Quick Facts & Highlights
Species Name: Black Drum
Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis
Common Nicknames: Big Ugly
Species Category: Inshore Game Fish
Available Lengths Range: 15'' to 50''
Mount Options & Base Rates:
Half Wall Mount: Starts at $160 minimum charge (applies 15" to 16")
Full Wall Mount: Starts at $17 per inch ($255 for 15")
360° Suspension Mount: Starts at $20 per inch ($300 for 15")
Catch Photo Matching: Included at no extra charge
Materials & Construction: High-density fiberglass composite cast from first-generation molds, hand-painted glass eyes set in epoxy, automotive-grade airbrush pigments, and UV-resistant urethane clear coat, built in the USA
Turnaround Time: Check the "Current Production Time" link in the website footer
The Inshore Heavyweight
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is a brute of the inshore flats, deep channels, and coastal bridges. Known for their sheer shoulders and bottom-feeding power, hauling a mature "Big Ugly" from the current is a serious test of tackle and stamina. Florida Fish Mounts, based in Cocoa, Florida, is the shop of artist Greg Cassell. We specialize in custom-painted fiberglass Black Drum replicas that preserve the specific fish you fought, at the exact size you landed it, as a permanent piece of lodge décor.
Anatomical Accuracy and Premium Finishes
Greg Cassell works exclusively from a catalog of thousands of first-generation molds cast directly from real fish specimens. This ensures the anatomical detail, particularly the Black Drum's massive, armor-like scale definition, is never diluted by the industry practice of copying a copy. A Black Drum is identified in the field by its high arched back and the sensory barbels on its lower jaw. Greg treats each mount as a species-specific project, applying high-grade automotive pigments that carry a depth and light-response standard taxidermy paints lack. Whether your catch was a smaller "puppy drum" carrying distinct vertical black stripes, or a massive, copper-and-charcoal adult, the body hues and fin details are hand-painted to match.
The Modern Solution: Release Your Catch and Mount the Memory
A fiberglass replica allows you to secure your trophy while safely releasing the breeding-size fish back to the water, or taking the smaller fillets to the table. Traditional skin mounts are a disastrous choice for Black Drum for a specific biological reason. They possess some of the thickest, largest scales of any inshore species. As a skin mount dries, these heavy scales severely curl and pull away from the body, while the large, fleshy head suffers from extreme shrinkage. Greg's fiberglass process eliminates this degradation entirely, resulting in an archival piece that holds its structural integrity and color accuracy indefinitely.
Custom Pattern Matching (Optional)
Greg offers custom pattern matching at no additional cost, and a photo is not required to place your order. Without one, Greg paints your replica to a traditional, species-accurate color phase for the Black Drum. If you have a photo of your catch, use the upload button located directly below this description before or after placing your order. Greg will use it as the direct reference for your paintwork.
The Final Approval Process
Your satisfaction is our priority. Once Greg completes the hand-painting of your replica, we email you high-resolution photos for your review before anything else is done. We do not apply the protective clear coat or begin the crating process until you have seen the photos and given your explicit approval of the paintwork. Your mount is not finished until you say it is.
Shipping and Final Invoicing
Shipping is calculated and billed separately from your initial order. Because fish mounts vary significantly in size and weight, we do not provide a flat shipping rate at checkout. Once your approved mount is packaged and final dimensions are confirmed, we send a separate invoice for the shipping balance. Your replica ships via UPS Ground immediately upon payment.
Select Your Mount Style and Length
Use the dropdown menus above to select your Mount Type and Length. The Black Drum is available in sizes ranging from 15 to 50 inches. Pricing is based on the mount style and length you select, starting at our $160 shop minimum. Your final price updates automatically once your selections are made. Proceed through checkout to secure your place in Greg's shop schedule.
