Fishing and Boating

In coastal South Carolina [1], because of the large number of islands and wide area of salt marsh [2], life on the water is largely inseparable from life on the land. Fishing and boating are very common pursuits, with species of fish including spotted sea trout, channel bass, flounder, grouper, mackerel, sailfish, whiting, shark, amberjack, and tarpon.

Freshwater fishing on the many manmade lakes in South Carolina is huge business and a major driver of the state’s economy. You’ll find largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie, among many more. Key freshwater fishing locations are Lakes Jocasee and Keowee in the Upstate; the “freshwater coast” along the Savannah River, Lakes Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond; and the twin lakes of the Santee Cooper region, Marion and Moultrie [3].

It’s easy to fish on piers, lakes, and streams, but if you’re over 16 years old you’ll need to get a nonresident fishing license from the state. In South Carolina, a nonresident seven-day license is $11. Go to www.dnr.sc.gov [4] for more information or to purchase a license online.

The most popular places for casual anglers are the various public piers throughout the area. There are public fishing piers at North Myrtle Beach [5], Folly Beach [6], Edisto Beach State Park, and Hunting Island State Park [7]. Two nice little public docks are at the North Charleston Riverfront Park on the grounds of the old Charleston Navy Yard [8], and the Bluffton [9] public landing on the May River. Many fishermen cast off of abandoned bridges unless signage dictates otherwise.

Fishing charters and marinas are ample throughout the region, for both inshore and offshore trips. Details for each destination are in their dedicated chapters.