S.C. Code Regs. 123-127 - Taking Eels and Catfish in Certain Waters

1. This rule and regulation regulates the taking of eels in the following waters of this State: In Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, the Diversion Canal connecting the lakes and the Tail Canal down to the Seabord Coastal Railroad Bridge located three thousand three hundred (3,300') feet downstream from the lock and deck of the Jeffries Hydro Plant.

2. There shall be no limit on the number of eels taken.

3. All persons actively engaged in the taking of eels in such waters are required to have a valid S. C. statewide fishing license as provided for under Section 50-9-450.

4. Eels may be taken legally from those waters subject to this rule and regulation only with the following equipment and gear:

a. Pots and baskets not to exceed two (2') feet in diameter and four (4') feet in length with bar mesh of not less than one (1"') inch square. Each such pot or basket shall be tagged and marked in accordance with the provisions of Sections 50-19-2910 and 50-19-2920, with the cost of each such tag being one ($1.00) dollar.

Provided, that no pots or baskets may be set or used in the Tail Canal and the tributaries thereto; and no pots or baskets shall be allowed to be set or used within one-quarter ( 1/4 ) of a mile of shore in Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie.

b. Hand operated dip nets not to exceed two (2') feet in diameter.

5. Those types of equipment and gear authorized for use in taking eels from such waters shall be used only where fishing is legal; and any eel basket, pot or dip net which is used in any manner in violation of this rule and regulation, and any device or equipment which is used in such waters for the taking of eels which is not authorized herein, shall be confiscated by the S.C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department; and the Department shall dispose of such equipment and any catch found therein in the manner it deems appropriate.

6. Any game fish taken by use of eel pots, baskets or dip nets in such waters shall be returned immediately to the waters from whence they came.

7. All of the provisions of this rule and regulation shall be applicable in full to the taking of catfish from such waters.

8. The penalty for the violation of this Rule and Regulation shall be that prescribed by Section 50-19-1930.

Notes

S.C. Code Regs. 123-127