game!! Put us where the fish were and caught some good sized fish. Will definitely be back the next time we come to Gulf Shores.

    John P. | September 8, 2024

    Trip: Epic Inshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Had an awesome trip despite the constant rain. Caught some nice reds and black drum. Overall an awesome experience with some nice fillets to boot.

    Cody G. | September 7, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Hook up!

  • ★★★★★
    100% recommend this charter! Captain is very knowledgable and has just as much fun as you do. You get to take home your fillets and enjoy your hard earned catch. We will be returning in the future.

    Krystal P. | August 21, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Half-Day Hookup

  • ★★★★★
    CPT Johnny was an awesome guy and he worked his tail off to make sure we caught some fish! He’s a fellow veteran and has a great sense of humor. I look forward to fishing with him again! Thanks Brother!

    Danny B. | August 14, 2024

    Trip: Alabama Inshore Magic

  • ★★★★★
    We had a very great time. Captain Troy was very knowledgeable and helped us find some great fishing fun. When I booked it I did not realize it was only fishing in the bay, that was my mistake. I told him and he still managed to make it a great time for our family. We caught several species, catfish, hard head catfish, few small stingrays (accidents), but we decided to release them all. It was still so much fun.

    Dustin R. | August 14, 2024

    Trip: Family Fun Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Jason was amazing. SO great with kids and very personable with adults. And an “authentic” type of personable, at that.

    Joel A. | August 12, 2024

    Trip: 3 Hour Kids Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful captain, knowledgeable, knew the waters, was prepped and ready to go. One of the best fishing charters we have ever had. Cleanest boat we’ve been on, and landed plenty of fish. Will come back again, we highly recommend Johnny. Thanks so much!

    Dane B. | July 31, 2024

    Trip: Alabama Inshore Magic

  • ★★★★★
    Don was awesome! we had a 4 and 7 year olds and he was very attentive to both. he wasn't overbearing like some captions and let us fish, but was on it if someone needed help. If you have kids and want to finish I highly recommend this charter!

    Jeff K. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Family Fun ***CATCH & RELEASE***

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guide!! Very knowledgeable and friendly... it was a great experience for all who went!!!

    Debbie N. | July 20, 2024

    Trip: 4 hour inshore/nearshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Captain Donald!! We caught a lot of fish and had a great time!! Highly recommend!!

    James L. | July 17, 2024

    Trip: Family Fun ***CATCH & RELEASE***

  • ★★★★★
    Tom made for a spectacular experience. We caught tons of fish. He is patient and kind. We had no children on the boat but I could see where he would be great with them. He’s in with a really cordial guide community who seem to help each other out. We rarely passed a boat that didn’t wave and give a “hi Tom”. Really cool experience. Will do over and over again.

    Don H. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Half-Day Hookup

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Troy was great, and had incredible stories. We had lots of fun.

    Les T. | July 11, 2024

    Trip: Family Fun Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We loved Captain Ty. He went out of his way to accommodate us and we would definitely book with him again!

    Lisa M. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Hooked on Fun: 2hr Kid Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    The captain was very friendly and personable. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

    Tony W. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Kid’s Trip ***CATCH & RELEASE***

What's biting in Pensacola?

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