By Captain Jason Webber, USCG-licensed captain, Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing, Murrells Inlet, SC.
The short answer: no, you do not
No. If you are fishing with us on a licensed South Carolina charter boat, you do not need your own fishing license. Ours covers everyone aboard: adults, kids, first-timers, out-of-state visitors, all of you. There is no form to fill out and nothing to buy before you show up at the dock.
We get this question more than almost any other, and we think we know why. Most states make you buy a license for just about everything, and nobody wants to find out at 6am on the dock that they were supposed to handle paperwork three weeks ago. So here is the rule in plain language.
Why your guests are covered
South Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license to harvest marine resources if you are 16 or older. SCDNR specifically exempts anyone fishing as a passenger on a licensed for-hire vessel while under hire. The obligation sits with the operator, not the customer. We carry the licence for the boat, Captain Jason carries his USCG credentials, and that is what makes your day legal.
What the charter has to carry
- An annual South Carolina charter vessel licence for the boat, tiered by how many passengers it carries.
- A US Coast Guard captain’s licence for the person running the boat.
- Federal permits for certain target species, which we hold for the trips that need them.
You will never see any of that paperwork. It is our job. The full text of the requirement is on saltwaterfishing.sc.gov, and the general rules are summarised on South Carolina eRegulations.
The one exception that catches people out
The exemption covers you while you are under hire on the licensed vessel. It does not follow you off the boat. If you fish from the beach, a pier, a dock, a bank or your own boat during the same trip and you are 16 or older, you need your own South Carolina saltwater licence for that. A lot of visitors fish the surf one evening and the charter the next morning; the charter morning is covered, the surf evening is on you.
What about kids?
Under 16 needs no licence anywhere in South Carolina saltwater, on the boat or off it. On our boat they are covered twice over. Kids of all ages are welcome, and the 4-Hour Reef & Wreck Charter inside 15 miles is the trip most families start with.
What else is included besides the licence
Every charter comes with a USCG-licensed captain and an experienced first mate, all rods, reels, tackle and bait, coolers and ice for your catch, and fish cleaning at the dock on request. Bring food, non-glass drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and soft-soled shoes. If you are new to boats, our seasickness guide is worth five minutes before you come.
Where to check the rules yourself
We would rather you read the source than take our word for it. The licence rules and the passenger exemption are published by SCDNR on saltwaterfishing.sc.gov. We do not publish licence fee amounts here because they change and, for our guests, they do not apply.
Ready to go? check live availability or call (843) 231-5453. Questions first? Use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a South Carolina fishing license to go on a charter?
No. Passengers fishing under hire on a licensed South Carolina charter vessel are exempt. The boat’s licence covers everyone aboard.
Do children need a fishing license in South Carolina?
No. Anyone under 16 does not need a saltwater fishing licence in South Carolina, on a charter or from shore.
Does the charter license cover me if I fish from the pier or the beach?
No. The exemption only applies while you are on the licensed boat under hire. Fishing from a pier, beach, dock or your own boat at 16 or older needs your own licence.
What license does a South Carolina charter boat have to carry?
An annual state charter vessel licence sized to the boat’s passenger capacity, a US Coast Guard captain’s licence for the operator, and federal permits for certain species.