South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
No closed seasons in SC state waters; federal waters closed Aug 2, 2026–Apr 30, 2027.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Recreational ACL met; closure effective Aug 2, 2026.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Often mistaken for
Black grouperRectangular dark blotches, brassy spots. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
South Carolina state record
SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Box-shaped worm markings in gray marble; darker fins with white edge on the anal. More on the gag grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Gag grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for gag 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 gag 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 gag grouper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the South Carolina record gag grouper?
54 lb 4 oz, Isle of Palms Marina (2018).
How current is this South Carolina gag 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 gag grouper in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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