Drum, Black- Gulf of Mexico Black Drum is a large, shallow water
species, growing up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in length and 54 kg (120
lbs) in weight. They are found in the western Atlantic from
Canada to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico. Black Drum
grows at slow to moderate rates, becomes sexually mature around
5 years and may live for 40 years. Most commercial fishing for
Black Drum in the Gulf of Mexico occurs in Louisiana and Texas
state waters. The abundance of Black Drum is likely at a
moderate to high level in Louisiana state waters, while
abundance levels in other Gulf of Mexico states are unknown.
Management of Black Drum is done at the state level, with
measures ranging from gear restrictions, minimum and maximum
size limits, and catch limits. Most Black Drum are caught using
trotlines, which is a specialized type of longline that is
fished on the bottom in shallow waters. This fishing method
causes moderate habitat damage and results in some bycatch.