Can I Keep?Shrimp Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational shrimp 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 Shrimp rules in South Carolina
- Where
- Taking shrimp without bait (all waters)
- Bag limit
- 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per day (sunrise to sunrise) per boat, per person if no boat is used, or per seining party
- Season
- Closed: Dec. 16 - Apr. 30
- 12 dozen dead or live shrimp allowed per boat during closed season.
- See Crustacean and Shellfish Methods and Devices for Shrimp Seine Gear Restrictions (see above).
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 53 (PDF page 55), table "CRUSTACEANS & SHELLFISH REGULATIONS", section "SHRIMP".
- Statutory basis (S.C. Code of Laws, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c005.php): S.C. Code § 50-5-1105
- Where
- Shrimp baiting (all waters)
- Bag limit
- 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per day (sunrise to sunrise) per set of poles
- Season
- 2026 Shrimp baiting season Sept. 11 (Noon) - Nov. 9 (Noon)
- Participants must have a shrimp baiting license.
- License holders, while shrimping from a boat, may be assisted by a resident who is not required to have a shrimp baiting license.
- Shrimp caught over bait cannot be sold.
- No more than 10 poles can be used per license per day. Poles must be marked with reflective tape and may not exceed 1-inch in diameter and each pole must have a numbered tag attached which corresponds with the shrimp baiting license.
- No more than 10 poles can be used per boat.
- All poles of a licensed set must be within 100 linear yards of each other and sets of poles must be at least 25 yards apart. Poles may not be set within 50 yards of any dock, public landing or boat ramp. Unattended poles will be confiscated.
- Owners of private docks or persons with written permission may bait from those docks once properly licensed and with numbered tag displayed.
- Shrimp pots or traps are prohibited.
- Cast nets used for taking shrimp over bait must have a minimum mesh size of 1/2-inch square (1-inch stretch).
- Individuals who may NOT obtain a shrimp baiting license are: 1) owners or officers of a corporation which owns a vessel specified on a trawl license; 2) masters of a vessel specified on a trawl license; 3) licensed to use a channel net; 4) licensed to use a cast net for a commercial purpose; 5) licensed as a wholesale seafood dealer.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 53 (PDF page 55), table "CRUSTACEANS & SHELLFISH REGULATIONS", section "SHRIMP".
Quick answers
How many shrimp can I keep in South Carolina?
48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per day (sunrise to sunrise) per boat, per person if no boat is used, or per seining party (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is shrimp season in South Carolina?
Closed: Dec. 16 - Apr. 30. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Shrimp limits in other states →
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in South Carolina
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.