Clam, oyster season begins; Shellfish beds open again

Today is the official start of clam and oyster season in the Lowcountry, and runs all the way past the "R"s to May 15.

Here's what the S.C. Department of Natural says about the season:
Shellfish harvesters may begin gathering oysters and clams on designated areas one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sundown. Harvesters should be aware the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) would close shellfish beds by specific coastal county if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration places the area under a hurricane warning. ...

The recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams in any one day. 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. Clams must be at least 1 inch in thickness.

You'll also need to get a recreational saltwater fishing license. $10 for South Carolina residents.

Hop over to their Web site for maps of where you should be getting your shellfish at (public land).

After being briefly closed due to Hanna's rainfall S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has reopened shellfish beds.