Black Drum

Season

Peak months: Mar, Apr, May.

SCDNR: most abundant nearshore February to July, tied to jetties and pier pilings. Local: March whiting and black drum at Apache; scattered at Cherry Grove in fall. (Our inference)

Where to find them

Around pier pilings, jetties, groins and deep troughs near structure.

Bottom, around structure.

What to look for

Structure with moving water.

Bait

Fresh or peeled shrimp, Clams, Sand fleas, Crab pieces. Fish-finder or double-drop, 2/0 to 5/0 circle, 2 to 4 oz.

Leader

20 to 40 lb.

Common mistakes

• Fishing away from structure
• Using lures

Landing

Heavy fish; use waves.

Handling and safety

• Crushing throat teeth
• Stout dorsal spines

Keep fingers out of the throat; watch the dorsal spines.

Keep or release

Slot 14 to 27 in, 5 per person per day. Large fish are poor eating and should go back.

Recipes for black drum

Typical: About 14 in, 2.2 lb. Large: 30 to 60 lb (uncommon). SC record 89 lb (1978).

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: 14 in TL
• Maximum: 27 in TL (slot)
• Bag: 5 per person per day
• Season: Open year-round

Last checked 2026-10-07. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: black drum (Official source)
• Gregg Holshouser Grand Strand fishing reports, 2019-2020 (mirror) (Angler knowledge)
• Captain Experiences North Myrtle Beach seasonality chart (method not disclosed, weak) (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR Saltwater Fishing Trends (pier operator forecasts) (Angler knowledge)
• SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)

All the fish of Myrtle Beach