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Black Drum

Black Drum

Black Drum are South Carolina's largest member of the drum family, capable of living over 60 years and reaching weights exceeding 100 pounds, though most caught by anglers range from 10-46 inches.

The stock is currently healthy - not overfished with overfishing not occurring according to the 2023 benchmark assessment.

Scientific Name: Pogonias cromis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These robust fish display silvery gray to dark black coloration, with juveniles featuring vertical stripes that fade with age.
  • They're distinguished by their downward-facing mouth, large barbels (whiskers) on the chin, and powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shells.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In South Carolina waters, they inhabit estuaries, tidal creeks, salt marshes, around jetties, docks, bridge pilings, oyster beds, and both shallow flats and deeper channels.

Key Locations

  • Found year-round along the entire South Carolina coast from the Grand Strand to Hilton Head, with notable concentrations around Murrells Inlet, Charleston Harbor, Port Royal Sound, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
  • Focus on structure-rich areas including jetties (Little River, Murrells Inlet), docks, bridge pilings, oyster beds, deep holes in tidal creeks, and around the Charleston jetties.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with concentrations of their preferred food sources, especially around active oyster beds and areas with strong crab populations.

Black Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Drum in South Carolina?

Natural baits are most effective - fresh or cut blue crab (halved or quartered), live or dead shrimp (pinch the tail for added scent), clams, fiddler crabs, and cut mullet. For artificials, try Berkeley Gulp! shrimp on 1/8-1/4 oz jig heads, scented with Pro-Cure gel, or Fishbites shrimp strips.

When is the best time to fish for Black Drum in South Carolina?

Late fall through early spring offers the best action. Fish jetties and deeper water (20-30+ feet) during summer heat, transitioning to shallower creeks and flats during cooler months.

How do you catch Black Drum in South Carolina?

Present baits on the bottom using Carolina rigs, knocker rigs (sliding e.g.g sinker above hook), or dropper loop rigs. When fly fishing in shallow clear water, use small blue crab patterns on the bottom. Be patient - Black Dr.um often pick at bait before fully committing, so wait for solid runs before setting the hook.

What do Black Drum eat?

Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans (especially blue crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp), mollusks (oysters, clams, mussels), polychaete worms, and occasionally small fish.

Where do Black Drum live in South Carolina?

In South Carolina waters, they inhabit estuaries, tidal creeks, salt marshes, around jetties, docks, bridge pilings, oyster beds, and both shallow flats and deeper channels.

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