South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Not individually named; included only if still a snapper-grouper complex member — verify.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
50 CFR 622.187 explicitly excludes tomtate from the aggregate bag limit.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
How to tell it
Slim gray grunt with a brassy stripe ending in a tail-base spot. More on the tomtate page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Tomtate in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for tomtate in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many tomtate 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 tomtate season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this South Carolina tomtate 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 tomtate in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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