Can I Keep?American and Hickory Shad Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational american and hickory shad rules in South Carolina saltwater, as published by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational American and Hickory Shad rules in South Carolina
- Where
- All state waters (all waters)
- Bag limit
- Except as provided in this section, a person taking or attempting to take shad by cast net, skim-bow net, or by hook and line including rod and reel may take or possess no more than an aggregate of ten American and hickory shad in any one day.
- No shad taken by cast net, skim-bow net, or by hook and line including rod and reel may be sold, offered for sale, or purchased. In freshwaters, a person must hold a freshwater fishing license.
- Where
- Santee River (hook and line)
- Bag limit
- A person taking or attempting to take shad by hook and line including rod and reel in the Santee River may take or possess no more than an aggregate of twenty American and hickory shad in any one day.
Quick answers
How many american and hickory shad can I keep in South Carolina?
Except as provided in this section, a person taking or attempting to take shad by cast net, skim-bow net, or by hook and line including rod and reel may take or possess no more than an aggregate of ten American and hickory shad in any one day. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
More inshore in South Carolina
- Atlantic Croaker
- Black Drum
- Flounder
- Gafftopsail Catfish
- Hardhead Catfish
- Herring
- Red Drum
- Sheepshead
- Spot
- Spotted Seatrout
- Striped Bass
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
- Weakfish
- Whiting
All South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Most anglers need a South Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.