Black Drum Fishing in South Carolina
When black drum are caught across South Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in South Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Catch more black drum
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black drum in South Carolina
Black Drum catches in South Carolina run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 23% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the South Carolina fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black drum in South Carolina?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black drum in South Carolina?+
Across South Carolina, about 23% of the black drum caught are kept and 77% are released. That works out to roughly 270K kept and 892K released in 2024.
How many black drum are caught in South Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 1.2M black drum caught by recreational anglers in South Carolina in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black drum data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
You've got the seasons. Now put the water on your chart.
Pathr shows this spot live, the depth under your keel, the tide, wind, and traffic, on one nautical chart.
Love the free tools? Back us as a Founding member.
