Shrimp. The recreational harvest of brown shrimp by cast nets and seines usually starts in early June in the tidal creeks. White shrimp are first caught in the creeks in late July or early August and have usually disappeared by late October. The shrimp baiting fishery, which target white shrimp, is set by law to last 60 days and must start between September 1 and 15. Harvesting by drop nets from docks and seawalls is most popular during the fall as larger white shrimp are moving seaward.

Oysters and Clams. The oyster is one of the most popular local seafood. Recreational harvesting of oysters and clams by individuals for personal consumption is a popular and traditional activity. Harvesting is done by hand at low tide at designated Public Oyster Grounds. It is unlawful to harvest between May 15 and September l annually. A South Carolina Marine Recreational Fisheries Stamp, currently costing $5.50 is required. There is a harvesting limit of two bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams or other per person, per day.

Blue Crabs. Despite its fearsome appearance and aggressive nature, the blue crab is greatly cherished in the South Carolina Lowcounty. Many gourmets prefer the blue crab’s sweet meat to all other locally caught seafood. Recreational fisherman often seeks this interesting animal and it also supports a considerable commercial fishery. Large males often called "Jimmies" by fishermen usually have brilliant blue claws and legs. The bright orange tips on their claws can distinguish the mature female or "sooks". Males typically grow larger than females, sometimes reaching seven or eight inches in point-to-point width. Some males have been reported to grow about ten inches.

The most common type of commercial fishing gear is a crab pot, which is a cubical wire trap with two or four entrance tunnels. The pot has two chambers, a lower chamber which has the entrance funnels and the bait well and an upper chamber that is separated from the lower chamber by a wire partition that has two holes. The blue crab’s natural reaction to confinement is to swim upward. In doing so, they move into the upper chamber, thereby reducing their chances for escape. Another effective recreational method called “dipping” requires a long handled dip net, several yards of string and bait. The bait, usually a chicken neck or fish head, is tied to the string and thrown into the water away from the bank. Once a tug is felt, the crabber pulls the bait and crabs close enough to be quickly dipped from the water and placed into a waiting bucket. Crabs can be caught during all twelve months, but become inactive in winter when water temperature fall below 50-55 degrees F.

If you would like more information on hunting, fishing, and boating, including license fees, hunting rules and regulations, point system for violations, wildlife management areas etc., contact the Department of Natural Resouces, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, or visit their website at www.dnr.state.sc.us

And More

Charleston and the nearby offshore waters offer so many forms of recreation. Here are a few other options to consider:

Kayaking
Rapidly gaining in popularity, Charleston is a perfect place to try this invigorating water sport. It is possible to rent kayaks if you are qualified, but you might consider a guided tour. An experienced guide can lead you through some of the prettiest spots.

Coastal Expeditions
Mt. Pleasant, SC
(843) 884-7684

Skydiving
Yes, skydiving. Walterboro is a 30-minute drive from Charleston and skydiving abounds.

Skydive Walterboro, Inc.
Walterboro, SC
(800) 549-JUMP

Para-Sailing
Strictly a warm weather sport, but thankfully Charleston has plenty of warm weather 8 months of the year. The City Marina offers para-sailing beginning around Mid-April.

The Charleston City Marina
Lockwood Drive
Charleston, SC
(843) 853-4286