Drum & Croaker (Sciaenidae)
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
About the red drum
The red drum, also known as redfish or channel bass, is one of the most sought-after game fish on the Grand Strand. Recognizable by the distinctive black spot near the tail, reds are powerful fighters that patrol pier pilings and sandy bottoms. They're a staple of Lowcountry fishing culture and excellent on the table.
- inshore
- game fish
- fall run
- slot limit
- drum
Where to find them
Piers that report red drum
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Garden City Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Springmaid Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Pawleys Island Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Second Avenue Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Surfside Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Pier 14
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Cherry Grove Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Apache Pier
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
South Carolina rules
Keeping red drum
Red Drum
saltwater- Minimum size
- 15"
- Maximum size
- 23"
- Daily bag limit
- 2
- Closed season
- No gig harvest Dec 1 – Feb 28
TL
Boat limit 6
Slot limit: 15–23" TL • Possession prohibited in federal waters • Rod & reel and gig only
Summarized from SCDNR. Limits change — confirm before you keep a fish at the SCDNR source.