Top Black Drum Fishing Countries

The black drum (Pogonias cromis) is a large, bottom-dwelling fish native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly abundant along the coasts of the United States and Mexico. Recognized for its robust body and distinctive drumming sounds, the black drum is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The United States, especially the Gulf Coast states such as Texas and Louisiana, is a leading country in black drum harvest, with well-established commercial fisheries supplying both domestic and export markets. Mexico also maintains a significant black drum fishery, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fishing play vital roles in local economies. While black drum are less commonly targeted in other countries, the species’ range extends to the Caribbean and South America, where smaller-scale fisheries exist. Overall, the U.S. and Mexico are the primary nations associated with black drum fishing, supporting both economic activity and culinary traditions centered around this flavorful fish.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.