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
South Atlantic federal rule; different rules apply north of Cape Hatteras (Mid-Atlantic).
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Small northern porgy; dusky fins, concave forehead. More on the scup page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Scup in other states12 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for scup in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many scup 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 scup season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina scup 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 scup in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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