Regulations & Licenses

South Carolina residents born before July 1, 1940 qualify for a lifetime fishing license exemption and need no permit.

South Carolina residents born before July 1, 1940 qualify for a free statewide fishing and hunting license through the department.

South Carolina senior lifetime hunting and fishing license rules require residents to reach age sixty-five instead of sixty-four.

South Carolina residents fish without a license during designated free days, while nonresidents must still purchase permits.

South Carolina residents learn when annual free fishing days occur, which rules apply, and who qualifies for license exemptions.

South Carolina free fishing days apply exclusively to state residents, requiring nonresidents to purchase valid fishing licenses.

South Carolina residents and visitors can fish without buying a freshwater license during the July 4, 2026, state event.

South Carolina Free Freshwater Fishing Day on May 25, 2026, lets residents and nonresidents fish without buying licenses.

South Carolina nonresident annual saltwater fishing licenses cost $75 and cover marine catches for one full year.

South Carolina nonresident saltwater fishing licenses are compared by cost to help anglers choose between annual and seven-day options.