Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! As someone who’s been covering South Carolina’s seafood industry for years, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about shrimp season in the Palmetto State. Whether you’re a recreational shrimper or just love fresh local seafood, this guide’s got you covered!
When Does Shrimp Season Start in South Carolina?
The 2025 commercial shrimp season in South Carolina’s provisional waters typically opens in spring, usually between May and June. Here’s what you need to know
- Provisional Opening: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) opened provisional waters for trawling on May 29, 2025
- General Trawling Areas: Waters from 3 nautical miles seaward to the federal waters boundary
- Peak Season: June through December
- Season Length: Usually runs 4-5 months depending on conditions
Why Does the Start Date Vary?
The SCDNR determines the opening date based on several factors
- Water temperature
- Shrimp size and population
- Environmental conditions
- Scientific sampling data
- Historical trends
Types of SC Shrimp You Can Catch
In South Carolina waters, we’ve got three main types of shrimp:
-
White Shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus)
- Most common commercially harvested species
- Peak season: Late summer through fall
- Sweet, tender meat
-
Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus)
- Available in early summer
- Firmer texture
- Slightly stronger flavor
-
Pink Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum)
- Less common
- Usually caught in deeper waters
- Available spring through summer
Recreational Shrimping Guidelines
If you’re planning to do some recreational shrimping, here’s what ya need to know:
Required Licenses and Permits:
- Saltwater Recreational Fishing License
- Commercial License (if selling catch)
- Cast Net License (if using cast nets)
Catch Limits:
- Personal Use: 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per day
- Cast Net Limit: 48 quarts whole shrimp per day
- Boat Limit: 48 quarts per boat per day
Best Spots for Shrimping in South Carolina
I’ve found these locations to be particularly productive:
- Charleston Harbor
- Beaufort County waters
- Bulls Bay
- North Santee Bay
- Winyah Bay
Tips for Successful Shrimping
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
-
Best Times:
- Dawn and dusk are prime times
- Incoming tides usually most productive
- Full moon periods often yield better catches
-
Equipment Needed:
- Cast net or seine net
- Bucket or cooler
- Ice for preserving catch
- Proper lighting for night shrimping
-
Conservation Tips:
- Follow size and quantity limits
- Release undersized shrimp
- Avoid disturbing marine habitats
Economic Impact of Shrimp Season
The shrimping industry is crucial to South Carolina’s economy:
- Creates hundreds of local jobs
- Supports coastal communities
- Attracts tourism
- Provides fresh seafood to local restaurants
Storing and Preparing Your Catch
Once you’ve got your shrimp, here’s how to handle them:
Storage Tips:
- Keep on ice immediately after catching
- Store at 32-38°F
- Use within 2-3 days if fresh
- Can freeze for up to 6 months
Quick Recipe Ideas:
- Lowcountry Boil
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Fried Shrimp
- Shrimp and Grits
Environmental Considerations
As responsible shrimpers, we should:
- Follow sustainable fishing practices
- Report any unusual conditions to SCDNR
- Properly dispose of fishing waste
- Respect marine habitats
Weather and Safety Tips
Before heading out:
- Check local weather forecasts
- Ensure proper safety equipment
- Let someone know your plans
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen
The 2025 South Carolina shrimp season looks promising! Remember to check SCDNR’s website for updates and regulation changes throughout the season. Whether you’re a first-timer or experienced shrimper, following these guidelines will help ensure a successful and sustainable harvest.
Y’all stay safe out there and happy shrimping! Don’t forget to share your catches with us – we love seeing what our local waters produce!
Note: Regulations and dates may change. Always check with SCDNR for the most current information before heading out.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Fresh shrimp on the IOP
You don’t even have to leave the Isle of Palms for solid shrimp options.
Simmons Seafood is located in the same shopping center as Jeff’s Bagel Run, which I covered in that last blog. Pick up bagels for breakfast, and shrimp for supper!
Simmons has been in business since 1947, so they really know their stuff. They have fresh local jumbo shrimp available, plus just about every other kind of seafood out there. Local catch includes fresh flounder fillets, stone crab claws harvested east of the Cooper River, little neck clams, swordfish, wahoo, red snapper and mahi mahi. They’re located at 1400 Palm Boulevard, on the other end of Ocean Park Plaza from Jeff’s.
You can find delicious shrimp, prepared and ready for you to eat at several terrific Isle of Palms restaurants. Some of our favorites include:
- Long Island Café in the Harris-Teeter shopping center;
- Islander 71 at the Marina;
- The Boathouse at Breach Inlet;
- Acme Lowcountry Kitchen on JC Long Boulevard;
- Coda del Pesce on Front Beach.
Catching South Carolina Shrimp
The waters of South Carolina are home to three kinds of shrimp – white, brown and pink. The first two are the most common here, and all three taste about the same. White shrimp is caught in late spring, including the prized extra plump roe white shrimp. Brown shrimp are generally caught in the summer, and then the next generation of white shrimp arrive in the early fall.
Read all about them on the SC Department of Natural Resources’ website.
Most recreational shrimping’s done from an open flat boat at night, since that’s when shrimp move in to shallow waters to feed. The traditional technique involves setting poles to mark your spot and throwing downs some bait balls (fish meal that’s been mixed with clay or mud). Wait a while for those balls to do their thing, then cast nets near the poles, catching shrimp as they nosh.
Each year, approximately 500,000 pounds of shrimp are caught by this baiting method.
If you’re not quite keen on catching them yourself, no worries. There are plenty of places to get your shrimp fix.
It’s Shrimping Season In South Carolina
FAQ
What months are shrimp in season in South Carolina?
The popular white shrimp season begins in September and lasts through December. There are so many places along our coast to buy fresh local seafood.
What months are good for shrimp?
White Shrimp — White shrimp are prized for their large size, their tender texture, and their mild flavor. They are great for shrimp boils, Louisiana BBQ shrimp, and other preparations where they can soak in the flavors of the dish and their texture really stands out. White shrimp season is April through December.
Where to catch shrimp in SC?
The recreational harvest of brown shrimp by cast nets and seines takes place in the state’s tidal creeks, usually starting in early June. White shrimp are first caught in the creeks in late July or early August and have usually moved into the ocean by late October.
What is the limit on shrimp in SC?
The possession limit is ninety-six quarts of whole shrimp or fifty-eight quarts of headed shrimp while not on the waters or lands immediately adjacent to the waters unless a person has in possession a bill of lading or receipt showing that the shrimp have been purchased from a licensed retail or wholesale dealer.