The SC Department of Natural Resources is hosting two free fishing clinics in April: the first will be on Friday, April 10th, and the second clinic will be Friday, April 17.
On Friday, April 10th, SCDNR is hosting a Saltwater Pier Fishing Clinic at the Hunting Island State Park pier from 9am to 12pm.
• What to bring: Dress is casual. Check the weather report and dress appropriately as you will be outside. Other items to consider bringing include a hat, sunglasses, bug spray and reusable water bottle. All fishing supplies will be provided for the duration of the clinic. This is a catch-and-release clinic, only.
• Fishing License: If you are planning on fishing during the clinic and you are 16 years or older, you must have a valid SC saltwater fishing license. You can either purchase one online here or you can purchase one at our SCDNR Titling Offices. You can also buy a license at Walmart, sporting goods stores, or tackle shops.
• Costs: The clinic is free of charge, however, you must pay the entrance fee into the park UNLESS you are staying there. Entrance fee will be paid at the Nature Center at the Hunting Island Pier. Fees are: $8/adult, $5 SC seniors, $4/children age 6-15, free for children 5 and younger. Pre-registration is required, and you can register at this link.
• Weather: Clinics are held rain or shine unless hazardous weather occurs
• Parking: The instructional part of the clinic will take place at the pier classroom. Then we will walk down the pier to fish. The pier is located past the main entrance to the park. You will see a sign to the left right before you get to the bridge to go to Fripp Island.
On Friday, April 17th, SCDNR is hosting a Saltwater Fishing Clinic at Nemours Plantation in Yemassee. In partnership with Nemours Plantation and the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, SCDNR is offering the clinic for anyone interested in learning how to fish. When pre-registering for the event, please choose a morning OR an afternoon clinic.
We will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch! Then, we will fish for the remaining time of the clinic in one of the impoundments.
• Morning Time: 9AM-12PM & Afternoon Time: 1-4PM
• Clinic: SCDNR will conduct the teaching portion inside the classroom. We will have signs to guide you to the location. Then we walk to the impoundment. We will help you with casting, tying knots, baiting, and what to do if you catch a fish. Rods and reels, bait, and tackle are provided for the duration of the clinic. This is a catch-and-release clinic. You must have a valid SC saltwater fishing license if you are 16 and older.
• What to bring: Dress is casual. Check the weather report and dress appropriately as you will be outside. Other items to consider bringing include a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray,possibly a lunch, snacks, and reusable water bottle(s). You can have your saltwater fishing license as a screenshot on your phone or have it in your pocket, bag, or wallet.
• Costs: The program is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. You can register at this link.
• Weather: This clinic will be held if the weather is good; if it is too windy and/or rainy, we will postpone.
• Parking: Just park in the parking lot and follow the signs.
SCDNR Fishing Clinics are introductory classes to saltwater fishing. The pier fishing clinics will teach you skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and the best part is everyone will get to try their hand at pier fishing. Kids from ages 6 to adults are welcome, so come out and play, enjoy the outdoors, and make this a Fishing Fun Day.
