SlotGaugeCheck a catchYellowtail Snapper regulations in South Carolina
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Yellowtail Snapper size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC state waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 12 inch minimum | 10 per person per day (snapper aggregate) |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi) | Open year-round | 12 inch minimum | 10 per person per day (snapper aggregate) |
Notes
- Counts toward the 10-fish snapper aggregate (all snappers except red and vermilion).
- 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
- 12 inch total length
- Limit
- 10 per person per day (snapper aggregate)
- statewide — as printed
- “Yellowtail Snapper | Open year-round | 10 per person per day (snapper aggregate) | 12 inch total length”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the yellowtail snapper
Species of fish
The yellowtail snapper is an abundant species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Although they have been found as far north as Massachusetts, their normal range is along Florida south to the West Indies and Brazil. This species is mostly found around coral reefs, but may be found in other habitats. They occur at depths of from near the surface to 180 meters (590 ft), though mostly between 10 and 70 m. This species can reach a length of 86.3 cm (34.0 in), though most do not exceed 40 cm (16 in). The greatest weight recorded for this species is 4.98 kg (11.0 lb). Yellowtail snapper is a commercially important species and has been farmed. It is sought as a game fish by recreational anglers and is a popular species for display in public aquaria. This species is the only known member of its genus.
Read more about Yellowtail snapper 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 Yellowtail Snapper in South Carolina?
12 inch minimum in South Carolina state waters.
How many Yellowtail Snapper can you keep per day in South Carolina?
10 per person per day (snapper aggregate).
When is Yellowtail Snapper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Yellowtail Snapper a keeper today?
A yellowtail snapper is a keeper today if it measures at least 12 inches, with a daily limit of 10.