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Get an South Carolina Fishing License

Secure your South Carolina fishing license, review the SC fishing rules, and venture out to destinations like Santee State Park. There, Lake Marion awaits with opportunities to reel in largemouth bass or crappie. If the allure of saltwater beckons, bring the family to the pier at Hunting Island State Park, where spotted sea trout and flounder might just be on the bite.

South Carolina

South Carolina Fishing Licenses

With vast freshwater streams, rivers, and the expansive Atlantic coast, South Carolina is a haven for anglers. But remember to understand the state's regulations before heading out, especially the license requirements.

In South Carolina, anyone aged 16 and above needs a fishing license, regardless of whether they're residents or visitors. Always keep your license handy when fishing.

Types of Fishing Licenses

Residents:

  • Must have lived in South Carolina for at least 30 days.

  • Military personnel and their dependents stationed in SC for 30 days or more or domiciled in the state are eligible.

  • Full-time students in a South Carolina institution qualify with a valid student ID.

    • Resident Freshwater Fishing: Options include 14-day, annual, or three-year.
    • Resident Nongame Freshwater Fishing License: For Nongame devices.
    • Resident Saltwater Fishing: 14-day, annual, or three-year licenses available.
    • Resident Combination Licenses: Include hunting, big game, and freshwater fishing with options for annual and three-year.
    • Resident Sportsman License: Covers hunting, big game, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing with annual and three-year options.
    • Resident Disability Licenses: Three-year validity.
    • Lifetime License: Costs are age-based.

Nonresidents:

  • Doesn't meet the definition of a resident.

    • Freshwater Fishing: 14-day, annual, and three-year licenses.
    • Nongame Freshwater Fishing License: For Nongame devices.
    • Saltwater Fishing Licenses: 1-day, 7-day, and annual licenses.
    • Annual Public Fishing Pier.

Reciprocal Licenses: Holding a valid freshwater fishing license from Georgia lets you fish in certain waters in South Carolina, including the Savannah River channels and the Chattooga River.

South Carolina Fishing License Costs (2021)

Residents:

  • 3-year Freshwater: $30.00
  • Annual Freshwater: $10.00
  • 14-day Freshwater: $5.00
  • ... and more listed above.

Nonresidents:

  • 3-year Freshwater: $105.00
  • Annual Freshwater: $35.00
  • 14-day Freshwater: $11.00
  • ... and more listed above.

For up-to-date pricing, visit the official South Carolina Fishing License page.

Obtaining a South Carolina Fishing License

  1. Online: The quickest method is through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

  2. In-person: Visit local license vendors listed by the Department by city and county.

  3. Mail: You can also send in a fishing license application.

Remember to keep your Social Security number and, if applicable, proof of residency, such as an unexpired South Carolina driver's license or identification card, handy when applying.