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Fishing for Black Drum Along Hilton Head Shores
Black Drum Fishing in Hilton Head Island
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae, which includes nearly 300 species of fish commonly known as drums or croakers. They're the largest members of this family, weighing between 15 and 90 pounds when fully grown, though the one we caught measured 24 inches. - Black Drum prefer brackish waters and onshore habitats, making Hilton Head Island's inshore waters perfect for targeting them. - They're known for making distinctive drumming sounds by vibrating their swim bladders, which helps anglers locate schools.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Friday July brought excellent fishing conditions for our 3-Hour Fishing Trip in Hilton Head Island. Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters led us from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing into productive inshore waters where we mixed surf fishing with kayak fishing techniques. The partly cloudy weather created perfect conditions for light tackle fishing, resulting in some impressive catches. The highlight was a beautiful 24-inch Black Drum that put up quite a fight. Hilton Head's inshore waters consistently deliver quality fishing opportunities, with various techniques yielding different species throughout the seasons. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, these local waters offer something for everyone.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters offers Friday July trips that showcase the best of Hilton Head's inshore fishery. This 3-Hour Fishing Trip accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary fishing equipment. You'll experience both surf fishing and kayak fishing techniques, maximizing your chances of landing species like Black Drum and Redfish. Captain Kim's local knowledge ensures you'll be positioned in the most productive spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The trip launches from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing, with convenient morning and afternoon departures available.
Highlights of 3-Hour Fishing Trip
This trip delivers exceptional light tackle action in Hilton Head's rich inshore waters. You'll have opportunities to target multiple species using different techniques, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. The combination of surf fishing and kayak fishing provides variety and excitement throughout your three hours on the water.
The 24-inch Black Drum we landed demonstrates the quality of fish available during summer months. Captain Kim's expertise helps put you on the fish quickly, maximizing your fishing time. Safety is always a priority, with weather conditions carefully monitored throughout the trip. All tackle and equipment is provided, so you can focus entirely on the fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black Drum are highly prized inshore targets in Hilton Head's waters, particularly during summer months. These powerful fighters are related to Redfish but can grow considerably larger, making them exciting catches on light tackle. They typically inhabit structure-rich areas near oyster beds, bridges, and deeper channels.
Captain Kim specializes in targeting these fish using jigging techniques that provoke aggressive strikes. Black Drum have excellent table fare quality when caught in the slot size range. Their distinctive barbels and powerful jaws help them locate and crush shellfish, their primary food source in Hilton Head's estuaries. Summer trips often produce consistent Black Drum action, with early morning and evening being prime times.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 3-Hour Fishing Trip, plan to arrive at C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and don't forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Captain Kim provides all fishing equipment, but you're welcome to bring snacks, drinks, and a camera to document your catch. The trip accommodates up to 3 guests, making it perfect for small groups and families. Morning trips typically offer calmer conditions, while afternoon trips often coincide with feeding periods for Black Drum and other inshore species.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These impressive fish are the largest members of the drum family, known for their distinctive barbels under the chin and powerful pharyngeal teeth capable of crushing shellfish. In Hilton Head waters this July, Black Drum provide excellent fishing opportunities in the inshore areas.
Black Drum Overview
Black Drum are robust, powerful fish highly prized by inshore anglers. They're known for their strong fight and excellent table fare when caught at smaller sizes. These fish get their name from the drumming sound they produce by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, often heard during spawning season.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer brackish waters and are commonly found in estuaries, bays, and near shorelines with structure. Around Hilton Head Island, they frequent oyster beds, bridge pilings, and deeper channels where they can find their preferred food sources. They're year-round residents but may move to different areas seasonally.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Black Drum exhibit impressive growth, ranging from 15 to 90 pounds when fully mature. The specimen caught during our trip measured 24 inches, which is a nice medium-sized catch. Larger specimens can exceed 40 inches and 80 pounds, though the bigger fish over 30 pounds are generally released as they don't make the best table fare.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black Drum are primarily bottom feeders with a diet consisting mostly of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Their powerful pharyngeal teeth allow them to crush oysters, clams, and crabs with ease. They often feed by rooting through bottom sediments, creating visible mud clouds that savvy anglers watch for.
Black Drum Spawning Season
These fish typically spawn in coastal waters during late winter to early spring, with peak activity usually occurring in February through April in South Carolina waters. During spawning, they gather in large schools and produce their characteristic drumming sounds. After July, many mature fish have completed spawning and return to their normal feeding patterns.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
For targeting Black Drum in Hilton Head, bottom fishing with natural baits is extremely effective. Fresh cut shrimp, blue crab, clams, or fiddler crabs work exceptionally well when fished near structure. Jigging with bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp can also trigger aggressive strikes. In July, anglers around Hilton Head often find them near deeper channels adjacent to oyster beds, particularly during moving tides when the water is flowing.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller Black Drum (under 10-15 pounds) are considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor similar to Redfish. They can be prepared in numerous ways including grilling, baking, or blackening. Larger specimens tend to be coarser in texture and may contain parasitic worms, making them better candidates for catch and release.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Drum?
A: Fresh cut shrimp, blue crab, and clams are top baits for Black Drum in Hilton Head waters. These natural baits mimic their preferred diet and produce consistent results when fished near structure and oyster beds.
Q: Where can I find Black Drum near Hilton Head Island?
A: Black Drum are commonly found around structure like bridge pilings, oyster beds, and deeper channels in the inshore waters around Hilton Head. During summer months, they often seek slightly deeper water during the heat of the day.
Q: Is Black Drum good to eat?
A: Yes, smaller Black Drum (under 15 pounds) provide excellent table fare with white, firm flesh and mild flavor. Larger specimens become coarser and may contain parasites, making them less desirable for consumption.
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 and fall generally offer the most consistent action. During summer months like July, early morning and evening trips yield better results when temperatures are cooler.
Q: How do you identify a Black Drum from other similar species?
A: Black Drum can be identified by their gray to black coloration, high arched back, multiple chin barbels (unlike their cousin the Red Drum which has none), and distinctive vertical black bars that fade as they mature.
Q: What size tackle should I use for Black Drum fishing?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle with 15-20 pound test line works well for most Black Drum in Hilton Head waters. For the larger specimens, heavier gear may be necessary to handle their powerful runs.
