South Carolina Angling Certificate: The Complete Overview for 2025

We connect many different things with the ‘Palmetto State’ – Southern friendliness, historic areas, shrimp and grits, sweet tea, and several of the most effective golf courses you can find. For enthusiastic anglers, nevertheless, the first thing that comes to mind is outstanding fishing. And they’re right! Before you hit the water though, you require a South Carolina fishing license.

If you’re fishing in SC for the very first time and you’re uncertain where to begin, you’re in the best place. Read on for more details on the kind of permit you require, residency needs, and other helpful bits. Remain in the loophole with present angling policies and guidelines and appreciate South Carolina’s freshwater and deep sea fisheries worry-free.

That requires a fishing certificate in South Carolina?

The basic guideline is that everyone that’s 16 and older demands to have a legitimate angling certificate with them while angling in the state.you can find more here the South Carolina Abl PDF from Our Articles The type of permit you need depends upon whether you’re an SC local or otherwise and where you want to fish.

If you’re not exactly sure whether you require a freshwater or a saltwater certificate, there’s a guideline that can help you out. Highway 17 is taken into consideration the official splitting line between freshwater and saltwater fisheries. Every little thing west of the freeway (landward) is thought about freshwater, while the seaside waters to the eastern (seaward) are saltwater.

Who can fish without a certificate in South Carolina?

While many people require permits, there are some teams that can fish for complimentary in South Carolina. Free angling is available to:

• Fishermens fishing with a saltwater charter boat (the rate of your permit is included in the journey’s cost)
• Any individual who has a personal fish pond or any person who’s been allowed by the owner to fish their fish pond
• Totally impaired professionals can get a totally free fishing and searching certificate
• South Carolina citizens who get on active duty (however on leave in SC) and armed forces employees can fish and hunt without a license
• Kids under the age of 16 do not require a license
• Days when fishing is cost-free for everyone: May 31st and July 4th

Details for Homeowners

To be received a resident angling permit in South Carolina, you require to be an irreversible local of the state for at the very least thirty day. You’ll present your evidence of residency – a state-issued valid Vehicle driver’s Certificate or Identification Card – when obtaining your angling license. You need to bring that very same recognition document with you while angling.

You’ll also need to reveal your Social Security Number. This is to ensure that you’re compliant with DSS policies. Foreigners permanently remaining in South Carolina ought to offer their passport together with their SC ID and their Alien Identification Number.

Residents are additionally:

• Armed forces personnel or their reliant household posted in South Carolina for thirty days or longer (a legitimate army ID required);
• Armed forces personnel with permanent residency in SC, yet currently pointed in other places (legitimate army ID required);
• Full time students enlisted in a school in South Carolina (a valid trainee ID essential)

Costs for Locals

Depending on the length of time and where you want to fish, there are various angling licenses available. Determine whether you wish to fish for, choose a body of water, and purchase the ideal certificate. Only residents that are 64 and older can get a Lifetime Fishing/Hunting Certificate. Below’s just how much various resident angling licenses can set you back.

There’s a variety of fishing/hunting permits you can buy if you wish to kill 2 birds with one stone. If you recognize a 16-year old who would like to get a combination authorization, you can acquire them a Junior Athlete Certificate. Normal Athlete Licenses enable you to fish and quest in Wild animals Management Locations as well.

Details for Non-Residents

If you’re a non-resident who ‘d like to explore South Carolina’s fishing chances, you can absolutely do so. The exact same licensing policies for citizens relate to non-resident – all individuals age 16 and older are required to have a legitimate angling license. The major distinction is that non-residents aren’t eligible for life time licenses. Additionally, angling and hunting licenses need to be purchased separately.

Special Needs

To utilize unique angling devices for non-game freshwater fish, you’ll need additional tags along with your fishing certificate. Bear in mind that using gear like eelpots, jugs, and trotlines may be limited to certain days of the week or times of the year. It is essential to obtain all the needed permits and acquaint on your own with the related laws.

Where to Acquire Your South Carolina Angling License

Obtaining an SC fishing license is rather uncomplicated, and you can do it in several different methods. You can purchase one from the comfort of your very own home or face to face, whatever functions ideal for you.

• Buy it online: The most practical means to buy your South Carolina angling license is online, merely by mosting likely to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources site. After that, all you need to do is print out your certificate and you’re established.
• Buy it by phone: If you ‘d rather have somebody talk you through the procedure, telephone call 803-734-3833. The professional on the other side will certainly aid you arrange it all out.
• Buy it face to face: There are 500 certificate suppliers in SC that can offer you your permit. If you choose to get your papers in person, just choose a spot from this listing that’s closest to you.
• Lifetime Licenses: Homeowners that are 64 and older can make an application for a Lifetime Permit face to face by mosting likely to DNR offices in several areas. Before you go, bear in mind to complete this kind and bring it with you. Conversely, you can send out in your application with the mail, in addition to a copy of your SC ID, to this address:

SC Wildlife Endowment Fund
PO Box 11710
Columbia, SC 29211-1710

What happens if I lose my permit?

Shedding a fishing certificate can take place to any person, yet do not stress, it’s simple to get a replicate. All you require to do is go to a supplier or to one of the SCDNR workplaces and submit a composed declaration verifying you’ve lost your certificate. Afterwards, you’ll pay a $3 fee for a replacement. If you require a duplicate of your tags, you’ll require to head to the SCDNR workplaces to get it arranged.