Do I Need a License to Fish from the Beach in South Carolina in 2024?

If you’re an avid angler looking to cast your line in the surf along South Carolina’s picturesque coastline, you might be wondering if a fishing license is required. The short answer is yes, you do need a license to fish from the beach in South Carolina in 2024. However, there are a few exceptions and important details to keep in mind.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Requirements

In South Carolina, anyone 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Saltwater Recreational Fishing License to fish in saltwater, including from the beach. This license is required whether you’re a resident or non-resident of the state.

The cost of a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License varies depending on your residency status:

Residents: Annual license is $10, 14-day license is $5
Non-residents: Annual license is $35, 14-day license is $11

You can purchase your license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website, from local license vendors, or by mail.

Exceptions to the License Requirement

There are a few exceptions to the Saltwater Recreational Fishing License requirement when fishing from the beach in South Carolina:

Fishing from a licensed public fishing pier: If you’re fishing from a licensed public fishing pier, you don’t need a separate license.
Fishing on a licensed charter/headboat vessel while under hire: If you’re fishing on a licensed charter or headboat vessel while it’s under hire, you don’t need a separate license.
Using 3 or fewer drop nets, fold-up traps, or handlines with no hooks: If you’re using 3 or fewer drop nets, 3 or fewer fold-up traps, or 3 or fewer handlines with no hooks and a single bait per line (chicken necking), you don’t need a license.
Shrimp baiting: If you have a shrimp baiting license, you don’t need a separate Saltwater Recreational Fishing License.

Importance of Obtaining a License

Obtaining a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License is important for several reasons:

It helps support the conservation and management of South Carolina’s valuable marine resources.
It provides better information about recreational catch, which leads to better management of these resources.
It allows anglers to fish anywhere in both state and federal saltwaters (with certain exceptions for offshore species).

So, while you do need a license to fish from the beach in South Carolina in 2024, it’s a small price to pay to enjoy the state’s abundant saltwater fishing opportunities while contributing to the sustainability of its marine ecosystems.