South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
No closed seasons in SC state waters; federal waters closed most of the year.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
2026 recreational ACL of 1,713 fish projected met by June 7.
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
Deep-drop grouper; juveniles wear white pearl spots. More on the snowy grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Snowy grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for snowy grouper in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many snowy grouper can you keep in South Carolina?
Within 3-grouper aggregate; 1 fish vessel limit. Aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is snowy grouper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the South Carolina record snowy grouper?
36 lb 8 oz, Charleston (2022).
How current is this South Carolina snowy 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.
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