What is the Minimum Age to Fish Without a License in South Carolina in 2024?

In South Carolina, the minimum age to fish without a license is 16 years old. This regulation applies to both residents and visitors of the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, “Everyone 16 and older is required to obtain a fishing license. And that’s true whether you’re a resident or visitor to the state.”

Children under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using any nongame fish devices (traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks, jugs.) This means that 14-year-olds can fish in South Carolina without a license, as long as they are not using commercial gear or participating in commercial fishing.

Resident Fishing License Fees in South Carolina

For residents of South Carolina, there are several options for fishing licenses, depending on the duration and type of fishing. The current pricing for 2024 is as follows:

14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $5.00
1-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $10.00
3-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $30.00
14-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $5.00
1-Year Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00
3-Year Saltwater Fishing License: $30.00

To qualify as a resident, you must be domiciled in South Carolina for 30 days and show proof of residency when obtaining your license. Military personnel and dependents stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or longer or who are domiciled in the state are also eligible for resident privileges.

Nonresident Fishing License Fees in South Carolina

For nonresidents, the fishing license fees are slightly higher. The current pricing for 2024 is as follows:

14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $11.00
1-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $35.00
3-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $105.00
1-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00
7-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $35.00
1-Year Saltwater Fishing License: $75.00

A nonresident is anyone who doesn’t meet the definition of a resident. However, if you hold a valid freshwater fishing license from Georgia, you’ll be allowed to fish in certain waters in South Carolina under a reciprocal license agreement.

Where to Buy a Fishing License in South Carolina

There are several ways to obtain a fishing license in South Carolina:

Online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website
By phone by calling 803-734-3833
In person at one of the 500 license vendors throughout the state
By mail by sending an application to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

When applying for a license, you’ll need your Social Security number. If you’re applying for a resident license, you’ll also need proof of residency such as an unexpired South Carolina driver’s license or identification card.

In conclusion, 14-year-olds can fish in South Carolina without a license, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult if they are using any nongame fish devices. For those 16 and older, fishing licenses are required and can be obtained through various methods, with different fees for residents and nonresidents.