Red drum has long been one of the most sought-after coastal species for recreational anglers in South Carolina. For decades, dedicated management efforts have been underway, positioning South Carolina as a leader in red drum research with some of the most comprehensive and long-standing data sets in the Southeast. Much of this progress has been driven by the recreational angling community, whose participation in tagging initiatives has contributed significantly to our understanding of red drum history, biology, and habitat requirements. However, knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the life cycle and behavior of sub-adult red drum.

To address these gaps, CCA South Carolina is preparing to fund a three-year, multi-region study in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This research will utilize passive acoustic telemetry, an advanced technique designed to improve our understanding of red drum movement patterns. While traditional tagging programs have provided valuable insights, their limitations often leave an incomplete picture. Data from conventional tagging heavily depends on angler recaptures or long-term monitoring in specific areas. As a result, little to no information is gathered from regions that anglers and researchers do not regularly target—such as large portions of the coastal ocean outside known spawning grounds.

Additionally, recapture reports for individual fish are often inconsistent and limited, with many fish never being reported again or only being recaptured a few times throughout their lives. These recaptures tend to occur sporadically and primarily during pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn periods, which run from mid-July to mid-November. This temporal and spatial variability leaves fisheries managers with critical questions about red drum movement and habitat use. The upcoming study aims to fill these gaps by providing data that can lead to more effective management strategies.

“South Carolina is widely recognized for having some of the most extensive and robust research on red drum in the country,” said Tombo Milliken, Chairman of the CCA SC Government Relations Committee. “As this species faces new and evolving challenges, it is essential that we remain proactive. By supporting this research initiative, CCA SC ensures our fisheries managers have the tools and information they need for sustainable and responsible stewardship of the red drum population.”