South Carolina Fishing License
Issued by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Buy Your LicenseFishing in South Carolina
South Carolina's Santee Cooper lakes, Marion and Moultrie, are the catfish capital of the country and produce trophy striped bass and crappie. Lake Murray grows nationally ranked striped bass. The Cooper River tailrace, the Saluda River below Lake Murray, and the upper Savannah hold landlocked stripers and trophy trout. On the coast, Charleston, Beaufort, and Hilton Head produce redfish, seatrout, flounder, and tarpon, with offshore action for kingfish, mahi, and wahoo on the Gulf Stream edge.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Combination (Hunt + Freshwater Fish) | $25.00 |
| Resident Annual Freshwater | $10.00 |
| Resident Annual Saltwater | $15.00 |
| Resident 14-Day Saltwater | $10.00 |
| Resident Senior Combination (64+) | $9.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Freshwater (16–63) | $300.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Combination (16–63) | $500.00 |
| Resident Lifetime (64+) | Free |
| Non-Resident Annual Freshwater | $35.00 |
| Non-Resident 14-Day Freshwater | $11.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Year Freshwater | $105.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Saltwater | $75.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Saltwater | $35.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Saltwater | $10.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before purchasing.
Log Your South Carolina Catches
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South Carolina Fishing License FAQ
How much does a South Carolina fishing license cost?
A resident annual combination (hunt + freshwater fish) fishing license in South Carolina costs $25.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a South Carolina fishing license?
South Carolina fishing licenses are sold online by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in South Carolina?
Fishing licenses in South Carolina are issued by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.