New Fishing Seasons Open
South Carolina and Mississippi Open New Recreational Fishing and Oyster Harvesting Seasons
Anonymous
Several fishing seasons open Oct. 1. In South Carolina, recreational oyster and clam harvesting runs through May 15, 2027, in approved waters; harvesters need a saltwater recreational fishing license and are limited to two bushels of oysters and half a bushel of clams per day, with temporary closures possible after storms or pollution events. Mississippi’s oyster season also opens Oct. 1, with recreational harvest limited to three sacks per licensed resident per seven-day period; commercial limits and open areas vary. South Carolina’s Santee Cooper striped bass season reopens the same day, with anglers generally allowed three fish between 23 and 25 inches and one fish over 26 inches; officials encourage checking current regulations and closures before heading out.
Key Points
1
South Carolina recreational shellfish harvesting is limited to two calendar days in any seven-day period. Harvesters are also advised to check updated shellfish-ground maps, since open areas can change from year to year.
2
Mississippi’s October oyster harvest is restricted to Area II “B,” including Waveland and St. Stanislaus reefs, and is open from legal sunrise until noon; harvesting is closed on Sundays.
3
Mississippi’s commercial oyster limits are 15 sacks per resident commercial tonging vessel and 20 sacks per commercial dredging vessel per day. Nonresident commercial tonging vessels are subject to the lower of Mississippi’s 15-sack limit or their home state’s limit.
4
The annual Santee Cooper striped bass closure begins June 15 to protect the fishery. Charter captain Joe Dennis said stripers feed heavily as the water cools, making October through December a good fishing period, and recommended binoculars for spotting schooling fish.
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