South Carolina · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in South Carolina?
From 16 on, with no upper limit.
The ages that matter
Under 16
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
16 and up
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Cheaper, not free
South Carolina has no age exemption. Residents get a reduced rate instead: Senior fishing (64+), fresh and salt at $9.
How SCDNR words it
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.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. SCDNR lists these as well.
- 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
