Can I Keep?Nassau & Goliath Grouper Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational nassau & goliath grouper 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.
Bag limit
Possession prohibited
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Nassau & Goliath Grouper rules in South Carolina
- Where
- State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
- Bag limit
- Possession prohibited
- If caught must be released by cutting the line and not removing the fish from the water.
- 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 51 (PDF page 53), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX".
- Where
- Federal waters (ocean)
- Bag limit
- Possession prohibited
- Season
- Possession prohibited
- If caught must be released by cutting the line and not removing the fish from the water.
- 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 51 (PDF page 53), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX".
Quick answers
How many nassau & goliath grouper can I keep in South Carolina?
Possession prohibited (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
More reef fish in South Carolina
- Black Grouper
- Black Sea Bass
- Blueline Tilefish
- Coney, Graysby, Red Hind & Rock Hind
- Cubera, Yellowtail, Gray
- Gag
- Golden Tilefish
- Gray Triggerfish
- Greater Amberjack
- Hogfish
- Lane Snapper
- Misty & Yellowedge Grouper
- Mutton Snapper
- 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.