Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Black Drum: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a black drum must be between 14 and 24 inches (total length) to keep. The bag limit is 5 per harvester. Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 14–24" slot (total length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 5 per harvester |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Rules & notes | May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited. |
Not legal advice. These are Florida's Gulf-zone limits (Tampa Bay region where FWC sets regional rules), checked against FWC on July 1, 2026. Limits change by region, gear and date — confirm on MyFWC.com before you keep a fish.
When black drum are most active
Black drum are most active around the Gulf Coast in November–March.
Black drum are most active in roughly 55–75°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a black drum in Newbreeds and the size check compares your length against these limits — keeper or release — with a link to FWC to confirm. Every catch also records the tide, pressure trend, water temperature and moon automatically, so over time you see which conditions your black drum actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for black drum in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a black drum must be between 14 and 24 inches (total length) to keep. May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited.
How many black drum can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 5 per harvester.
When is black drum season in Florida?
Black drum are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch black drum around Tampa Bay?
Black drum are most active around the Gulf Coast in November–March.
What water temperature do black drum like?
Black drum are most active in roughly 55–75°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).