South Carolina · Fishing license
South Carolina fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 16 or older needs one.
A year costs $10 if you live here and $35 if you don't. Just passing through? Saltwater fishing, one day costs $10. Fresh and salt are separate licences; there is no combined fishing licence for visitors.
What it costs
If you live in South Carolina
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Freshwater fishing, annual | $10 |
| Saltwater fishing, annual | $15 |
| Combination (freshwater fishing and hunting), annualBundles hunting with the freshwater licence. | $25 |
| Freshwater fishing, 14 days | $5 |
| Saltwater fishing, 14 days | $10 |
| Freshwater fishing, three years | $30 |
| Saltwater fishing, three years | $45 |
| Senior fishing (64+), fresh and saltResidents of 64 and over born before 1 July 1940 get it free instead. | $9 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Freshwater fishing, annual | $35 |
| Saltwater fishing, annual | $75 |
| Freshwater fishing, 14 days | $11 |
| Saltwater fishing, 7 days | $35 |
| Saltwater fishing, one day | $10 |
| Freshwater fishing, three years | $105 |
Freshwater and saltwater are separate licences in South Carolina. The three-year versions cost exactly three times the annual price — they save renewals, not money.
How long it lasts
South Carolina sells the annual licences for a year and also offers them as three-year packages at three times the price — no discount for buying longer, just fewer renewals.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone under 16 years of age, unless fishing commercially or using nongame devices (traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks, jugs)
- Fishing a privately owned pond
- South Carolina residents of 64 and over born before 1 July 1940, who hold a gratis licence for fresh and salt water
SCDNR words the age rule this way: SCDNR: "No child under 16 years of age is required to obtain a hunting or fishing license." The exemption falls away if the child fishes commercially or uses nongame devices — traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks or jugs.
Where to buy it
- Online through Go Outdoors South Carolina
- At SCDNR offices and licence agents across the state
- By email enquiry to licensing@dnr.sc.gov for questions
Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.
Days you can fish without one
SCDNR publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.
Where to use it today
Waters we read every morning in South Carolina.
- 5 Picky Lake Murray
- 5 Picky Santee Cooper