SC fishing licenses (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 fees)
| License | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater | $10 for 14 days · $15 annual · $45 for 3 years | $10 for 1 day · $35 for 7 days · $75 annual |
| Freshwater | $5 for 14 days · $10 annual · $30 for 3 years | $11 for 14 days · $35 annual · $105 for 3 years |
official source SCDNR resident pricing · non-resident pricing · SC saltwater license program. Last verified October 15, 2026.
Who needs one
Anyone 16 or older fishing from shore, a boat, a dock or while wading. You don't need one on a licensed public pier, on a hired charter, or when crabbing with 3 or fewer handlines, drop nets or fold-up traps.[SCDNR FAQ][Pier law]
Where to buy
Online: Go Outdoors SC through SCDNR. The only legitimate site is license.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com, so watch out for fake sites. By phone: 1-866-714-3611. In person: about 1,000 license agents, including tackle shops, major retailers and DNR offices.[SCDNR]
Saltwater size & bag limits (state waters)
| Species | Size | Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 18–25" TL slot | 1/person/day, 2/boat. No possession in federal waters. No gigging Dec 1–Feb 28. | Act 231, eff. July 1, 2026 |
| Flounder (southern, summer, Gulf) | 16" TL min | 5/person/day, 10/boat | |
| Spotted seatrout | 14" TL min | 10/person/day. No gigging Dec 1–Feb 28. | |
| Black drum | 14–27" TL | 5/person/day | |
| Sheepshead | 14" TL min | 10/person/day, 30/boat | |
| King mackerel | 24" FL min | 3/person/day | |
| Spanish mackerel | 12" FL min | 15/person/day | |
| Bluefish | none listed | 5/person/day (7 for-hire) | |
| Cobia | 36" FL min | 1/person/day; 6/boat in state waters north of 32°31′N (Grand Strand) | |
| Whiting, spot, croaker | none listed | 50/person/day aggregate | |
| Striped bass (salt water) | see regs verify with SCDNR | 3/person/day Oct 1–June 15; closed June 16–Sept 30 |
official source Checked October 15, 2026 against SCDNR's official online regulations (eRegulations: Finfish Size & Catch Limits, page updated Aug 11, 2026). TL means total length; FL means fork length. Florida pompano has no listed regulations.
New circle-hook law (effective July 1, 2026)
When you fish for saltwater gamefish with natural bait on a hook 4/0 or larger, the hook must be a non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hook. Smaller hooks and artificial lures are exempt. official source Source: S.961 / Act 231 of 2026 (SC Legislature).
Federal waters (beyond 3 miles) follow federal rules. verify with SCDNR See SAFMC. Freshwater limits: SC freshwater limits. Full regulations: SCDNR.