It is shellfish season here in South Carolina, and you can harvest your own oysters and clams. Be sure to have a recreational salt water fishing license. Here are the facts from DNR:
License Requirements:
A South Carolina Resident Saltwater Fishing License is required for individuals catching, attempting to catch, or landing shellfish (oysters or clams). This license is not required for individuals less than 16 years of age or residents holding a valid Gratis Over 65 or Gratis Disability License. Annual license cost $10.00 for residents and $35.00 for nonresidents. South Carolina residents commercially harvesting on State Shellfish Grounds require a commercial saltwater license ($25.00), a commercial shellfish harvester license ($75.00) and a permit for the specific State Shellfish Ground obtained from the Marine Resources Division’s permit coordinator.
Season:
October 1 through May 15, unless conditions warrant shortening or extending the season. Check your local newspaper or call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 953-9300.
It is illegal to harvest shellfish between 1/2 hour after official sunset and 1/2 hour before official sunrise.
Limit on Catch:
Two U.S. Bushels of oysters and/or one-half U.S. Bushel of clams may be harvested per person, per day. Clams must be at least one inch thick. No person may gather more than one personal limit of shellfish on more than two calendar days per any seven day period. There is a maximum possession limit of three personal limits per boat or vehicle or boat and vehicle combination.
Gear Restrictions:
It is unlawful to use scoops, scrapes tongs, or dredges to take shellfish without a permit.
DNR has a great video about harvesting oysters.Watch it here: