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
The water you are in decides. the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council writes the rule past the line.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Long slim pale tilefish hovering over sand burrows. More on the sand tilefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Sand tilefish in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for sand tilefish in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many sand tilefish can you keep in South Carolina?
3/day, within 3-grouper aggregate. Aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is sand tilefish season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina sand tilefish 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 sand tilefish in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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