Also Called: Drum, Drummer
They might be called "black," but Black Drum fish are mostly silvery-gray or dark gray with nearly black-tipped fins. These tasty fish are seasonal in the inshore waters of Hilton Head Island. They will also give you one of the best fights you will ever experience.
Black Drum are a favorite among Hilton Head anglers because they offer a fun, hard-fighting challenge and are available in local waters throughout much of the year. Known for their powerful runs and steady pull, Black Drum give anglers of all experience levels an exciting battle once hooked. Their size, strength, and tendency to feed in productive inshore areas make them a rewarding target on any Hilton Head fishing charter.
Another reason anglers love catching Black Drum is their reliability. These fish are commonly found around oyster beds, creek mouths, docks, bridges, and other structure-rich waters, which makes them an excellent species to target during inshore fishing trips. Because they often feed in areas that are easy to access by boat, Black Drum provide consistent action for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike.
Black Drum are also admired for the variety they bring to a day on the water. Whether you are fishing shallow flats, estuaries, or deeper channels near Hilton Head, hooking into a Black Drum adds excitement and variety to the trip. Their strong bite and willingness to take natural bait make them a memorable catch and one of the many reasons anglers book Hilton Head fishing charters to experience South Carolina’s outstanding inshore fishing.
Black Drum are most abundant in Hilton Head from February to July. Adults tolerate a wide range of salinity (amount of salt in the water), making them less likely to be affected by rainfall.
Look for adults throughout Hilton Head's inshore waters. They like to feed along the oyster beds and around natural and manmade structures such as rocks, docks and bridges.
Bait: A hook baited with the Black Drum's natural food supply - Shrimp, mussels, oysters, clams or small amounts of crab meat - is best. Approach: The closer to the natural and artificial objects they congregate around (e.g. marsh grass, fallen trees, dock or bridge supports, etc.), the better. If your hook doesn't get caught from time to time, you're not close enough. Tackle: A standard rod and reel with a weighted circle hook is best. Black Drum fishing can be done with a fly lure as well, though the precision casting required to draw them to the surface makes this method more challenging.
Private Hilton Head fishing charters for families, friends, and anglers of all skill levels.
Tell us a little about your trip, and we will help you plan the right charter for your group. Submit the form below or call 843-806-2424 to get started.
