The Department of Natural Resources may not designate an area located within one thousand feet of highland property capable of development as a public shellfish ground. Deep-sea fishing is a popular recreational sport in South Carolina. Big Bend closed area: (UPDATE) Harvest of shrimp is allowed with a limit of 2 gallons per person and 5 gallons per vessel using cast nets and dip nets only. Fishing licenses are needed in all fishing related activities in the area. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License required. Restrictions No more than two trotlines with a cumulative total of 50 hooks or baits can be used recreationally. This page contains affiliate links. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. For more information on equipment licenses call 843-953-9311. The state also sells a lakes. It is important to understand that if you already hold a resident fishing license from another state, you are no longer qualified to apply for a resident fishing license in South Carolina. (B) No area currently containing a structure permitted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control or its successor agency may be designated pursuant to this section. 2015 All rights reserved. Q: Where can I purchase a saltwater recreational fishing license? Copyright status undetermined. A: Changes to SC's saltwater recreational fishing license will provide better information about recreational catch, which will lead to better management of SC's valuable marine resources. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Reporting Requirements apply. Sharks may not be taken by gill nets. For the purposes of this section, gigging does not include underwater spear fishing. Expires 1 year from date of purchase. To qualify for a resident commercial saltwater fishing license, one must have been a resident of this state for the past 365 consecutive days and furnish proof to SCDNR at the time of application. 26 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations 2004-2005 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations 2004-2005 27 No closed season for recreational fishing with castnet or hook & line, including rod & reel. Valid 1 year from date of purchase. More than 100 feet in length, license has reporting requirements. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
3. A person not licensed as a commercial saltwater fisherman taking or attempting to take herring by cast net or by hook and line, including rod and reel, may take or possess no more than an aggregate of one bushel of herring in any one day. On top of that, is a lot of approved license agents throughout the state. Duplicate licenses are issued upon an affidavit from the licensee that the original license was lost or destroyed and payment of a $3.00 fee. Does anyone on a dock where fishing is occurring need a license? 2 or more trotlines or fish trotlines with more than 50 hooks. Effective May 16, 2022 Act 198 (H.4986) Traps in the General Trawl Zone . The 14-day license is available for only $5.00. FOIA | Privacy Policy
Where to purchase a South Carolina Fishing License? If I buy a yearly saltwater fishing license does it expire June 30th or will it expire one year from the date I purchased it? Cast net with a stretched length (the distance from the horn at the center of the net, with the net gatheredand pulled taut, to the lead line) no greater than 14 feet. Does everyone in a seining or gill netting party need a license? A buoy is not required but is recommended for preventing loss of the trap. TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-560 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALE OF ANNUAL SUBSISTENCE SALTWATER FISHING LICENSES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FEES; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-925 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUE COLLECTED FROM THE SALE OF STAMPS, SUBSISTENCE SALTWATER LICENSES, PRINTS, AND RELATED ARTICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-15, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO SALTWATER FISHING, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "SUBSISTENCE"; TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-955, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC SHELLFISH GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MUST IDENTIFY FISH STOCKS THAT SUPPORT SUBSISTENCE FISHERIES AND ADOPT REGULATIONS THAT PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBSISTENCE USES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAGS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION APPLY TO SUBSISTENCE FISHING; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS FISHING LICENSES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LIFETIME SUBSISTENCE SALTWATER FISHING LICENSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-715, RELATING TO PERSONS EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING A RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON LESS THAN EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE ACCOMPANIED BY A LICENSED SUBSISTENCE FISHERMAN IS EXEMPT FROM PURCHASING A SUBSISTENCE SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE. 24 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations 2003-2004 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations 2003-2004 25 Saltwater Fishing Seasons: No closed season Restrictions: It is unlawful to fish from a boat within 300 feet of commercial fishing piers extending into the Atlantic Ocean. Preparing for a fishing trip to South Carolina can be a little taxing for some, but dont worry because this article will answer all the questions you may have about fishing licenses in the state. The purchase, barter, trade, or sale of billfish, including marlin, sailfish and spearfish, is unlawful regardless of where taken or landed. 10. Act 178 (S.980) Red Snapper Possession in State Waters Anglers may retain up to two red snapper per person in state waters with a minimum size of 20 inches total length and no closed season. SECTION 7. A license is not required when fishing in a commercial pay pond that is permitted by SCDNR. Snagging means pulling a device equipped with one or more hooks through the water in an attempt to impale fish. Remains valid, regardless of age until expiration. The term "tend" means that the harvester is within 100 yards of the nearest pole at all times. This does not apply to people fishing with lures or baited hooks. . Regulations concerning commercial saltwater fishing are provided with commercial licenses and are available through the Marine Resources Division at the address below. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Division, PO Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559 View our . These rules are designed in order for the state to protect its marine and water resources as well as to maintain a healthy fishing population. This web page was last updated on
All Forms, Applications, Registrations, Reporting Department Actions on Permit Applications, Modifications, Revocation and Denials, Unreasonable Adverse Effects on Other Water Users, R.19-450: Permits for Construction in Navigable Waters, R.61-43: Standards for the Permitting of Agricultural Animal Facilities, R.61-44: Individual Residential Well & Irrigation Well Permitting, R.61-58: State Primary Drinking Water Regulations, R.61-67: Standards for Wastewater Facility Construction, R.61-68: Water Classifications and Standards, R.61-82: Proper Closeout of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, R.61-87: Underground Injection Control Regulations, R.61-110: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Pollutants in Water, R.61-119: Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use and Reporting, R.72-1 through 72-9:Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act Regulations, R.72-101 through 72-108: Erosion and Sediment Reduction and Stormwater Management, R.72-300 through 72-316: Standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction, R.72-405 through 72-445: Standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction. Q: Do I need a saltwater fishing license to fish on the beach? 2020 All rights reserved. Of the revenue collected from the sale of subsistence saltwater fishing licenses and stamps, twenty-five cents must be allocated to saltwater administration, one dollar to saltwater enforcement, and the balance to subsistence fishing monitoring and restoration programs. Additionally, anyone fishing with three or fewer drop nets, fold-up traps, or hand lines with bait attached for crabs does not need a license (chicken necking). The use of dynamite, gun powder, lime or any other explosive in or about any waters of this state is unlawful. Why were changes made to SC's saltwater fishing license program? All freshwater except SCDNR Managed State Lakes. Possession in federal waters is prohibited unless otherwise specified. Expires June 30, 2019. (5) the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association will work with the Department of Natural Resources to publish an annual report to be made available to stamp and license holders to indicate how the previous year's funds were utilized. 27-4-110). Recreational fishing license (unless selling your catch then a commercial license is needed). The marks must be affixed to immovable, permanent objects that are not more than 100 yards apart and readily visible to any person approaching the property. Once you become compliant with DSS, you will be required to purchase a new license at the current price. Currently residing in the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, View the latest legislative information at the website. Landing or dip net with an opening no larger than 96 inches around the perimeter. Recreational limit is 1 trotline with a maximum 50 hooks. The harvester's name and address shall be securely affixed to each trap. Frame nets cannot be made of monofilament. For information on how to purchase a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License see Licenses Recreational Hunting & Fishing. Marking required: None Note: Because South Carolina is a sanctuary to a lot of rare species of fish. No closed season in saltwater (except shad and herring see Shad & Herring Fishing Regulations). Students enrolled full time in an SC educational institution are eligible for resident privileges. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. 12. 100 feet or less in length, license has reporting requirements. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building
Includes State Hunting, Big Game & Freshwater Fishing. (A) The Department of Natural Resources may designate and shall maintain public shellfish grounds where a subsistence user andpersons holding or exempted from holding a recreational saltwater fishing license may gather shellfish solely for personal use not to exceed the personal limits specified in this article. A: Anyone 16 years old or older who is fishing from shore, boat, private dock, free public dock or while wading requires a license. Possession limit of no more than 5 gallons, heads on, per vessel at any time regardless of the number of persons onboard. Expires June 30, 2019. Skimbow nets allowed Feb. 1 through Apr. What are the prices of the saltwater fishing license? With a valid South Carolina fishing license and no additional tags or permits, archery equipment, cast nets, crayfish traps (5 or less), gigs, hand grabbing, minnow seines, minnow traps, landing (dip) net and spears may be used in freshwaters except in Game Zone 1 and lakes owned or managed by the DNR to take nongame fish. Poles shall only be set, fished and retrieved during daylight hours. It is unlawful in Georgetown County to gig for fish in saltwaters from the northern tip of North Island to the northern tip of Magnolia Beach during daylight hours. Section 50-5-955 of the 1976 Code is amended to read: "Section 50-5-955. Call Angel Brown at 843-953-9311 or Bill Post at 843-953-9821 to learn more. Each year the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes a summary of the laws and regulations of commercial fishing in the state. Bag Limit:Individuals can take5 gallons, heads on, per harvester per day. Does my senior license from another state allow me to fish in South Carolina? In freshwaters, a person must hold a freshwater fishing license. 14. This act prohibits traps in the General Trawl Zone when these waters are open to trawling for shrimp. Please see the residency requirements laid down above to know whether you are qualified to purchase a South Carolina Freshwater License as a resident. 11. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License and Trotline Equipment License required. Recreational limit 2 traps per licensee. Springmaid Pier. Much like any other state, South Carolina sells fishing licenses to both residents and non-residents. Davidson, Cape Romain, Capers, CCA-McClellanville, Charleston 60, Comanche, Eagles Nest, Edisto 40, Edisto 60, Edisto Offshore, Fripp Island, Georgetown, Greenville, Hilton Head, Hunting Island, Kiawah, Little River Offshore, Lowcountry Anglers, North Inlet, Paradise, Pawleys Island, Pop Nash, Ron McManus Memorial, Ten Mile, Vermillion, Wayne Upchurch, Will Goldfinch and Y-73. With the license changes, SC anglers will simply need to purchase one license to fish anywhere in both state and federal saltwaters. Three year recreational hunting and fishing licenses are valid for three years from the date of purchase. The 14-day license is available for only $5.00. Marine Resources Division,
50 or more paying passengers, license has reporting requirements. Expires June 30, 2019. Wallace River (5a), Rantowles Creek (5b), Long Branch Creek (5c), and Shem Creek (5d) are saltwater for their entire lengths. SECTION 8. A Frame net that is dragged or towed is considered to be a trawl, which is not allowed for the recreational harvest of shrimp. Q: Does everyone in a seining or gill netting party need a license? . Any person engaged in selling any fish or fishery product, including bait harvested in SC state waters, must first obtain the appropriate license. This South Carolina State Document was either saved from a document available publicly online in PDF format or converted to PDF using Adobe Acrobat X Professional. Recreational limit 2 pots per licensee. Applications for Public Fishing Pier and Charter Vessel Licenses are available from the SCDNR office in Charleston. Q: When does the new law go into effect? Applicants from other countries may provide their passport in place of a state identification document. It is unlawful to gig for flounder in salt waters during daylight hours. It is unlawful to buy, sell, possess or ship Shortnose Sturgeon and Atlantic Sturgeon. The harvest and possession of snapper grouper and coastal migratory pelagic species will be limited to the recreational bag and possession limits within the SMZs. 6 or fewer paying passengers, license has reporting requirements. Other manners of proving residency can also be used, and all you need to do is submit them to the SCDNR license office. Shrimp Harvesting Catch Limits for Shrimp Expires June 30, 2019. However, residents can enjoy several privileges and discounts; hence, it is important to know what is considered a resident of the state. Operator must be within 500 feet of the net, be within hailing distance and have visual contact with the net at all times when deployed. A resident is a person who is a domiciled (permanent) resident of South Carolina for30 days. The term "daylight hours" means the period beginning 1/2 hour before official sunrise and continuing through 1/2 hour after official sunset, each day. A charter boat is defined as a vessel under hire. Trotlines used in the Atlantic Ocean must be marked with a buoy not less than 20 inches in diameter at each end, international orange in color, which floats in a manner to be clearly visible at all times. Pier 14. Download This Bill in Microsoft Word format, Indicates Matter Stricken
The incorporation of external or unattached wings or other devices to funnel shrimp into the trap is prohibited. The open areas must be located preferably at or near public landings. Q: If I buy a yearly saltwater fishing license does it expire June 30th or will it expire one year from the date I purchased it? This publication provides the license requirements, definitions, restrictions, and laws and regulations for seine and gill netting. Q: Does my senior license from another state allow me to fish in South Carolina? A non-baited circular webbing having a weighted peripheral line that is thrown by hand and retrieved by a central line connected to radiating tuck lines attached to the peripheral line. If you purchase a product through one of them Fishing.org will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Valid military identification must be presented when applying. Sea turtles are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act. Each pole shall be marked with white reflective tape. "Frame net" means a net in the form of an elongated bag kept open by a rigid frame that is buoyed by floats and is not fished or dragged along the bottom. Do all recreational saltwater fishing activities require a license? 17. On Savannah River the dividing line is the abandoned Seaboard Railroad track bed located approximately one and three-fourths miles upstream from the US Highway 17A bridge. The process is pretty straightforward, and the most convenient way is to purchase them from theSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. Do I need a license to throw a cast net for bait? The commercial sale of diamondback terrapins is prohibited. Other special Fishing licenses are shown below: Season dates apply, Shrimp Baiting License Application. Printable Recreational Size and Bag . To learn about the projects and programs that received support from the Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Program this fiscal year, visit http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov. Three SSMZs (Devils Hole, Area 51 and Area 53) and four MPAs (Snowy Grouper Wreck, Northern SC, Edisto and Charleston Deep Artificial Reef) are located off the SC coast. Who is required to purchase a South Carolina Fishing License? Saltwater Fishing General Regulations. These licenses, which would grant you access to the rich waters of the state, can be conveniently purchased from different vendors, and it pays if you have one. Fishing piers and chartered vessels charging a fee for fishing must purchase an annual Public Fishing Pier or Charter/Headboat Vessel license, respectively. Expires June 30, 2019. (B) A person who is less than eighteen years of age and accompanied by a licensed subsistence fisherman is exempt from purchasing a subsistence saltwater fishing license.". Information here. General Information. Push net -"Push net" means a mesh net or bag attached to the outer edges of a triangular or rectangular rigid frame with a handle attached that is fished by being pushed across the bottom by a person wading. Annual recreational hunting and fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. It is also important to know about different fish species in order to identify the size and length limits set for each. (D) Revenue distributed for saltwater enforcement activities must be expended for enforcement of the laws and fishery management regulations relating to traditional subsistence saltwater fisheries, including habitat protection and other activities authorized pursuant to this chapter.". Phone Numbers | Accessibility |
If it is not under hire, it is not legally a charter boat and all aboard must have a personal fishing license. See Nongame Areas and Limits. Wando River is saltwater for its entire length. It is unlawful to gig red drum or spotted seatrout during Dec., Jan. and Feb. None except when fishing commercially for American shad, hickory shad and/or blueback herringthen a shad or herring cast net license is required and a free permit from the Office of Marine Fisheries, call Angel Brown 843-953-9311 or Bill Post 843-953-9821. Reinstates the ban on nongame fish devices (trot lines, limb lines, jugs, cast nets, etc.) The dividing line between saltwater and freshwater on the rivers listed is defined in this section. Freshwater/Saltwater Dividing Line |
Download South Carolina State's Saltwater Fishing Regulations and Tips (PDF) Lots of good information about Red Drum at their official site here.