South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Unlawful to buy, sell, possess, or ship Atlantic or shortnose sturgeon.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Rows of bony armor scutes, a shark-like tail, and a vacuum-hose snout with barbels — a dinosaur. More on the Atlantic sturgeon page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Atlantic sturgeon in South Carolina?
No. Harvest is prohibited in South Carolina. Release it in the water where you can. Unlawful to buy, sell, possess, or ship Atlantic or shortnose sturgeon.
How current is this South Carolina Atlantic sturgeon 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.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic sturgeon in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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