SlotGaugeCheck a catchRed Grouper regulations in South Carolina
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Red Grouper size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC state waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 20 inch minimum | 3 per person per day (grouper aggregate) |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi) | June 1 – December 31 | 20 inch minimum | 3 per person per day (grouper aggregate) |
Notes
- Counts toward the 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate.
- 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
- 20 inch total length
- Limit
- 3 per person per day (grouper aggregate)
- statewide — as printed
- “Red Grouper | Federal waters closed Jan 1 – May 31 | 3 per person per day (grouper aggregate) | 20 inch total length”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the red grouper
Species of fish
The red grouper is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
Read more about Red grouper 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 Grouper in South Carolina?
20 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.
How many Red Grouper can you keep per day in South Carolina?
3 per person per day (grouper aggregate).
When is Red Grouper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Red Grouper a keeper today?
A red grouper is a keeper today if it measures at least 20 inches, with a daily limit of 3.