South Carolina Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in South Carolina?
A resident annual South Carolina fishing license costs $10.00, and a non-resident annual license is $35.00. South Carolina also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
🎫 Buy a South Carolina Fishing License →Fishing in South Carolina
South Carolina spans Lowcountry marsh and inland lakes. The coastal creeks and flats hold redfish, speckled trout and flounder, with king mackerel and bottomfish nearshore and offshore. Inland, the Santee Cooper lakes (Marion and Moultrie) are famous for monster blue and flathead catfish and striped bass, and they give up bass and crappie too. A saltwater license covers the coast, and the warmwater fishing runs year-round.
South Carolina Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$10.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$35.00
Non-Resident 14-Day
Freshwater
$11.00
Senior (64+)
Freshwater
$9.00
SC resident 64+: one-time $9 lifetime. Free only if born before 7/1/1940.
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a South Carolina fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in South Carolina. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. No child under 16 is required to obtain a hunting or fishing license (unless engaging in commercial activity).
- Seniors (64+)
- South Carolina residents 64+ (180-day residency) buy a one-time $9.00 Lifetime license covering freshwater and saltwater fishing plus hunting privileges — a cheap one-time lifetime license, NOT a free annual license. A gratis (free) license is reserved for residents BORN BEFORE July 1, 1940 (a birth-year gate, not simply turning 64).
- Anglers with disabilities
- A free 3-year Disability hunting & fishing license for residents (365-day residency) declared disabled and receiving benefits from SSA, the VA, the SC Retirement System, Federal Civil Service, the Railroad Retirement Board or Medicaid. Residents who are paraplegic, quadriplegic or legally blind (with a physician's statement) receive a free Lifetime Disability license.
- Veterans & military
- Totally disabled veterans qualify for the free Disability hunting & fishing license above (VA disability benefits satisfy the eligibility test).
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Memorial Day (Monday, May 25) and Saturday, July 4, 2026 — South Carolina residents may fish public fresh waters without a license on those days. Saltwater, size, creel and gear rules still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
South Carolina Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular South Carolina species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassNo statewide minimum length (14-inch applies at Marion/Murray/Wateree, 12-inch at Hartwell/Thurmond) | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Redfish (Red Drum)Slot 18–25 inches, 2 per boat max (new SCDNR rule effective Jul 1 2026) | 1 | 18" | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
South Carolina Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in South Carolina?
A resident annual fishing license in South Carolina costs $10.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $35.00. South Carolina also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Do you need a fishing license in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. South Carolina residents 64+ (180-day residency) buy a one-time $9.00 Lifetime license covering freshwater and saltwater fishing plus hunting privileges — a cheap one-time lifetime license, NOT a free annual license. A gratis (free) license is reserved for residents BORN BEFORE July 1, 1940 (a birth-year gate, not simply turning 64). Always confirm current rules with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a South Carolina fishing license?
Buy directly from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in South Carolina.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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