South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
No closed seasons in SC state waters; federal seasons differ.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Vessel limit 2 per day.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Rectangular dark blotches over brassy-bronze spots; gently rounded preopercle (no gag notch). More on the black grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Black grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for black grouper in South Carolina?
24 in total length. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many black grouper can you keep in South Carolina?
1/day gag or black grouper (not both), within 3-grouper aggregate. Aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is black grouper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina black grouper 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 a black grouper in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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