S.C. Department of Natural Resources
Saltwater anglers fishing in South Carolina waters will begin paying more for their licenses beginning July 1. The change will affect both resident and non-resident recreational anglers, and saltwater charter fishing vessels.
The increase in the license fee passed by state lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this month was one part of a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing overfishing of flounder that also included changes to size and bag limits, and the establishment of a new stocking program designed to help rebuild the state’s flounder population over time.
For South Carolina residents, the cost of an annual saltwater recreational fishing license will increase from $10 to $15, bringing South Carolina’s saltwater recreational license fees for residents in line with neighboring states (Ga.: $15; N.C.: $16). This represents the first increase in the state’s saltwater license fee in two decades.
