SC surges to top 5 fishing state for 2026. Here's why it's becoming so popular.

Damian Bertrand, The State on Mar 25, 2026

Published in Outdoors

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina has become a pretty big catch among fishermen and women.

The Palmetto State has rivers, lakes, mountain streams, salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean, which allow anyone with a fishing license to catch to their heart’s content.

With over 1,000 public fishing spots, SC has developed into a premier destination for fishing, becoming the fourth-best state in the nation to catch some fish in 2026, tying with North Carolina, according to a recent study from FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides.

This is a huge increase from last year’s ranking, where South Carolina was only the 11th best state in the nation to fish in.

So what’s driving this surge in popularity?

Why SC surged in ranking

It wasn’t just one factor that made SC the fourth-best state to fish in, according to FishingBooker. SC climbed in the rankings because it has a broad appeal and reliable infrastructure, especially along its coastline.

SC’s biggest strength comes down to its consistent appeal among anglers, in and out of state, for its productive inshore and nearshore fisheries.

The demand for fishing in SC is met with capable infrastructure, as it supports a busy charter scene and widespread coastal access, which firmly positions SC among the top five fishing states.

Ultimately, SC stays competitive in the fishing scene because of the quality of its fishing. Shallow-water action for redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder defines much of the coast, while nearshore and offshore waters produce King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper and Billfish.

Top 5 fishing states

While SC has surged in popularity since last year for fishing, there are still three other states that outrank the Palmetto State. Here are the top five fishing states in the nation:

— No. 1 Florida - 123 points

— No. 2 Maryland - 122.5 points

— No. 3 Michigan - 119.5 points

— No. 4/5 North Carolina - 115.5 points

— No. 4/5 South Carolina - 115.5 points

How the states were ranked

Points are given based on four main categories. The total number of points determines the state’s rankings. The categories included:

— Anglers’ Interest. Criteria that fall under this category include saltwater fishing percentage, freshwater fishing percentage and share of paid fishing license holders. South Carolina earned 46 out of 55 points.

— Facilities. Criteria that fall under this category include the number of marinas, the number of fishing gear stores and the number of bait and tackle shops. South Carolina earned 22 out of 40 points.

— Financial. Criteria that fall under this category include the affordability of a guided four-hour fishing trip, the affordability of a guided eight-hour fishing trip and the price of an annual non-resident fishing license. South Carolina earned 38.5 out of 85 points.

— Geography. Criteria that fall under this category include the share of state area covered by water and miles of shoreline. South Carolina earned nine points out of 45 points.

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