South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
Federal waters: 20 in TL minimum and closed Jan 1 – Apr 30.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
The water you are in decides. the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council writes the rule past the line.
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
Yellow mouth corners, tan-bronze mottle; scamp look-alike. More on the yellowmouth grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Yellowmouth grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for yellowmouth grouper in South Carolina?
No size limit in state waters.
How many yellowmouth grouper can you keep in South Carolina?
3-grouper aggregate (federal sub-limit: 1 scamp or yellowmouth combined). Aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is yellowmouth grouper season in South Carolina?
Open year-round in state waters.
What is the South Carolina record yellowmouth grouper?
22 lb 8 oz, Murrells Inlet (2001).
How current is this South Carolina yellowmouth 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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