Can I Keep?Gag Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational gag 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 Gag rules in South Carolina
- Where
- State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
- Size limit
- 24-inch TL
- Bag limit
- Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day. Two fish vessel limit in federal waters.
- 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.
- Bag limit for captain and mates on for-hire trip is zero.
- 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)
- Size limit
- 24-inch TL
- Bag limit
- Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day. Two fish vessel limit in federal waters.
- Possession
- Two fish vessel limit in federal waters
- Season
- Aug. 2, 2026 - Apr. 30, 2027 (Gag)
- 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.
- Bag limit for captain and mates on for-hire trip is zero.
- 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
What is the gag size limit in South Carolina?
24-inch TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many gag can I keep in South Carolina?
Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day. Two fish vessel limit in federal waters. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is gag 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
- Black Grouper
- Black Sea Bass
- Blueline Tilefish
- Coney, Graysby, Red Hind & Rock Hind
- Cubera, Yellowtail, Gray
- 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.