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.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Five dark bars, tuning-fork mark on the forehead, dark saddle on the tail base. More on the Nassau grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Nassau grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau grouper in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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