facebook pixel

Black Drum Fishing Charters In Charleston

Easily find a Charleston fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

4.91/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters Near Charleston, Sc

Fishing in Charleston

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston

Inshore Fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Charleston

Deep Sea, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Charleston

4 HR Inshore/Harbor/Reef Fishing

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Charleston

Jetty Fishing Charter in Charleston

Charleston Jetty Trip

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Charleston

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Charleston

3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing Frenzy!

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Charleston

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston

Beachcombing With Captain Will

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Charleston

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Charleston

6 HR Harbor/Nearshore/Reef

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$

Most Popular Types of Black Drum Trips in Charleston

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Black Drum Fishing Charters Near Charleston, Sc

Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
trip description for Full Day Inshore - 26' Skeeter in Charleston

Hop on board with Captain Will for a fishing get away on John's Island! Conveniently located in the middle of plentiful winding waterways and the Atlantic Ocean, there's plenty of exciting fishing opportunities in John's Island. On this full-day trip, you'll head out with Captain Will through John's Island inshore such as the Stono River where you'll be going after some Black Drum, Black Seabass, Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Redfish, Spadefish, and Spanish Mackerel. You can go after these fish using techniques such as bottom fishing, jigging, live bait, and trolling. Whatever fish you want to catch, just let Captain Will know and he'll get you set up with the best method and provide some expert instruction to make sure you get one on your line! You’ll be fishing aboard a 26' Skeeter bay boat that can fit up to 4 anglers. Powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine, she'll have no problem traversing the inshore John's Island waters. This vessel is equipped with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Will will even clean any keepers for you to take home. Captain Will provides all rods, reels, tackle, fishing licenses, water, and snacks. All you need to bring is sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and any food or drinks you might need on the water. Have a blast with Captain Will! Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston

Full Day Inshore - 26' Skeeter

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
trip description for Charleston Low Country Adventure in Charleston

Come join Captain Shane on a thrilling charter fishing trip in the beautiful waters of Charleston and Folly Beach, SC! You'll have the opportunity to experience the thrill of reeling in some of the most sought-after fish in the region, including Redfish and Speckled Trout. These gamefish are some of America's most popular for a reason, and are an absolute blast to catch! As you cast your line and wait for a bite, you'll be able to take in the stunning scenery of Charleston's coastal waters. You can also see dolphins and other marine life swimming alongside the boat, and you might even spot a bald eagle or two soaring overhead! When you finally feel that tug on your line, it's game on! You'll need to keep a steady hand and keep your wits about you as you battle with your catch. You'll be fishing from Captain Shane's Action Craft skiff. She's an ideal boat for maneuvering through the tidal back bays and flooded marshes around Folly Beach, and has a shallow draft to give you access to the skinniest water. Once you're in the right spot, you'll post up in just inches of water where you can sight cast right to tailing fish! Captain Shane will provide you with all the equipment you need, including rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is proper clothing, a cooler for snacks and drinks, your SC Saltwater Fishing License, and sunblock. Also, be sure to have polarized sunglasses and a camera to capture the memories! Get out there and enjoy this charter fishing trip in Charleston, South Carolina—the ultimate adventure for any fishing enthusiast! Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston

Charleston Low Country Adventure

NEW
1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
trip description for Inshore Fishing with Kaleb in Mount Pleasant

Head out with Captain Kaleb for an epic day of inshore fishing as you explore the Wando River and the surrounding saltwater rivers. Aboard Captain Kaleb's 22' Ranger you can expect to use a variety of live baits and a combination of different fishing techniques like using bottom rigs, popping corks, and a few other tricks Captain Kaleb can't disclose on the interwebs (He doesn't want to give away all his secrets!) Whether you choose a 4 hour, 6 hour, or full-day 8 hour trip, you can expect to target Redfish, Flounder, Blackdrum, and Trout as you explore the beautiful tidal marshes and backwater rivers. Longer trips give you exponentially better odds at catching both more and bigger fish. Captain Kaleb will provide all you need for a great day of fishing the tidal creeks and bay area of the Charleston waterways including all the tackle, bait, coolers, ice, water, fishing licenses, and safety equipment. Everything you could possibly need for a safe, enjoyable, and successful adventure. He will also clean and bag you catch for you at the end of the day. All he recommends you bring is your weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, non-marking shoes, snacks, personal beverages (Alcohol is allowed but no glass please). Read More

River Fishing Trip in Mount Pleasant

Inshore Fishing With Kaleb

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Folly Beach
Fishing in Folly Beach
Fishing in Folly Beach
trip description for Folly Fly or Light Tackle in Folly Beach

Hop on board with Captain Conner for an exciting day of fishing the tidal creeks, flats, and backcountry marshland on South Carolina's beautiful coast! Conveniently located between the plentiful winding waterways of the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, it's safe to say there's no shortage of fish around Folly Beach, SC. On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Conner will take you through the shallow creeks and marshes of the Folly River, sight fishing, using bait or throwing flies to Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, sharks and others! This trip will be focused on fly fishing or light tackle depending on your preference. Captain Conner will get your rod set up with what the fish are biting for, whichever method you choose! Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, Captain Conner will give you all the instruction you need to attract some fish. You’ll be fishing aboard a maneuverable skiff that can fit up to 3 anglers. Equipped with a wireless trolling motor, this vessel will have no problem getting you into hard-to-reach waters. Captain Conner will provide all the rods, reels, tackle, flies, fishing licenses, water, and snacks. He'll have an ice-filled cooler ready to go and will even do some photography for you! All you need to bring is sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat if you need one. Come aboard with Captain Conner and catch some fish! Read More

Eco / Sunset Tour, Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Folly Beach

Folly Fly Or Light Tackle

NEW
18 ft 1 - 2 People $$
Fishing in Johns Island
Fishing in Johns Island
Fishing in Johns Island
trip description for John's Island Slam - 21' Robalo in Johns Island

Whether it's using light tackle in the back creeks targeting the many different species of fish or going after a big bull redfish, various species of sharks, or even stingrays in the harbor, Captain Derrick has got you covered! Step aboard this beautiful 21ft Robalo to explore the Stono River Esturary and the surrounding Lowcountry with an expert guide. She comes fully equipped with the latest top-of-the-line equipment, GPS, Fishfinder, a trolling motor, and a Power Pole shallow water anchor, allowing the opportunity to get to the fish in even the trickiest of areas! Powered by the strong and ever-dependable Yamaha 150hp outboard you are sure to get to the fish fast and back to the dock safe! Captain Derrick will provide all the rods, reels, tackle, licenses, tackle, bait, an ice cooler, and bottled water. Feel free to bring your own equipment if you'd like, your favorite food and drinks, and don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses! Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Johns Island

John's Island Slam - 21' Robalo

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
Fishing in Mount Pleasant
trip description for Seasonal Inshore Action in Mount Pleasant

Rent a seasonal fishing charter with Captain Danny and explore the Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant or Charleston, SC waters. Taking seasonal fishing trips allows you to see what's biting and when. Check out the different fish species you may encounter when you book our winter fishing charter: Redfish, Shrimp, Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead. When the seas are steady and the fish are biting that's when you can call it a good day. Line your hooks and bring home an awesome catch by heading out with Captain Danny. All Captain Danny's trips are run aboard his 215 227 Sportsman Bay loaded with all the equipment needed to fish the waters of the low country. Captain Danny goes fishing with custom-made rods made by local fishing legend OC Polk. Each rod contains a perfectly matched reel from Shimano loaded with Power Pro braided line. Read More

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Mount Pleasant

Seasonal Inshore Action

NEW
22 ft 1 - 6 People $
See All Black Drum Trips in Charleston

Everything to Know About Booking a Charleston black drum fishing charter

What are the best black drum fishing charters in Charleston?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 14 black drum trips in Charleston, and the most popular trips in the area are Inshore fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay guided by Johnston, 4 HR Inshore/Harbor/Reef Fishing guided by Chris, and Charleston Jetty Trip guided by Brent.

Our guides in Charleston are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 2541 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Black Drum charter include Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach and Johns Island.

Looking for kid friendly black drum guides / fishing lessons in Charleston? Check out our beginner and family friendly black drum guides in Charleston.

What types of black drum fishing charters are common in Charleston?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for black drum in Charleston as well as inshore fishing, river fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Charleston are live bait fishing, light tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but artificial lure fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Charleston black drum fishing charters cost?

for black drum in Charleston prices can range anywhere from about $500 to $985, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in Charleston is $588. The average price for a full day trip for black drum in Charleston is $922.

What month is best for black drum fishing in Charleston?

The most popular season for black drum fishing in Charleston is summer, and most anglers book their trips 5 days in advance.

Do I need a Charleston fishing license for black drum and what are the bag limits for black drum in Charleston?

If you’re thinking about a saltwater trip, you’re in luck! Our saltwater fishing tours in Charleston don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. For freshwater trips, you’ll still need to purchase a license. See here for more information on fishing licenses, bag limits, and fishing season regulations in Charleston. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations.

What is black drum in Charleston all about?

Black drum, a species closely related to red drum, are a common sight in the waters surrounding Charleston. These fish are named for their distinctive dark coloration and the drumming sound they produce during courtship rituals. While not as renowned as their red counterparts, black drum offer anglers in Charleston exciting opportunities for both recreational and commercial fishing. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including marshes, estuaries, and nearshore waters, making them accessible to anglers of all levels.

Charleston's coastal waters provide excellent habitat for black drum, particularly around oyster beds, grass flats, and rocky bottoms where they forage for prey. These fish are known for their preference for crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, making baits such as crabs, shrimp, and cut bait effective for enticing strikes. Anglers targeting black drum often use bottom fishing techniques, either from shore or from boats, to present their baits in areas where these fish are known to frequent.

While black drum may not grow as large as some other game fish, they make up for it in abundance and willingness to bite. Their firm, white flesh is mild and versatile, making them a popular choice for the dinner table. Whether fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat, anglers in Charleston can enjoy the thrill of targeting black drum while immersing themselves in the scenic beauty of the coastal waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for black drum in Charleston?

In Charleston, the presence and abundance of black drum fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by various factors such as water temperature, prey availability, and spawning behaviors. Typically, black drum are more abundant in Charleston's waters during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. During this time, as water temperatures rise, black drum become more active and can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, estuaries, and nearshore waters.

As the seasons change and water temperatures begin to cool in late fall and winter, black drum sightings and catches in Charleston may become less frequent. However, some individuals may still be present in nearshore waters, particularly in areas with favorable habitat and food sources. Additionally, black drum may exhibit seasonal migrations along the Atlantic coast, with Charleston serving as a stopover point along their journey. While black drum may be less abundant during the cooler months, dedicated anglers can still find success by targeting them in deeper offshore waters or around wintering grounds.

Understanding the seasonal patterns of black drum in Charleston is essential for anglers looking to maximize their chances of success. By timing their fishing trips to coincide with peak black drum migration periods and focusing their efforts around known hotspots and nearshore structures, anglers can increase their likelihood of hooking into one of these prized game fish. Whether fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat, Charleston's rich fishery offers ample opportunities for anglers to pursue and reel in prized catches of black drum during the peak fishing seasons.

What techniques are popular for catching black drum in Charleston?

When targeting black drum in Charleston, anglers often employ a variety of techniques tailored to the species' behaviors and habitat preferences. One common method is bottom fishing, where anglers use baited rigs to present their offerings near the seafloor, particularly around marshes, estuaries, and oyster beds where black drum are known to congregate. Baits such as crabs, shrimp, and cut bait are effective in enticing strikes from these bottom-dwelling fish. Anglers may also use light tackle and adjust their rig setups to match the conditions and the size of the black drum they're targeting.

Another effective technique for black drum fishing in Charleston is sight fishing, particularly in shallow waters during the warmer months when black drum are more active. Anglers can spot black drum cruising along the flats or around structure such as docks and jetties, then present baits or lures to them with precision casts. This method requires keen observation and stealthy approach to avoid spooking the fish, but it can result in thrilling strikes and memorable battles with these powerful fish.

Trolling is also a viable technique for targeting black drum in Charleston's coastal waters, particularly when covering larger areas in search of actively feeding fish. Anglers can troll with a variety of baits or lures behind a moving boat, varying trolling speed and depth to effectively target black drum at different levels of the water column. This method allows anglers to cover a wide area and locate schools of black drum, providing exciting opportunities to hook into these hard-fighting fish and test their skills against one of the ocean's most formidable game fish.

What other species are popular in Charleston?

Apart from black drum, Charleston's coastal waters offer a rich diversity of fish species for anglers to target, ensuring an exciting fishing experience year-round. One popular species among anglers is the red drum, also known as redfish, which inhabits the marshes, estuaries, and nearshore waters around Charleston. Renowned for their powerful runs and aggressive strikes, red drum provide anglers with thrilling battles and the chance to reel in a prized catch. Whether targeting them with live bait, artificial lures, or fly fishing, anglers can find success pursuing red drum in Charleston's productive fishing grounds.

Another sought-after species in Charleston's waters is the spotted seatrout, a highly prized game fish known for its acrobatic leaps and voracious feeding habits. Spotted seatrout can be found in a variety of habitats, including grass flats, tidal creeks, and around structure such as docks and oyster beds. Anglers targeting spotted seatrout often use a variety of techniques, including casting artificial lures, drifting live bait, or fly fishing, to entice strikes from these elusive predators. With their impressive fighting abilities and delectable flesh, spotted seatrout are a favorite among anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience in Charleston.

Charleston's coastal waters are also home to a variety of other species that offer exciting opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From flounder and sheepshead to black sea bass and Spanish mackerel, there's no shortage of options to pursue in Charleston's diverse fishery. Whether fishing from shore, boat, or kayak, anglers can enjoy the thrill of battling a variety of prized catches while soaking in the natural beauty and abundant marine life of Charleston's coastal waters.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip!!

    Jonathan W. with Johnston M. of Charleston, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day on the water with Captain Dustin! He was very knowledgeable and had great patience with us! We had two small kids and three adults! All of us landed Redfish! Thank you for a great time and helping us make some awesome memories!

    Meg K. with Dustin S. of Folly Beach, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brent was amazing. He’s incredibly patient and genuinely caring to make sure you’re having a great experience If it’s your first time or 50th time, Captain Brent IS the guy in Charleston for fishing

    Matthew A. with Brent R. of Charleston, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip!

    Tyler M. with Johnston M. of Charleston, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Very nice guy great fishing really knows what he’s doing put me on sharks right away great to find some one you can actually talk to and hold a conversation

    Ryan F. with Dustin S. of Folly Beach, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    He was very good and tried to get us where the fish were bitting but hot weather was not our friend for this adventure but we did catch some would go with him again hands down

    Michele W. with Christopher C. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Perfect. Great weather and Brent took advantage of it. Took us to multiple spots to try to find the fish until he found one that was successful. Brent worked very well with our kids...11 and 13 year old boys. He was good at teaching them tips and was eager and fun when action was happening!! He fit right in with our family and was a great guide and leader! The boat rides were fun and he went out of his way to show my son's the jellyball and anything else outside of standard fishing that came up. Loved it!!

    Carissa S. with Brent R. of Charleston, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Dustin was great! Not the most ideal day for fishing but he made it his goal for us to enjoy ourselves and catch fish. Is extremely knowledgeable about fishing. Would highly recommend.

    Caroline N. with Dustin S. of Folly Beach, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Dustin was great. Very patient and helpful in every way. Thanks for the awsome time. Tails up

    Rock G. with Dustin S. of Folly Beach, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was excellent. Captain Griffin was a great guide and engaging. Shared a lot about fishing and the Charleston area. Absolutely looking forward to doing it again.

    Edward S. with Johnston M. of Charleston, South Carolina

What's biting in Charleston?

View Black Drum Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Black Drum Trips in Charleston