SlotGaugeCheck a catchSpotted Seatrout regulations in South Carolina
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Spotted Seatrout 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 per day |
Notes
- 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
- 14-inch TL
- Limit
- 10 per person per day
- statewide — as printed
- “Spotted Seatrout | May not be harvested by gig Dec. 1 - Feb. 28 | 10 per person per day | 14-inch TL | May only be taken by rod & reel and gig.”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the spotted seatrout
Species of fish
Spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarine fish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19–37 inches in length and 3–17 pounds in weight.
Read more about Cynoscion nebulosus 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 Spotted Seatrout in South Carolina?
14 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.
How many Spotted Seatrout can you keep per day in South Carolina?
10 per person per day.
When is Spotted Seatrout season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Spotted Seatrout a keeper today?
A spotted seatrout is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 10.