Can I Keep?Wreckfish Regulations in South Carolina (2026)
Recreational wreckfish 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
1 per vessel per day
Season
There are no closed seasons in state waters (out to 3 miles offshore).
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Wreckfish rules in South Carolina
- Where
- State waters (0-3 miles) (ocean)
- Bag limit
- 1 per vessel per day
- Possession
- 1 per vessel per day
- 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.
- SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX".
- Where
- Federal waters (ocean)
- Bag limit
- 1 per vessel per day
- Possession
- 1 per vessel per day
- Season
- Jan. 1 - June 30 and Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
- 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 50 (PDF page 52), table "SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX".
Quick answers
How many wreckfish can I keep in South Carolina?
1 per vessel per day (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is wreckfish 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
- Gag
- 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
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.