South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo harvest
BagPossession prohibited
SeasonClosed year-round
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
SizeHarvest prohibited
BagNo harvest or possession
SeasonClosed year-round
Must be released immediately in federal waters.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Enormous rounded tan-brown grouper with small eyes and faint bars; can top 500 lb. More on the goliath grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Goliath grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep goliath grouper in South Carolina?
No. Harvest is prohibited in South Carolina. Release it in the water where you can.
How current is this South Carolina goliath 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.
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