South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Not individually named; SC row is 'including but not limited to' and rock sea bass is a snapper-grouper complex member.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species; general gear/descending-device rules apply.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Shallow cousin with a dark dorsal blotch and blue face lines. More on the rock sea bass page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Rock sea bass in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for rock sea bass in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many rock sea bass can you keep in South Carolina?
20/day aggregate, max 10 of any one species. Aggregate: Other snapper-grouper complex species (20-fish aggregate).
When is rock sea bass season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina rock sea bass 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 rock sea bass in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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