Sand Tilefish Regulations in South Carolina (2026)

Recreational sand 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.

Bag limit

3 per person

Season

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

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Sand Tilefish rules in South Carolina

Where: State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
Bag limit: 3 per person per day; 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".

Official source

Where: Federal waters (ocean)
Bag limit: 3 per person per day; included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit

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".

Official source

Quick answers

How many sand tilefish can I keep in South Carolina?

3 per person per day; included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is sand 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.

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.