Answer
Black drum (Pogonias cromis) are large drum-family fish with chin barbels and dark vertical bars on juveniles—adults lose bars but keep barbels and can exceed fifty pounds in Coastal Bays and Inlet structure. They are not blackfish (tautog) or puppy drum without careful ID. Powerful bottom fighters on crab baits.
Sources: Maryland DNR · Visit Ocean City
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
