Shrimp baiting — SC Code § 50-5-1100 and § 50-5-1105

Governed by SC Code § 50-5-1100 (Lawful and unlawful taking of shrimp; penalties). § 50-5-1100(B): "The department shall establish annually a sixty-day open season between September 1 and November 15 for taking shrimp over baited areas. The sixty days may but are not required to be consecutive." So the season is set each year by SCDNR, not fixed in statute. § 50-5-1100(C): a shrimp baiting licence and associated tags are required; SCDNR issues ten marking-device tags bearing the licence number; a licensed resident shrimping from a boat may be assisted in casting by other residents aboard who need no licence of their own. § 50-5-1100(E): resident shrimp baiting licence and tags $25; nonresident $500; duplicate licence $25 resident / $100 nonresident; duplicate tag $1 resident / $4 nonresident. § 50-5-1100(F): each bait deposit must be marked by a pole not exceeding one inch in diameter driven into the ground with the DNR tag attached; each pole plainly marked with reflective tape; ten-pole limit per boat per day (ten per person if no boat); no more than 100 yards between first and last pole; minimum 25 yards between sets of poles; poles may not be left unattended; no poles set within fifty yards of a dock, public landing or boat ramp; and during the closed season it is unlawful to have aboard any boat any poles or material usable to attract or congregate shrimp. § 50-5-1105(A): catch limit of 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed shrimp per set of poles per day. Penalties under (H)–(M) range from $25–$200 for pole violations up to $2,000–$5,000 plus two-year privilege suspension and seizure of boat/motor/trailer for baiting outside the lawful framework; minimum fines may not be suspended. SCDNR's regulations page directs the public to eregulations.com/southcarolina/fishing for the current-year season dates. Verified 2026-09-04.