South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Curved fork length; federal HMS permit required.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Yellowfin tunaBrighter yellow fins, slimmer profile. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Stockier than yellowfin, oversized eye, duskier fins; honest answer — hard to call, measure and check. More on the bigeye tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Bigeye tuna in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for bigeye tuna in South Carolina?
27 in curved fork length. Measured as curved fork length: snout to the fork of the tail, along the curve of the body.
How many bigeye tuna can you keep in South Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is bigeye tuna season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina bigeye tuna 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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