Visitor resource
Sea Pines fishing permits and South Carolina saltwater licenses
Planning to fish on your own while you are on Hilton Head Island? Here is what a permit or license involves, and why you do not need to worry about any of it when you fish with Southern Hook.
Fishing with Southern Hook? Your licensing is already covered
You do not need to buy a Sea Pines fishing permit or your own South Carolina saltwater fishing license for a Southern Hook charter. When you fish aboard a licensed for-hire charter, guests are covered by the vessel's South Carolina license, and Captain Ian supplies the rods, reels, tackle and bait. Just show up ready to fish.
This page is for visitors who want to fish independently while vacationing in Sea Pines or on Hilton Head, from the beach, a dock, or the Sea Pines lakes and lagoons. If that is not you, there is nothing here you need to do before your trip. When you are ready, request a charter and we will take care of the rest.
Sea Pines fishing permit (to fish on your own inside Sea Pines)
Sea Pines is a private resort community, so fishing its waters on your own, for example the stocked freshwater lakes in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve or the community lagoons, calls for a Sea Pines fishing permit.
- Who needs one: rental and resort guests. Property owners fish with their Property Owner ID instead, and can obtain a permit in advance for a guest they will not accompany.
- Shore or ocean only: if you are fishing only from the shore or ocean and not on Sea Pines property, you do not need a Sea Pines permit, only the South Carolina license described below.
- Cost: $5 per permit, which covers a group of up to 5 people, or $10 for groups of 6 to 10. Cash only.
- Where to get it: the Sea Pines CSA Administration Building, 175 Greenwood Drive, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours it is available from the Dispatch Office. Rental guests should bring their Sea Pines guest pass.
- Good to know: the Forest Preserve lakes are reserved for property owners, their guests and resort guests. Bream fishing there is catch and release, and minnow bait is not allowed in the Forest Preserve. Swimming and wading in Sea Pines waterways is not permitted.
Rules and fees are set by Sea Pines and can change. For the current details, see the official Sea Pines fishing information.
South Carolina saltwater fishing license (to fish on your own in SC saltwater)
South Carolina requires a recreational saltwater fishing license for anglers fishing on their own. This is separate from any Sea Pines permit and is issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
- Who needs one: anyone 16 or older fishing South Carolina saltwater on their own, including from a private boat, from the beach, surf or shore, from a private or free public dock, or while wading.
- When you do not need your own: when you fish aboard a licensed for-hire charter (the charter's license covers you), or from a licensed commercial public fishing pier.
- Typical options for visitors (non-resident): a 1-day, 7-day or annual saltwater license. Residents have 14-day, annual and 3-year options.
Prices change from time to time, so confirm the current amount when you buy. Get a license only from the official SCDNR site: see the SCDNR saltwater license requirements and buy a license through SCDNR. Avoid third-party resellers.
Common license questions
Do I need a fishing license in Sea Pines?
To fish on your own inside Sea Pines (the Forest Preserve lakes or lagoons), rental and resort guests need a Sea Pines fishing permit. If you are fishing only from the shore or ocean, you need a South Carolina saltwater license instead. On a Southern Hook charter, you need neither, you are covered.
Where do I get a Sea Pines fishing permit?
At the Sea Pines CSA Administration Building, 175 Greenwood Drive, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (after hours from the Dispatch Office). It is $5 for up to 5 people, cash only. See the official Sea Pines fishing page.
Can guests fish the Sea Pines lagoons and lakes?
Eligible rental and resort guests can, with a Sea Pines fishing permit. The stocked Forest Preserve lakes are reserved for property owners, their guests and resort guests, and bream fishing there is catch and release.
Do I need a South Carolina saltwater license to fish from the beach in Hilton Head?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older fishing from the beach, surf or shore on their own needs a South Carolina recreational saltwater license from SCDNR.
Do I need to buy a fishing license before my Southern Hook charter?
No. Guests fishing aboard Southern Hook do not need to separately purchase the Sea Pines fishing permit or their own individual SCDNR recreational saltwater license for the charter. Guests are covered by the charter, and gear is provided. Request a trip and just bring what you would like to eat and drink.
Keep exploring
Skip the paperwork, just fish
Book a private charter with Southern Hook and your licensing and gear are handled. Send your dates and Ian will take it from there.