Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2025 Vacation Guide. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below.
Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.
Test your skills and knowledge against other anglers as you vie for coveted prizes and enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful lakes and coastal waters.
Dive into the heart of the Palmetto State’s rich fishing culture with an exploration of its lively annual fishing events. Here, you can test your skills and knowledge against other anglers, vie for coveted prizes and enjoy the beauty of South Carolina’s beautiful lakes and coastal waters.
Founded in 2006, the Bassmaster Elite Series is a competitive bass fishing tournament circuit organized by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.). Tournament stops are held throughout the state, where professional anglers compete to land the biggest and most fish. This is the highest level of professional bass fishing, and competitors must qualify through one of two opens.
Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Championship is a much-anticipated event in the world of competitive bass fishing. The championship brings together top anglers from across the country who have qualified through their regional BFL tournaments. The tournament has been held on Lake Hartwell, but the location varies.
The South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series is a prestigious tournament that highlights billfishing along the coast of South Carolina. Consisting of several individual tournaments held throughout the fishing season, teams compete to accumulate points based on their catches. At the end of the series, an overall champion is crowned based on the accumulated points from all the tournaments.
South Carolina's many waterways have hosted numerous fishing tournaments.
The Carolinas Bass Challenge is a competitive bass fishing tournament series that operates in both North Carolina and South Carolina. With multiple events held throughout the year, the challenge attracts anglers of all skill levels who compete for cash prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights.
The Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, held annually in late May, is a weekend pursuit of blue marlin and other game fish. Now in its 57th year, this tournament attracts anglers from all over the country. Prizes range from $1,500 to a grand prize of $5,000.
Want to get the kiddos in love with fishing, too? Held the first Saturday in August each year in Santee State Park, the Big Daddy Fishing Event for kids ages 3 to 12 is a fun competition with prizes for Biggest Fish and Outstanding Catch.
On the shores of Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park is a popular venue for both large and small fishing tournaments throughout the year. Some of the competitions include bass fishing tournaments organized by local fishing clubs, regional tournament circuits or national organizations; or special competitions for youth anglers, introducing them to the sport of fishing, encouraging conservation efforts and offering educational activities and prizes.
Bait & Tackle
South Carolina offers a unique fishing experience for the entire family.
Stock up on everything you need to land your next catch — and get insider tips and tricks from local anglers — at these renowned bait shops.
Cherry Grove Pier Tackle & Gift Shop, North Myrtle Beach
Built in the 1950s and newly remodeled in 2024, this iconic tackle shop rents rods and offers a complete line of bait, tackle, lures and fishing gear. Make time to linger on the 985-foot Cherry Grove pier with a spectacular two-story observation deck.
Chattooga River Fly Shop, Mountain Rest
At Chattooga River Fly Shop, enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the art of fly tying through expert-led classes. The shop also offers guided fishing trips with seasoned professionals that allow anglers to explore the pristine waters of the Chattooga River.
Jocassee Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, Salem
Jocassee Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service offers a wide range of fly-fishing gear and an expertly curated selection of flies tailored to the waters of Lake Jocassee and the surrounding rivers. Anglers can also embark on fly-fishing trips led by expert guides.
Tackle Loaner Program at SC State Parks
You can check out fishing equipment from one of several South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner Program sites.
No tackle? No problem. The Fish Tackle Loaner Program at South Carolina’s state parks allows visitors to borrow fishing equipment free of charge. This program aims to make fishing more accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level.
Get Your Fishing License
Before heading out on the water, be sure to get a valid South Carolina fishing license, available at local bait shops, outdoors gear stores and online.
Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.
