South Carolina · Grand Strand
BLACK DRUM FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for black drum fishing, with good fishing in April, May. Book a charter and target black drum with local experts.
About Black Drum Fishing in Murrells Inlet
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Black Drum are powerful bottom feeders found throughout Gulf and Atlantic estuaries. Juveniles display 4-5 dark vertical bars on a silver body and are often confused with sheepshead, but lack the prominent teeth. Adults lose the bars and turn uniformly dark gray to black, with large specimens developing a pronounced hump and thick, rubbery lips for crushing oysters and clams. They are the largest member of the drum family.
Scientific name: Pogonias cromis
Black Drum Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for black drum in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Black Drum in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Fresh-cut blue crab (halved or quartered) on a heavy Carolina rig is the go-to bait for big drum around passes and jetties. Shrimp, clams, and oysters on bottom rigs work well around structure. For juveniles (10-15 lbs), live shrimp under a cork or on a jighead works great around oyster bars. In Texas and Louisiana, sight-casting to tailing drum on shallow flats with shrimp or crab flies is an incredible experience.
Recommended Tackle
Medium to medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30 lb fluorocarbon leader for bull drum. Medium-light tackle for juveniles. Circle hooks (4/0-6/0) are recommended for safe release of oversized fish.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target black drum and other inshore species.
Murrells Inlet Main Creek
The main creek channel winding through Murrells Inlet is the backbone of this legendary inshore fishery, lined with oyster beds and marsh grass that hold redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Anglers drift or anchor along the deeper bends where tidal flow concentrates baitfish against the banks. It is widely regarded as one of the finest inshore fishing destinations on the entire South Carolina coast.
Oyster Landing (Huntington Beach)
Oyster Landing at Huntington Beach State Park provides kayak and small-boat access to pristine tidal creeks south of the inlet. Redfish tail across the shallow mud flats while flounder ambush bait along the channel drops, making it a sight-fishing paradise. The state park setting ensures minimal development pressure and healthy habitat for a thriving fish population.
Garden City Point
Garden City Point sits at the north side of Murrells Inlet where the inlet meets the Atlantic, creating a productive convergence zone of ocean and marsh water. Flounder, redfish, black drum, and sheepshead congregate around the rock jetties and sand bars on tidal changes. The point is accessible by boat and offers some of the best jetty-fishing opportunities in the area.
Parsonage Creek
Parsonage Creek is a winding tidal creek branching off the main Murrells Inlet channel, known for its pristine oyster beds and consistent redfish population. The creek's narrow width and overhanging marsh grass create shaded ambush zones where redfish and trout feed on shrimp and small crabs. It is a favorite among local sight-fishing guides who pole skiffs along the shallow edges at low tide.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Black Drum Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Black Drum fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during April, May.
Black Drum fishing charters in Murrells Inlet are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Fresh-cut blue crab (halved or quartered) on a heavy Carolina rig is the go-to bait for big drum around passes and jetties. Shrimp, clams, and oysters on bottom rigs work well around structure. For juveniles (10-15 lbs), live shrimp under a cork or on a jighead works great around oyster bars. In Texas and Louisiana, sight-casting to tailing drum on shallow flats with shrimp or crab flies is an incredible experience.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Drum regulations in South Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Black Drum in Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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