Wintertime Black Drum

 Black Drum are a staple of nearshore and inshore fishing around Folly Beach, South Carolina, especially in winter months like February. During this season, their habits shift in response to cooler water temperatures and changing food availability, but they remain a reliable target for anglers—particularly around structure-rich areas like those near Folly Beach.

In winter, Black Drum typically prefer water temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, though they can tolerate cooler conditions down into the 40s. Around Folly Beach in late February, the nearshore waters are often in the low to mid-50s, depending on tides and weather patterns. As the water cools, these fish move away from the shallows of summer and congregate around deeper channels, jetties, docks, oyster beds, and artificial reefs—places where they can conserve energy and find food. The Folly Beach area, with its mix of tidal creeks, the Folly River, and the nearby Stono Inlet, provides plenty of these habitats.

Feeding habits in winter lean heavily toward bottom-dwelling prey. Black Drum use their sensitive barbels (whisker-like structures under their chins) to root around in mud or sand for mollusks and crustaceans. Around Folly Beach, they’re often chowing down on oysters, clams, crabs, and shrimp—abundant in the local estuaries and nearshore zones. Their powerful pharyngeal teeth (in their throat) crush shells, so they’re well-equipped for the hard-shelled buffet winter offers. They’re less aggressive than in warmer months, but hunger still drives them to feed, especially during warmer parts of the day or on an incoming tide when water movement stirs up the bottom.

Behaviorally, Black Drum school up more in winter, sometimes in decent-sized groups, though not as tightly as Redfish might. Smaller “puppy drum” (under 5 pounds) stick to inshore creeks and shallows near Folly Beach, while the bigger ones (20-40+ pounds) often roam nearshore waters—think the jetties at the entrance to Charleston Harbor or wrecks a mile or two offshore. They’re not as migratory as some species, so they don’t vanish in winter; they just hunker down in spots with less current and more food. Slack tides can slow their bite, but a moving tide—especially incoming—gets them active.

For anglers, this means winter Black Drum around Folly Beach are often caught near structure using bottom rigs with fresh shrimp, cut crab, or clams—baits that match their natural diet. The fish’s slower metabolism in cold water makes them less likely to chase fast-moving lures, so patience and a slow presentation are key. Their strikes can be subtle, more of a tap-tap than a hard pull, but once hooked, the bigger ones put up a stubborn, bulldog-like fight.