Sheepshead regulations in South Carolina

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A sheepshead is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 10.

Sheepshead size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
SC state waters (to 3 mi)	Open year-round	14 inch minimum	10 per person, max 30 per boat

Exact South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: 14-inch TL
Limit: 10 per person per day not to exceed 30 per boat per day
statewide — as printed: “Sheepshead | | 10 per person per day not to exceed 30 per boat per day | 14-inch TL”

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).

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About the sheepshead

List of common names used to refer to fish

Common names of fish can refer to a single species; to an entire group of species, such as a genus or family; or to multiple unrelated species or groups. Ambiguous common names are accompanied by their possible meanings. Scientific names for individual species and higher taxa are included in parentheses.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Sheepshead in South Carolina?

14 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.

How many Sheepshead can you keep per day in South Carolina?

10 per person, max 30 per boat.

When is Sheepshead season in South Carolina?

Open year-round.

Is my Sheepshead a keeper today?

A sheepshead is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 10.