Legislature changes requirements for saltwater recreational fishing license

The recent session of the South Carolina General Assembly made changes to the Saltwater Recreational Fishing License effective July 1, 2009. License fees will not change.

The changes will allow better access to information about recreational catch, which will lead to better management of South Carolina’s valuable marine resources.

The changes also ensure that anglers in S.C. will simply need to purchase a single license to fish anywhere in both state and federal saltwaters. Revenue generated from Saltwater Recreational Fishing License sales will be used for the direct benefit of South Carolina’s marine recreational fisheries.

Currently a saltwater recreational fishing license is required for people:
* Harvesting oysters or clams
* Fishing for finfish from a private boat or transporting catch in a private boat.
The new legislation will require a saltwater recreational fishing license for people who also:
* Recreationally fish from shore (beach, bank, private dock, free public pier, etc.)
* Recreationally harvest shrimp and/or crab

You may purchase a license by telephone 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling toll free 1-866-714-3611 or by going online at: www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html.

There are a few exceptions that will allow people to harvest marine resources without a saltwater recreational fishing license including, fishing off a licensed commercial public fishing pier, fishing off a licensed for-hire vessel (charter and headboats), fishing with 3 or fewer fold-up traps, fishing with 3 or fewer drop nets, fishing with 3 or fewer handlines with a single bait and no hooks (chicken necking) and taking shrimp over bait (still required to have Shrimp Baiting License).

A resident of South Carolina sixty four years or older may obtain a statewide lifetime hunting and fishing license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing. A person who has been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year and who is determined to be totally disabled may obtain a statewide fishing and hunting license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing License fees remain at the following:
* Annual Resident – $10
* 14-day Resident – $5
* Annual Non-Resident – $35
* 14-day Non-Resident – $11

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at www.dnr.sc.gov.