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
Must be released immediately.
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-water giant; the only grouper with 10 dorsal spines and an elongated second spine. More on the Warsaw grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Warsaw grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep Warsaw grouper in South Carolina?
No. Harvest is prohibited in South Carolina. Release it in the water where you can.
What is the South Carolina record Warsaw grouper?
310 lb, Murrells Inlet (1976).
How current is this South Carolina Warsaw 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.
In the appPoint the camera at a Warsaw grouper in South Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app