Headed out fishing in the Myrtle Beach, SC, area? Here’s how to fish without a license
To fish in South Carolina, a fishing license is usually required — except for these few circumstances.
When using a fishing pole in fresh or salt water, someone needs to be in possession of a fishing license. But the S.C. Department of Natural Resources makes some exceptions.
For salt water, a license is not needed when fishing on a licensed fishing pier or a licensed charter vessel, according to the SCDNR. The pier or boat should have the necessary license, allowing people to fish while following the SCDNR’s rules. For fresh water, everyone can fish in a private pond or a commercial pay pond whether they have a license or not.
Outside of these areas, South Carolina allows certain primitive types of fishing without a license. A person can use up to three drop nets, three fold-up traps or three hand lines with no hooks without permission from the state.
These forms of fishing work for catching bait fish or shellfish like crabs or spiny lobsters. With drop nets, crustaceans will climb inside and can then be pulled to the surface. When using a fold-up trap, bait such as minnows or crawfish will swim inside and are unable to escape.
Hand lines, like drop nets, work to catch crabs but can also draw in other kinds of fish.
No matter the kind of fishing done, make sure to follow size and catch limit regulations.
If you want to fish more seriously and are over the age of 16, you’ll need to purchase a license. There are different licenses for fresh and salt water. Licenses range in price from $5 to $105 depending on the length of time and South Carolina residency status.
