South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Curved fork length; federal HMS permit required.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blackfin tunaSmaller, dusky fins, bronze lateral wash. Tell them apartNot listed by South Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Bigeye tunaBigger eye, stockier; hard to call — when in doubt, measure and check. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
South Carolina state record
SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Long yellow second dorsal and anal fins that grow with age; yellow lateral stripe. More on the yellowfin tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Yellowfin tuna in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for yellowfin tuna in South Carolina?
27 in curved fork length. Measured as curved fork length: snout to the fork of the tail, along the curve of the body.
How many yellowfin tuna can you keep in South Carolina?
3/day.
When is yellowfin tuna season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the South Carolina record yellowfin tuna?
241 lb 12 oz, Charleston (1979).
How current is this South Carolina yellowfin tuna 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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