Hello,

I am new to NANFA, as well as fish collecting. I've become pretty interested in native fish and am excited to get out collecting. I was hoping to get some tips or directions on how to do this.

I live in Indiana, but want to collect in South Carolina where I have family to visit (near NC border). I'm looking for any species of shiner, darter, etc. Any input would be appreciated.

- Is a permit required in SC or NC?

- Do you simply find a public stream or lake and get in?

- Any known good spots for shiners in SC?

- What time of year can I start looking for shiners in SC?

- any other tips.

Thank you for your time,

Evan

Welcome to the native fish-keeping hobby!  Going out and collecting your fish is just as exciting - if not more exciting - than putting them in a tank and watching them.  So happy you are exploring the hobby!  The border between SC and NC is big and covers several physiographic ecoregions and fish communities.  A little more info may help guide you towards good collecting spots, good aquarium specimens, etc.

North Carolina has a very easy-to-read fishing regulations regarding collecting on nongame fish for "personal use". 

http://www.eregulati...sh-regulations/

Get yourself a short-term (10-day) fishing license, adhere to the regulations, and find public access to streams/waterways.

South Carolina nongame regs online show 2018-2019, so I don't know what to tell you there.  The regs also show that if you hold a valid license, you can uses seines and minnow traps, etc, but I don't see dipnet called out.  There is also a nongame fishing permit and tag that can be obtained... So there is a little confusion as to if you need a permit or if valid fishing license will do.  Others can speak up.

https://www.dnr.sc.g...ongameregs.html

Good advice from Unclie WIllie above... regards locations, in most states there is a public right of way anyplace where the road crosses over the river that allows you somewhat public access (unless it looks like someone's yard of course or is fenced off).

As far as specific locations, I will leave that to some of our SC members that are usually here on-line.

Thanks all. To specify, I will be in the Greenville, SC area. However I'm open to driving an our or so in any direction if you know of some good spots.

I'd very much like to find Fieryblack Shiners, which I've read can be found in the area. I've been looking at the FishMap website, so that will probably help a lot too.

UncleWillie that was all great info on the licenses and such. Thank you so much.

Evan Rifkind