South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
The water you are in decides. the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council writes the rule past the line.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Often mistaken for
Greater amberjackSlimmer, lower dorsal lobe, stronger amber stripe. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Deep body, dramatically tall and curved front dorsal lobe, darker overall than an amberjack. More on the almaco jack page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Almaco jack in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for almaco jack in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many almaco jack can you keep in South Carolina?
20/day aggregate, max 10 of any one species. Aggregate: Other snapper-grouper complex species (20-fish aggregate).
When is almaco jack season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina almaco jack rule?
Source: SC DNR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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