Why It Matters: While it is a relatively small state compared to others, South Carolina offers some fantastic fishing experiences which brings in anglers from around the country to enjoy its pristine coastal fisheries. The Palmetto State offers nearly 200 miles of shoreline, loaded with fishing opportunities. Anglers rely on these beaches for various surf fishing opportunities, which provides critical funding for conservation through fishing license sales.
Highlights:
- Last month, the Georgetown County Council was considering an ordinance that would ban surf fishing from public beaches in Georgetown County, SC from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm May 1st through September 30th
- Leaders of the South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus) recently submitted a letter in opposition to the Georgetown County Council expressing their concerns with a blanket ban on surf fishing in Georgetown County.
- Following a strong showing of public opposition, the Georgetown County Council voted to remove the proposed ban from the meeting agenda prior to a scheduled July 22nd final vote.
South Carolinians have a lot to brag about to their fellow hunters and anglers – whether it’s their beautiful beaches that offer relaxing surf fishing opportunities or their diverse public land hunting opportunities. Even with the legislature now out of session, the Caucus has remained engaged and committed to conserving this hunting and angling heritage.
The Caucus opposes the proposed surf fishing ban that would negatively impact conservation efforts and the local economy, both of which benefit from visiting tourists and beachgoers that choose to surf fish Georgetown County’s public beaches. The proposed ban on surf fishing would have likely resulted in a direct loss of fishing license sales, which would lead to a loss of conservation funding through the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding. Additionally, these anglers generate local revenue and taxes when purchasing bait, gear, food, transportation, and lodging to support their surf fishing trips. This ban would penalize both the anglers themselves, the local economy, and conservation funding for all of South Carolina.
In their letter, Caucus leadership stated “A blanket ban on surf fishing altogether during the peak of tourist season is unfair to all those who fish in Georgetown County. If passed, Ordinance Number 25-22 would result in a direct loss of fishing access to our local anglers and the many tourists that frequent our renowned beaches in hopes of a quality fishing experience. It is undeniable that an overarching ban on surf fishing would penalize law-abiding anglers.”
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) commends the Caucus for taking a leadership role at the local level to protect the interests of South Carolina’s sportsmen and women. This win at the local level comes on the heels of a successful legislative session, where House Bill 3872, a bill sponsored by Caucus leadership that would limit the loss of available acreage open to hunting for South Carolina’s sportsmen and women, cleared the House of Representatives unanimously and awaits final passage from the Senate when legislators convene for the 2026 legislative session. These are just two examples that demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of the Caucus and its working relationship with CSF and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.
