Can I Keep?Dolphin Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational dolphin rules in South Carolina saltwater, as published by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
20-inch FL
Bag limit
10 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Dolphin rules in South Carolina
- Where
- Ocean
- Size limit
- 20-inch FL
- Bag limit
- 10 per person per day not to exceed 54 per boat per day. Headboats have no boat limit
- Possession
- not to exceed 54 per boat per day
- For-hire vessels must have a Dolphin Wahoo permit to fish for this species in federal waters.
- Sale of recreational catch is prohibited.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 49 (PDF page 51), table "FINFISH: INSHORE & OFFSHORE", section "OFFSHORE FINFISH".
Quick answers
What is the dolphin size limit in South Carolina?
20-inch FL.
How many dolphin can I keep in South Carolina?
10 per person per day not to exceed 54 per boat per day. Headboats have no boat limit.
More offshore & pelagic in South Carolina
- Atlantic Sharpnose
- Bigeye Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead
- Cobia
- Great White Shark
- King Mackerel
- Longbill Spearfish
- Roundscale Spearfish
- Sailfish
- Sharks
- Spanish Mackerel
- Swordfish
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
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.