Fishing Regulations in South Carolina
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official South Carolina fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
South Carolina requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 14-day temporary licenses. A separate saltwater fishing license is required for coastal fishing. Combination freshwater/saltwater licenses offer the best value.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum (varies by water) | Year-round | Regulations vary by specific water body. Check SCDNR regulations for current rules. |
| spotted-bass | 5 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 5 per day (varies by water) | 21 inches minimum | Year-round (varies by water) | Significant variation by water body. |
| crappie | 30 per day | No minimum (varies by water) | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| blue-catfish | 10 per day (combined with channel) | No minimum | Year-round | |
| redfish | 3 per day | 15-23 inches slot limit | Year-round | Saltwater license required. |
| flounder | 5 per day | 15 inches minimum | Year-round (varies by year) | Check current season dates. |
| speckled-trout | 10 per day | 13 inches minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum (varies by water)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Regulations vary by specific water body. Check SCDNR regulations for current rules.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day (varies by water)
Size Limit: 21 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (varies by water)
Notes: Significant variation by water body.
Bag Limit: 30 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined with channel)
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 15-23 inches slot limit
Season: Year-round
Notes: Saltwater license required.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (varies by year)
Notes: Check current season dates.
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: 13 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Murray
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, striped-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Lake Hartwell
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Santee Cooper Lakes
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, striped-bass, crappie, blue-catfish, channel-catfish
Lake Jocassee
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, bluegill
Charleston Harbor
saltwaterSpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder, sheepshead
Lake Wateree
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, blue-catfish
Hilton Head Island
saltwaterSpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder, sheepshead, king-mackerel
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 16 lbs 2 oz | 1949 | Lake Marion |
| spotted-bass | 7 lbs 2 oz | 2002 | Lake Jocassee |
| striped-bass | 63 lbs 0 oz | 1989 | Lake Marion |
| blue-catfish | 113 lbs 0 oz | 1991 | Lake Moultrie |
| channel-catfish | 58 lbs 0 oz | 1964 | Lake Moultrie |
| crappie | 5 lbs 1 oz | 1949 | Lake Murray |
| redfish | 75 lbs 0 oz | 1965 | Murells Inlet |
| king-mackerel | 67 lbs 0 oz | 1976 | Cherry Grove |