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:

• * fishing off a licensed commercial public fishing pier,
• * fishing off a licensed for-hire vessel (charter and headboats),
• * taking shrimp over bait (still required to have Shrimp Baiting License)
• * fishing with 3 or fewer drop nets,
• * fishing with 3 or fewer fold-up traps, and
• * fishing with 3 or fewer handlines with a single bait and no hooks (chicken necking).

A South Carolina resident 64 years or older may obtain a statewide lifetime hunting & fishing license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing. A person who has been a South Carolina resident for at least one year, and has been determined to be totally disabled, may obtain a statewide fishing & hunting license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing.

Revenue generated from Saltwater Recreational Fishing License sales will be used for the direct benefit of South Carolina’s marine recreational fisheries. – SCDNR

The same Saltwater Recreational Fishing License fees remain:

• * 14-day Resident – $5
• * Annual Resident – $10
• * 14-day Non-Resident – $11
• * Annual Non-Resident – $35

Most people don’t ever set a record for anything, including record-sized fish, but Terry McConnell, from Eastanolle, GA, has not only set a S.C. record, but he also tied the striped bass record set back in ’67 for his home state. On top of that, McConnell’s fish replaces his own S.C. all-tackle record for freshwater striped bass: a 59 lb. 8 oz. striped bass caught back in 2002 on Lake Hartwell. I think it’s safe to say this guy has the fish God’s on his side!

SCDNR has added Terry’s striped bass from Lake Russell as the current fresh water record at 67 lbs. – beating the previous one by over 3lbs.

There are strict guidelines for setting new records in S.C.: they must be caught by sport means, using standard tackle or pole & line or, in the case of bowfishing, bow & arrow. Fish caught in nets & traps or on trotlines & set hooks will not be considered.

Obviously Mr. McConnell from Eastanolle, GA knows a thing or two about fishing – congratulations!