Can I Keep?Swordfish Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational swordfish rules in South Carolina saltwater, as published by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
47-inch FL from lower jaw OR 25-inch cleithrum to caudal keel
Bag limit
1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Swordfish rules in South Carolina
- Where
- Ocean
- Size limit
- 47-inch FL from lower jaw OR 25-inch cleithrum to caudal keel
- Bag limit
- 1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip
- Possession
- not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip
- May only be taken by rod & reel and handlines. Handlines must be attached to, or remain in contact with, the vessel at all times.
- See https://hmspermits.noaa.gov for for-hire vessel bag limits.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 52 (PDF page 54), table "BILLFISH & ATLANTIC TUNAS", section "BILLFISH".
Quick answers
What is the swordfish size limit in South Carolina?
47-inch FL from lower jaw OR 25-inch cleithrum to caudal keel.
How many swordfish can I keep in South Carolina?
1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip.
Compare Swordfish limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in South Carolina
- Atlantic Sharpnose
- Bigeye Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead
- Cobia
- Dolphin
- Great White Shark
- King Mackerel
- Longbill Spearfish
- Roundscale Spearfish
- Sailfish
- Sharks
- Spanish Mackerel
- 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.