How Much Does a Commercial Fishing License Cost in South Carolina in 2024?

In South Carolina, the cost of a commercial fishing license varies depending on the type of license and whether the applicant is a resident or non-resident. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) offers a range of commercial fishing licenses, each with its own set of requirements and fees.

Commercial Saltwater Fishing License Pricing

The cost of a commercial saltwater fishing license in South Carolina for residents is $25.00, while non-residents pay $300.00. This license allows fishermen to engage in commercial fishing activities in the state’s saltwater areas.

Charter Vessel Licenses

For charter fishing vessels, the cost of a commercial license depends on the number of paying passengers. Residents pay $450.00 for a license that allows 7-49 passengers and $650.00 for a license that allows 50 or more passengers. Non-residents pay $900.00 and $1,300.00 respectively for these licenses.

Commercial Freshwater Fishing License

The cost of a commercial freshwater fishing license in South Carolina is $50.00 for residents and $1,000.00 for non-residents. This license allows fishermen to use nongame devices in freshwater bodies, subject to certain quantity limits.

In addition to the commercial fishing licenses, the SCDNR also offers various permits and tags for specific fishing activities, such as jug permits, set hook permits, eel pot tags, gill net tags, hoop net tags, trap tags, and trotline tags.

To qualify for a resident commercial freshwater fishing license, an individual must have been a resident of South Carolina for the past 365 consecutive days and provide proof to the SCDNR.

The SCDNR also offers lifetime subsistence saltwater fishing licenses for residents at a cost of $300.00, and Gullah/Geechee individuals over the age of 70 are eligible for a complimentary lifetime subsistence saltwater fishing license.

It’s important to note that the fees mentioned above are effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Fishermen can purchase licenses online, through the Go Outdoors South Carolina mobile app, from hundreds of license vendors throughout the state, or directly from SCDNR offices.