Season restrictions, signed into law last year, for the entire Santee Cooper system (lakes and rivers) for striped bass went into effect June 1. Anglers must not harvest or possess striped bass and must immediately release any stripers caught from June 1 – September 30.

This is considered a first step to combat the population decline of the striped bass fishery in the Santee Cooper system by reducing the amount of fish an angler can harvest, as well as increasing the minimum size limits.

The regulations also include (when applicable):

1. Reduction in creel limits from five to three
2. Points system: increase to 14 points for violation
3. Increase in minimum size limit from 21 inches to 26 inches
  Read more...

George Eleazer, from Irmo, S.C, was on the Broad River when he caught the record 6-pound, 6.3 ounces fish. Eleazer’s fish replaces the South Carolina all-tackle record for freshwater bullhead catfish caught on the Edisto River in 1973.

Congrats George!

You can check all the current South Carolina Freshwater Fish Records online.

The DNR in Columbia maintains all-tackle sportfishing records for freshwater fish and bowfishing records for a few species of nongame freshwater fish. No records are kept for individual line-test categories, for individual bodies of water, or for fish caught in nongame devices. Bowfishing records are kept for three species: common carp, bowfin and longnose gar.   Read more...

License fees aren’t changing, but effective July 1, 2009, SCDNR has made several modifications to existing rules for saltwater fishing across South Carolina’s state and federal waters.

Currently a saltwater recreational fishing license is required for people:

• * Harvesting oysters or clams
• * Fishing for fin-fish from a private boat or transporting catch in a private boat.

The new legislation will also require a saltwater recreational fishing license for:

• * Recreationally fishing from shore (beach, bank, private dock, free public pier, etc.)
• * Recreationally harvesting shrimp and/or crab.

We can purchase a license 24/7 via 1-866-714-3611 or www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html.

There are a few exceptions allowing people to harvest marine resources without a saltwater recreational fishing license:   Read more...

In this short video, S.C. State Senator Chip Campsen explains the Fair Share Water Bill. S.275, among other things, will legislate water withdrawal to balance public and private water needs by ensuring clean, abundant water for everyone.

In related news about water today, the AP is reporting that South Carolina will be allowed to present oral arguments to the Supreme Court as to why utilities and municipalities should stay out of the state’s water dispute with North Carolina.

The U.S. Supreme Court did not give a time frame or issue any other comment in making its decision Monday.
The action is the latest in a battle over the Catawba River basin. In 2007, South Carolina filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop North Carolina from draining the watershed.   Read more...