SlotGaugeCheck a catchHammerhead Sharks regulations in South Carolina
Sharks · Saltwater · 2026 season
Hammerhead Sharks size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC state waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 78 inch minimum | No bag limit printed on this row — confirm with NOAA HMS rules before keeping one |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi) | Open year-round | 78 inch minimum | No bag limit printed on this row — confirm with NOAA HMS rules before keeping one |
Notes
- Minimum 78 inches fork length for great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead.
- The SC digest prints no bag number for hammerheads; federal HMS rules (fisheries.noaa.gov) govern the vessel limit — check before retaining.
- Rod & reel or handline only; circle hooks required with natural bait; land with fins, head and tail attached.
Exact South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wording
- Season
- Open year-round (no closed season printed)
- Size
- 78-inch FL
- Limit
- Bag limit cell is blank on the printed row (see userNotes)
- SC state waters (to 3 mi) — as printed
- “Great Hammerhead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Smooth Hammerhead Sharks | | | 78-inch FL |”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the hammerhead sharks
Species of shark
The scalloped hammerhead is a species of hammerhead shark in the family Sphyrnidae. It was originally known as Zygaena lewini. The Greek word sphyrna translates into "hammer" in English, referring to the shape of this shark's head, which is its most distinguishing characteristic. The shark's eyes and nostrils are at the tips of the extensions. It is a fairly large hammerhead, but is still smaller than both the great and smooth hammerheads.
Read more about Scalloped hammerhead on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, not Wikipedia.
All 106 South Carolina species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Hammerhead Sharks in South Carolina?
78 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.
How many Hammerhead Sharks can you keep per day in South Carolina?
No bag limit printed on this row — confirm with NOAA HMS rules before keeping one.
When is Hammerhead Sharks season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Hammerhead Sharks a keeper today?
A hammerhead sharks is a keeper today if it measures at least 78 inches, with No bag limit printed on this row — confirm with NOAA HMS rules before keeping one.