New flounder regulations for SC anglers

South Carolina’s new flounder laws become effective July 1, 2021

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the Palmetto State’s new flounder bill into law on June 15, 2021. The new law, which becomes effective on July 1, 2021, changes the minimum size a flounder must be in order to be harvested. It also calls for a reduction in the daily creel limit.

As of July 1, the minimum size limit for flounder in South Carolina’s waters will be 16 inches total length. The creel limit will be five flounder per person, per day, not to exceed 10 flounder per day in one boat.

The saltwater fishing license fee will also increase for residents, nonresidents, and charter vessels. A minimum of five dollars from each license sale will be used to fund a flounder stocking program.

New price list for recreational saltwater license:

Residents:

• 14-day saltwater fishing license: $10
• 1-year saltwater fishing license: $15
• 3-year saltwater fishing license:  $30

Nonresidents:

• 1-day saltwater fishing license: $10
• 7-day saltwater fishing license: $35
• 1-year saltwater fishing license: $75

Charter vessels:

Charter vessels carrying up to six passenger will pay a yearly fee of $275 for residents, $550 for nonresidents.

Charter vessels carrying up to 49 passengers will pay a yearly fee of $450 for residents, $900 for nonresidents.

Charter vessels carrying 50 or more passengers will pay a yearly fee of $650 for residents, $1300 for nonresidents.