Can I Keep?Blueline Tilefish Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational blueline tilefish rules in South Carolina saltwater, as published by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Blueline Tilefish rules in South Carolina
- Where
- State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
- Bag limit
- 2 per person per day in federal waters, 3 per person per day in state waters; included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit
- Season
- There are no closed seasons in state waters (out to 3 miles offshore).
- Recreational, for-hire, and commercial fishermen are required to use dehooking tools and to possess a descending device that is ready for use when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species. They are also required to use non-stainless, non-offset circle hooks when fishing with hook and line and natural baits for snapper-grouper species.
- Included in 3 grouper aggregate bag limit.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "GROUPER AND TILEFISH".
- Where
- Federal waters (ocean)
- Bag limit
- 2 per person per day in federal waters, 3 per person per day in state waters; included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit
- Season
- Sept. 1, 2026 - Apr. 30, 2027
- Recreational, for-hire, and commercial fishermen are required to use dehooking tools and to possess a descending device that is ready for use when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species. They are also required to use non-stainless, non-offset circle hooks when fishing with hook and line and natural baits for snapper-grouper species.
- Included in 3 grouper aggregate bag limit.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "GROUPER AND TILEFISH".
Quick answers
How many blueline tilefish can I keep in South Carolina?
2 per person per day in federal waters, 3 per person per day in state waters; included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is blueline tilefish season in South Carolina?
There are no closed seasons in state waters (out to 3 miles offshore).. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Blueline Tilefish limits in other states →
More reef fish in South Carolina
- Black Grouper
- Black Sea Bass
- Coney, Graysby, Red Hind & Rock Hind
- Cubera, Yellowtail, Gray
- Gag
- Golden Tilefish
- Gray Triggerfish
- Greater Amberjack
- Hogfish
- Lane Snapper
- Misty & Yellowedge Grouper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nassau & Goliath Grouper
- Red Grouper
- Red Porgy
- Red Snapper
- Sand Tilefish
- Scamp
All South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Most anglers need a South Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.