Cubera, Yellowtail, Gray Regulations in South Carolina (2026)

Recreational cubera, yellowtail, gray 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.

Size limit

12-inch TL

Bag limit

10 per person per day from this group

Season

There are no closed seasons in state waters (out to 3 miles offshore).

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Cubera, Yellowtail, Gray rules in South Carolina

Where: State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
Size limit: 12-inch TL
Bag limit: 10 per person per day from this group
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.
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "PORGIES AND SNAPPERS".

Official source

Where: Federal waters (ocean)
Size limit: 12-inch TL
Bag limit: 10 per person per day from this group

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.
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "PORGIES AND SNAPPERS".

Official source

Quick answers

What is the cubera, yellowtail, gray size limit in South Carolina?

12-inch TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many cubera, yellowtail, gray can I keep in South Carolina?

10 per person per day from this group (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is cubera, yellowtail, gray 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.

More reef fish in South Carolina

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.