SlotGaugeCheck a catchRed Drum regulations in South Carolina
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Red Drum size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC state waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 18–25 inch slot | 1 per person, max 2 per boat |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi) | Closed to harvest | — | — |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' source sc-dnr-rules. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/rulesandregs.html
- Slot and limits changed July 1, 2026 (Act No. 231): was 15–23 in, 2 per person.
- Rod & reel and gig only; no gigging Dec 1 – Feb 28.
Exact South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wording
- Season
- May not be harvested by gig Dec. 1 - Feb. 28
- Size
- 18-inch to 25-inch TL
- Limit
- 1 per person per day (state waters) not to exceed 2 per boat per day
- State waters — as printed
- “Red Drum | May not be harvested by gig Dec. 1 - Feb. 28 | 1 per person per day (state waters) not to exceed 2 per boat per day Possession prohibited in federal waters. | 18-inch to 25-inch TL | May only be taken by rod & reel and gig. — Effective July 1, 2026 (Act No. 231).”
- Federal waters — as printed
- “Possession prohibited in federal waters. May not be harvested from federal waters.”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the red drum
Species of fish
The red drum, also known as redfish, channel bass, puppy drum, spottail bass, or simply red, is a game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to northern Mexico. It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops.
Read more about Red drum 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 Red Drum in South Carolina?
18–25 inch slot in South Carolina state waters.
How many Red Drum can you keep per day in South Carolina?
1 per person, max 2 per boat.
When is Red Drum season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Red Drum a keeper today?
A red drum is a keeper today if it measures between 18 and 25 inches, with a daily limit of 1.