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Black Drum Fishing with Captain Kim
Black Drum Fishing in Hilton Head Island
5.0
12 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically weighs between 15 to 90 lbs when fully mature. - Largest member of the drum family with nearly 300 related species. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce. - Powerful jaws with strong teeth capable of crushing shellfish and oysters. - Black and grey coloration helps them blend with bottom structure.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday July delivered an outstanding 3-hour inshore fishing charter targeting Black Drum and other species around Hilton Head Island. This family-friendly fishing charter launched from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing with light tackle setups perfectly suited for the diverse inshore bite. The trip featured surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore techniques that consistently produce results in these productive brackish waters. Aaron's crew landed a solid 20-inch Black Drum along with Redfish and other local species, showcasing why Hilton Head's inshore fishing remains a top destination for anglers seeking variety and action. With all gear included and expert guidance provided, these 3-hour trips offer the perfect introduction to Hilton Head's rich fishing opportunities without requiring a full day commitment.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday July offers 3-hour inshore fishing trips that consistently deliver results for anglers of all skill levels. These trips launch from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing and target Black Drum, Redfish, and other inshore species using light tackle techniques. All fishing gear is provided, and Captain Kim's local expertise ensures you'll fish the most productive spots around Hilton Head Island. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes instruction on surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore techniques. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience why Aaron rated this charter 5 stars, calling it "the Best Experience I've ever had" with exceptional education provided throughout the trip.
Highlights of 3 Hour Fishing Trip
This inshore fishing charter combines multiple techniques to maximize your catch potential around Hilton Head Island. Captain Kim expertly guides you through surf fishing along the beaches, light tackle fishing in the brackish waters, and even pier fishing opportunities. The 3-hour duration provides ample time to target Black Drum, Redfish, and Speckled Trout without requiring a full day commitment. Recent trips have produced 20-inch Black Drum and 17-inch Redfish, demonstrating the consistent quality of fishing in these waters.
The charter launches from the convenient C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing and explores the diverse inshore waters where brackish conditions create ideal habitat for drum species. Captain Kim's educational approach ensures you learn proper techniques while enjoying the fishing action, making this trip perfect for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to improve their skills.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black Drum thrive in Hilton Head's brackish waters and inshore areas, where they feed heavily on oysters, crabs, and shellfish along the bottom structure. These powerful fish use their crushing jaws to break open shells, making them exciting targets on light tackle setups. During summer months like July, Black Drum move into shallower waters to feed, creating excellent opportunities for anglers fishing around oyster beds and creek mouths. The 20-inch fish caught on recent trips showcase the quality size available in these waters, with drum this size providing excellent table fare and strong fights on appropriate tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 3-hour fishing charter includes all necessary tackle, bait, and instruction from Captain Kim, who provides both fishing expertise and educational insights throughout the trip. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably and launches from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing with convenient parking and facilities. Morning and afternoon departure times are available, with Captain Kim selecting the optimal timing based on tides and weather conditions. All safety equipment is provided, and the charter operates in protected inshore waters suitable for all experience levels and ages.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae, making it the largest member of the drum family which includes nearly 300 species. These powerful fish are known for the distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce, giving them their common name. Black Drum feature dark grey to black coloration and possess incredibly strong jaws with crushing teeth designed for feeding on shellfish, oysters, and crabs.
Black Drum Overview
Black Drum are highly prized gamefish that combine impressive size potential with excellent table fare when harvested at appropriate sizes. They're closely related to Redfish but grow significantly larger, with mature specimens reaching weights between 15 to 90 pounds. Anglers value them for their powerful fights and their willingness to feed in shallow, accessible waters around Hilton Head Island during summer months like July.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in brackish waters and inshore environments along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Around Hilton Head Island, Black Drum frequent oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they can easily access their preferred prey. They move between saltwater and brackish areas depending on season and feeding opportunities, making them accessible to both boat and shore-based anglers.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black Drum exhibit impressive size variation, with juveniles starting around 10-12 inches and mature fish reaching 15 to 90 pounds. The 20-inch specimen caught on recent Hilton Head charters represents excellent eating size, while larger drum over 30 inches are typically released to preserve the breeding population. Fish in the 15-25 inch range provide the best combination of fight and table quality.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black Drum are bottom feeders that use their powerful jaws to crush oysters, clams, crabs, and shrimp. They feed most actively during moving tides when prey is stirred up from the bottom. These fish often feed in groups, creating excellent opportunities for multiple hookups when you locate a school. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods but will feed throughout the day in favorable conditions.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black Drum spawn in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s. During spawning season, large schools gather in deeper channels and inlet areas. Post-spawn fish move into shallow feeding areas throughout summer, making July an excellent time to target them around Hilton Head's inshore waters.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Successful Black Drum fishing relies on bottom fishing with natural baits like cut crab, shrimp, or oysters presented near structure. Circle hooks work best to ensure proper hooksets in their bony mouths. Light to medium tackle provides the best balance of sensitivity and power for detecting bites and fighting these strong fish. In July around Hilton Head, anglers find success fishing oyster beds and creek mouths during moving tides.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Black Drum in the 15-25 inch range provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to Redfish. The flesh is mild-flavored and works well grilled, blackened, or fried. Smaller drum have better texture and flavor than larger specimens, which can become tough and wormy. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to offshore species.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum?
A: Cut blue crab, fresh shrimp, and oysters are the most effective baits. Present them on the bottom near oyster beds or structure where drum feed.
Q: Where can I find Black Drum near Hilton Head?
A: Target oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats around the island. C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing provides access to prime drum fishing areas.
Q: Is Black Drum good to eat?
A: Yes, Black Drum in the 15-25 inch range offer excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Q: When is the best time to catch Black Drum?
A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk provide peak feeding activity, though they'll bite throughout the day in summer months like July.
