South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Off east FL federal waters: 16 in FL, 1 per person, open May 1 – Oct 31 only.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
South Carolina state record
SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Pig-like snout, first three dorsal spines drawn into long streamers, big males blush deep red. More on the hogfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Hogfish in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for hogfish in South Carolina?
17 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many hogfish can you keep in South Carolina?
2/day.
When is hogfish season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the South Carolina record hogfish?
21 lb 15 oz, Charleston (2011).
How current is this South Carolina hogfish 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 hogfish in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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