General Information South Carolina, located along the eastern Atlantic coast north of Georgia, was the eighth state to ratify the Constitution. It is a 30,207-square-mile area with many natural resources from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic beaches, island communities, and inland swamps and waterways. Rich with Cherokee Indian heritage, South Carolina's mild climate and warm temperatures are popular among travelers. Capital City: Columbia Largest City: Columbia National Parks and Forests: Big South Fork National River Recreation Area Cherokee National Forest Francis Marion National Forest Obed Wild and Scenic River Thomas Sumter National Forest Sport Fishing South Carolina has a wealth of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities available to anglers. Approximately 200 miles of trout waters in the Piedmont (the upper part of the state below the Blue Ridge Mountains) are stocked with predominantly rainbow trout, although some brook and brown trout are taken. "Up Country," or northern South Carolina, has several lakes, ponds and reservoirs that offer good angling for smallmouth and largemouth bass, striped bass, pickerel, perch, catfish, black and white bass, crappie, and bream. Inshore saltwater fishing for red drum, striped bass, spotted sea trout, croaker and whiting is common. Offshore anglers pursue mackerel, tarpon, bluefish, cobia, amberjack, barracuda, snapper, and grouper. Bluewater boaters who fish the Gulf Stream, only 40 miles off South Carolina shores, encounter marlin and some billfish on occasion. Hunting South Carolina's Wildlife Management Areas, "Up Country" forests, swamps and low country provide habitat for an array of animals and birds. White-tailed deer, feral hog, and bear are popular among big-game hunters. Wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel, fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, mourning dove, ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, common snipe, marsh hen and waterfowl are indigenous to South Carolina and can be legally taken. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.