SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations, • 2008-2009 •

O.K. Jack;

Here's the most recent South Carolina Regulation updates as I can find them.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's home/main web site is: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's "Saltwater Fishing Regulations" web site section is:

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/saltfishing.pdf

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's "License & Regulations and Summary of Crab Laws and Regulations" for 2008/2009 web site is: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/licenses/pdf/CrabsFY2009.pdf

The above sites are where you will find the following:

Crab, Lobster &
Shellfish Harvesting Blue Crabs

Limit: None (state waters)
Size: 5-inch minimum carapace width (point
to point)
Restrictions:
• Females with egg mass (sponge) must be
returned to water unharmed immediately.
• For recreational purposes no more than two
traps (pots) per person with owner’s name and
address marked on yellow floats only.
Stone Crabs Limit: None (state waters)
Size: Claws must be 2¾-inch minimum
forearm (propodus)
Restrictions:
• Only crabs with 2 claws may have one
removed.
• Only the larger of two claws may be kept.
• It is unlawful to possess any stone crab body,
live or dead.
• No claw may be removed from a female with egg mass.

And: .....

Crab & Shellfish
Methods & Devices Crab Pots (Traps)

Permits/Licenses: None for up to two pots. A
Commercial Saltwater Fishing License, Vessel
Decal, and Gear License are required for over
two pots. (Other information is provided with
licenses.)
Seasons: No closed season
Restrictions:
• If unattended each pot float must bear name
and address or license number of owner.
• No crab pot shall be left unattended in coastal
waters more than 5 days.
• No crab trap or pot may be set within 100 yards
of a public boat landing or launching area, or so as to
left dry at low tide.
• A float attached to a crab pot or trap must be
made of solid, buoyant material which does not
sink upon being punctured or crack ed. The floats
must be constructed of plastic, PVC Spongex,
plastic foam, or cork. The primary float for a
recreational pot or trap must be yellow in color
and at least ten inches in length if rectangular,
cylindrical, or conical and at least five inches in
diameter or width. Round or spherical floats must
be at least six inches in diameter. Buoy lines for
crab pots must be made of nonfloating material.

And that's it, fellers ! That's all ya need to know down here, (for crabbin' least ways.).

Good Crabin' and Fair Skies.

Bubba Joe-Bob