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Island Black Drum Fishing with Captain Kim
Black Drum Fishing in Hilton Head Island
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The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is a powerful inshore species frequently targeted in Hilton Head waters. These distinctive fish belong to the Sciaenidae family and are known for their strength and fighting ability when hooked. - Black Drum typically weigh between 15-90 pounds in Hilton Head waters. - They prefer brackish waters and are often found around structures like oyster beds and pier pilings. - Black Drum make a distinctive drumming sound by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Experience the thrill of inshore fishing in Hilton Head Island with I Love Fishing Charters this Wednesday June. Captain Kim offers expertly guided fishing charters targeting Black Drum and other local species in the productive waters surrounding this beautiful South Carolina destination. Our 2-hour fishing trips are perfect for families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike, providing all the necessary equipment and knowledge for a successful day on the water. Whether you're trying surf fishing along our scenic beaches or working inshore structures for that trophy catch, you'll discover why Hilton Head has become a premier fishing destination in the Southeast.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Sangkyun Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Wednesday June offers 2-hour inshore fishing trips departing around 11:00 am from Hilton Head Island. All fishing gear, licenses, and expert guidance are included in your trip. Our morning charters are ideal for beating the heat while targeting Black Drum, Redfish, and whatever else might be biting in our local waters. With years of local experience, Captain Kim knows exactly where to find the fish and how to ensure you have the best chance of success, whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time fishing.
Highlights of this Fishing Charter
This 2-hour inshore fishing charter provides the perfect balance of action and relaxation on Hilton Head's beautiful waters. During your trip, expect to target prime fishing spots where Black Drum and Redfish are known to feed. Captain Kim recently guided Jacob and crew to a nice 21-inch Redfish and an impressive 23-inch Black Drum during similar conditions.
The clear skies and calm waters make for excellent visibility when spotting structure and fish, while the diverse inshore ecosystem ensures steady action throughout your time on the water. You'll experience different fishing techniques including surf fishing and working inshore structures, adapting to where the fish are biting that day.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black Drum are one of Hilton Head's most sought-after inshore species, known for their strong fights and substantial size. These powerful fish are often found around oyster beds, pier pilings, and deeper channels where they feed on shellfish and crustaceans. When targeting Black Drum in Hilton Head waters, Captain Kim recommends using fresh cut bait, shrimp, or crab to entice these bottom-feeders.
The summer months provide excellent opportunities to catch Black Drum in the 15-30 pound range, with some specimens growing significantly larger. Their powerful jaws allow them to crush oysters and other shellfish, making areas with shell bottoms particularly productive. When you hook one, be prepared for a determined fight as these fish use their deep bodies to leverage against your line.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your fishing charter with Captain Kim, plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, sun protection, and bring a camera to capture your catch. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are provided, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making this an ideal activity for families or friends looking to experience the best fishing Hilton Head has to offer. Light refreshments are recommended, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated throughout your fishing adventure.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These impressive fish are recognized by their silvery-gray to black coloration and distinctive barbels under their chin. In Hilton Head Island waters this June, anglers target these powerful fighters for their substantial size and the exciting challenge they provide on light to medium tackle.
Black Drum Overview
Black Drum are robust, bottom-dwelling fish with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They're related to Red Drum (Redfish) but generally grow larger and have more pronounced barbels. Anglers prize them for their fighting ability and substantial size, making them a popular target for Hilton Head fishing charters.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in brackish and coastal waters, particularly around oyster beds, pier pilings, bridge structures, and channels with shell bottoms. In Hilton Head Island, they can be found in inshore waters, around docks, in deeper holes in estuaries, and along beaches where they feed on bottom-dwelling organisms.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black Drum can range considerably in size, with most inshore catches weighing between 15-90 pounds. The specimen caught in this charter measured 23 inches, which is a respectable size for inshore fishing. While juvenile Black Drum (called "puppy drum") are smaller, mature specimens can grow quite large, with the world record exceeding 110 pounds.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
These fish are primarily bottom feeders, using their sensitive barbels to locate prey and powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish, crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans. They often feed by rooting through bottom sediment, creating visible clouds of disturbed sand. Black Drum are known to produce a distinctive drumming sound by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, which is especially noticeable during spawning season.
Black Drum Spawning Season
In South Carolina waters, Black Drum typically spawn from late winter through early summer, with peak activity in April and May. They gather in large schools in deeper channels and near inlets during this time, making them more concentrated targets for anglers. Water temperatures between 62-72°F trigger spawning activity, with females releasing millions of eggs that are fertilized externally.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
For targeting Black Drum around Hilton Head, bottom fishing with natural baits is highly effective. Fresh cut bait, blue crabs, shrimp, or clams fished on a fish-finder rig with a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook will entice these bottom feeders. Medium to heavy tackle with 20-30 lb test line handles their strong initial runs. In June, Hilton Head anglers often find them around deeper structure like bridge pilings and channel edges where they seek cooler water as temperatures rise.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller Black Drum (under 15 pounds) are considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor similar to Redfish. Larger specimens can develop a coarser texture and sometimes contain parasitic worms (though these are harmless when fish is properly cooked). They're delicious when prepared blackened, broiled, or baked and pair well with lemon butter and herbs.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum?
A: The most effective baits for Black Drum around Hilton Head are fresh blue crab, shrimp, clams, and cut mullet. These natural baits appeal to their bottom-feeding nature and trigger their highly developed sense of smell.
Q: Where can I find Black Drum near Hilton Head Island?
A: Black Drum in Hilton Head are commonly found around oyster beds, dock pilings, bridge supports, and deeper channels with shell bottoms. During summer months, look for them in slightly deeper water where temperatures remain more stable.
Q: Is Black Drum good to eat?
A: Yes, smaller Black Drum (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with sweet, firm white flesh. Larger specimens can be slightly coarser but still good when properly prepared. They're versatile for cooking and can be prepared using various methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch Black Drum in Hilton Head?
A: While Black Drum can be caught year-round in Hilton Head, spring through early summer (March through June) often produces the best results as fish are active during their spawning season. Fall can also be productive as water temperatures begin to cool.
Q: How big do Black Drum get in South Carolina waters?
A: Black Drum in South Carolina waters commonly reach 15-50 pounds, though much larger specimens are occasionally caught. The state record is over 80 pounds, and these fish can live for more than 60 years, continuing to grow throughout their lives.
Q: What's the difference between Black Drum and Redfish?
A: While both are members of the drum family, Black Drum have multiple barbels under their chin (Redfish have none), can grow much larger, and have a more vertical striping pattern rather than the Redfish's characteristic spot near the tail.
