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Cooper River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

South Carolina, United States

4.8·194 catches

Top fish species at Cooper River

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Check which species have trophy potential in Cooper River

Cooper River fishing reports

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Blacktip shark

12 in · 1 lb

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Blacktip shark

54 in · 25 lb

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Atlantic stingray

10 in · 2 lb

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Red drum

28 in · 11 lb

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Giant mud crab

2 in · 2 oz

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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General info

Cooper River is a stream located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red drum, Bonnethead shark, and Blacktip shark.

Location

32°08′49.6″N 80°51′10.9″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Cooper River, SC

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in South Carolina can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Red drum

Red drum

Regulation boundarySC State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size25" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Vessel limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Additional information
May only be taken by rod and reel and gig.Cannot be harvested by gig in January, February, or December.May not be harvested from federal waters. When using a 4/0 or larger hook and natural bait, hook must be an inline circle hook. There are no restrictions on hooks smaller than 4/0 and when using artificial lures.
Edibility
Very Good
Synonyms
Channel Bass, Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, Spottail Bass
Season open: year-round
Bonnethead shark

Bonnethead shark

Regulation boundarySC State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Additional information
May only be taken by rod and reel or handline. All sharks must be landed with fins, head and tail naturally attached.
Synonyms
Sphyrna tiburo
Season open: year-round
Blacktip shark

Blacktip shark

Regulation boundarySC State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size54" (Fork Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.

Aggregate limit1

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Vessel limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Additional information
1 shark per vessel per day May only be taken by rod and reel or handline. All sharks must be landed with fins, head and tail naturally attached.
Edibility
Catch, Clean, Cook Blacktip Shark
Synonyms
Carcharhinus limbatus
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Local laws and licenses

South Carolina fishing license

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Reviews of Cooper River

4.8
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9 ratings

5
4
3
2
1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Daufuskie Island

2.1 miles away

Bluffton

6.5 miles away

Hilton Head Island

6.7 miles away

Tybee Island

9.5 miles away

Wilmington Island

12.2 miles away

Hardeeville

14.6 miles away

Port Royal

16.9 miles away

Montgomery

20.5 miles away

Port Wentworth

20.5 miles away

Savannah

20.7 miles away

Ridgeland

22.5 miles away

Beaufort

22.9 miles away

Pooler

23.8 miles away

Georgetown

24.5 miles away

Rincon

24.6 miles away

Fripp Island

25.0 miles away

Dale

29.6 miles away

Coosawhatchie

30.6 miles away

Sheldon

31.4 miles away

Richmond Hill

31.8 miles away

Gillisonville

33.2 miles away

Guyton

35.9 miles away

Edisto Beach

39.0 miles away

Midway

40.9 miles away

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FAQ about Cooper River fishing

📍 Where is the Cooper River located?
the Cooper River is a stream located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Its coordinates are:
32°08′49.6″N 80°51′10.9″W
.
🎣 Where on the Cooper River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Cooper River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Cooper River?
The most common species in the Cooper River are:
📢 What are the latest Cooper River fishing reports?
The latest Cooper River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Cooper River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Cooper River, some of the species in season this November include: Striped bass, Northern red snapper, Cobia, Gag grouper, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Cooper River?

Fishing in South Carolina requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term options, available online or at authorized vendors.

In South Carolina, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 64 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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