Complete Guide to South Carolina Fishing Licenses

South Carolina offers anglers some fantastic fishing opportunities. Still, the first thing you’ll need to do before your line touches the water is to ensure you have the correct fishing permits and licenses. Don’t worry, though! We’ve done the hard work for you so that you can spend more time fishing and less time worrying about what type of license you need or where to purchase one.

In the following guide to South Carolina Fishing Licenses, we’ll cover:

Planning on visiting one of South Carolina’s many freshwater rivers? Then you’ll need to check out How to Fish in a River: Tips and Techniques! It covers everything you need to know about fishing rivers, including tips, tricks, and advice for new and experienced anglers.

Fishbox App, a premium fishing spot app, allows anglers of all skill levels to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions and accurately predict the best times to hit the water. It’s also packed with helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations, and it could be just what you need to take your fishing to the next level.

Types of SC Fishing Licenses

South Carolina caters to both resident and non-resident anglers and has various license types.

South Carolina Resident Fishing Licenses 

• 3-Year Freshwater Fishing.
• Annual Freshwater Fishing.
• 14-Day Freshwater.
• 3-Year Saltwater Fishing.
• Annual Saltwater Fishing.
• 14-Day Saltwater Fishing.
• 3-Year Disability Fishing – Free.
• Lifetime License (Age-Based) – Determined by the applicant’s age at the time of application.

South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• 3-Year Freshwater Fishing.
• Annual Freshwater Fishing.
• 14-Day Freshwater.
• Annual Saltwater Fishing.
• 7-Day Saltwater Fishing.
• 1-Day Saltwater Fishing.

Cost of SC Fishing Licenses

South Carolina offers both excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities to resident and non-resident anglers. Below, we’ll outline the different license types available and separate the resident and non-resident options.

South Carolina Resident Fishing Licenses 

• 3-Year Freshwater Fishing – $30.
• Annual Freshwater Fishing – $10.
• 14-Day Freshwater – $5.
• 3-Year Saltwater Fishing – $45.
• Annual Saltwater Fishing – $15.
• 14-Day Saltwater Fishing – $10.
• 3-Year Disability Fishing – Free.
• Lifetime License (Age-Based) – Determined by the applicant’s age at the time of application.

South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• 3-Year Freshwater Fishing – $105.
• Annual Freshwater Fishing – $35.
• 14-Day Freshwater – $11.
• Annual Saltwater Fishing – $75.
• 7-Day Saltwater Fishing – $35.
• 1-Day Saltwater Fishing – $10.

The complete list of prices and any changes can be found on the Go Outdoors South Carolina website.

Age Requirements for South Carolina Fishing License

Anyone planning on fishing in South Carolina who is 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license. This rule applies to both residents and non-residents. While you are undertaking any fishing activities, you must have a valid fishing license with you at all times and be ready to present it to state officials if requested.

Where to Obtain a South Carolina Fishing License

One of the easiest ways to purchase a fishing license in South Carolina is by going online and visiting the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. To purchase a fishing license, you will need your Social Security Number (SSN). If you are a resident of South Carolina and would like to purchase a resident fishing permit, you’ll need proof of residency.

If you prefer to purchase your permit in person, you can find a local vendor by visiting the list of vendors conveniently located throughout South Carolina, which is published online here.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also offers hunters and anglers the ability to mail in license applications.

Complete Guide to South Carolina Fishing Licenses – Conclusion 

Now, you should have a clear idea of what type of fishing license you need to fish in South Carolina, including how much they cost and where to buy them. It’s vital that before you go fishing, you take the time to purchase the correct fishing permit. After all, the last thing you want is fine because you failed to do your homework.

As responsible anglers, we all must contribute to the ongoing health of fisheries across the United States, including the fantastic fishing in South Carolina. By following regulations such as size limits, bag limits, and season limits, and leaving the area as clean, if not cleaner than when you arrived, we can all do our part to guarantee that future generations of anglers will be able to enjoy the same fantastic fishing experiences.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.

Do you have any questions about South Carolina angling permits? Or tips you’d like to share with other anglers? Please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below.