Prepare Your Gulf Coast Catch

Black Drum
Recipes

Black drum offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor that makes them a great option for easy, approachable seafood dishes. Caught inshore throughout the Gulf Coast, they’re perfect for grilling or pan-cooking after a relaxed day on the water.

Plate of grilled Black Drum fillets

Grilled Black Drum

Ingredients

  • Olive oil

  • Lemon juice

  • Garlic

  • Parsley

  • Cajun/Creole seasonings

Instructions

  • Keep the scales and skin on to protect the delicate flesh from direct heat, acting as a natural pan.

  • Clean and scale the fish, then thoroughly dry it.

  • Place fillet skin-side down on a medium-high grill, covered, for 7-10 minutes, or until the meat flakes easily. Some recipes suggest a two-zone fire to sear and then finish cooking.

  • Serve directly from the shell with lemon wedges, or with grilled vegetables and sauces like a white wine-lemon butter sauce.

  • If not using the shell, you can grill directly on grates for about 3 minutes per side.

Plate of fried Black Drum sandwich

Fried Black Drum Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 black drum fillets (skin removed, 5–7 oz each)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cornmeal

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • 1 egg

  • ¼ cup milk

  • Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

  • For the Sandwich

  • 2 toasted sandwich buns

  • Lettuce leaves

  • Tomato slices

  • Tartar sauce

  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  • In a skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F.

  • In a shallow bowl mix: flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder

  • In another bowl whisk together the egg and milk.

  • Dip each fillet in the egg mixture.

  • Coat well in the flour/cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.

  • Place fillets in hot oil and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

  • Remove and place on paper towels or a rack to drain excess oil.

  • Build the sandwich

  • Spread tartar sauce on the toasted bun.

  • Add the fried black drum fillet.

  • Top with lettuce and tomato.

  • Serve hot with lemon wedges and fries or slaw.

Man with his Red Snapper on a boat in the Gulf

There Are Many More Fish Out There.

Other Gulf Species You Might Catch

The species you target will depend on the type of trip and the time of year. Inshore trips commonly include redfish, trout, and flounder, while offshore trips may target snapper, mahi mahi, and other larger species. We always focus on what is biting best to give you the most productive experience possible.

Family on a boat displaying their caught fish, with a water body and distant shoreline in the background.

Scalable. Flexible. Fun.

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Choose your trip, pick your date, and get ready for a fishing experience that’s easy, exciting, and memorable. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning again, we’ll make sure your time on the water is well spent.