Red Drum Fishing in South Carolina
When red drum are caught across South Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Red Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in South Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching red drum in South Carolina
Red Drum catches in South Carolina run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 16% 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 red drum in South Carolina?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 red drum in South Carolina?+
Across South Carolina, about 16% of the red drum caught are kept and 84% are released. That works out to roughly 514K kept and 2.8M released in 2024.
How many red drum are caught in South Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 3.3M red drum caught by recreational anglers in South Carolina in 2024, making it the #3 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this red drum data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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