South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2025

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.

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.

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 at dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html.

BAIT & TACKLE

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.