SlotGaugeCheck a catchHogfish regulations in South Carolina
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Hogfish size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC state waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 17 inch minimum | 2 per person per day |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi) | Open year-round | 17 inch minimum | 2 per person per day |
Notes
- State waters (0–3 mi) have no closed season; federal closures from SAFMC apply beyond 3 mi and can change mid-year when catch limits are met — check safmc.net before an offshore trip.
Exact South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wording
- Season
- Open year-round in state waters
- Size
- 17 inch fork length
- Limit
- 2 per person per day
- statewide — as printed
- “Hogfish | Open year-round | 2 per person per day | 17 inch fork length”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the hogfish
Species of fish
The hogfish, also known as boquinete, doncella de pluma, or pez perro in Mexico is a species of wrasse native to the western Atlantic Ocean, living in a range from Nova Scotia, Canada, to northern South America, including the Gulf of Mexico. This species occurs around reefs, especially preferring areas with plentiful gorgonians. It is a carnivore that feeds on molluscs, crabs, and sea urchins. This species is currently the only known member of its genus.
Read more about Hogfish 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 Hogfish in South Carolina?
17 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.
How many Hogfish can you keep per day in South Carolina?
2 per person per day.
When is Hogfish season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Hogfish a keeper today?
A hogfish is a keeper today if it measures at least 17 inches, with a daily limit of 2.