Spadefish Regulations in South Carolina (2026)

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Recreational spadefish 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

14-inch TL (state waters)

Bag limit

20 per person per day aggregate with no more than 10 of any one…

Season

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

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Spadefish rules in South Carolina

Where: State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
Size limit: 14-inch TL (state waters)
Bag limit: 20 per person per day aggregate with no more than 10 of any one species
Possession: 30 per boat per day (state 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.
30 per boat per day (state waters)
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 51 (PDF page 53), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "ALL OTHER SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX SPECIES".
Statutory basis (S.C. Code of Laws, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c005.php): S.C. Code § 50-5-1705(O); S.C. Code § 50-5-1710(B)(7)

Official source

Where: Federal waters (ocean)
Bag limit: 20 per person per day aggregate with no more than 10 of any one species

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.
30 per boat per day (state waters)
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 51 (PDF page 53), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX", section "ALL OTHER SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX SPECIES".

Official source

Quick answers

What is the spadefish size limit in South Carolina?

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

How many spadefish can I keep in South Carolina?

20 per person per day aggregate with no more than 10 of any one species (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is spadefish 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.