Size and bag limits in Myrtle Beach: where to find the current rules

State waters and federal waters

The line that matters is 3 nautical miles from shore. Inside it, in state waters, South Carolina's rules apply: these are published by SCDNR in the official SC fishing regulations guide. Beyond it, in the Exclusive Economic Zone, federal rules from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and NOAA Fisheries apply. Most bottom fishing, all Gulf Stream trolling, and most red snapper and grouper fishing off the Grand Strand happen in federal waters.

Fish brought back to a South Carolina dock generally have to satisfy both sets of rules. When the two differ, follow the stricter one, or ask your captain.

Where to look, by fish

• Inshore fish (red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, black drum, sheepshead, whiting, spot): SCDNR's size and catch limits page in the official guide.
• Reef and bottom fish (black sea bass, grouper, snapper, triggerfish, porgy, amberjack): SAFMC's snapper-grouper regulations, plus NOAA's fishery bulletins for season openings and closures. Red snapper also has a dedicated SCDNR page.
• Pelagic fish (king and Spanish mackerel, cobia, dolphin, wahoo): SAFMC's coastal migratory pelagics and dolphin-wahoo regulations, and the state guide for state waters.
• Tunas, billfish, swordfish, and most sharks: NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species rules. Private boats need an HMS permit.

Rules that changed recently

• Red drum (July 1, 2026). Act 231 of 2026 changed the state slot limit and set a per-boat limit. See the red drum rule change.
• Red snapper (October 2026). The federal season ran three days, October 9 to 11, and South Carolina permit holders fished through October 22. See red snapper 2026.

Gear rules that catch people out

• Descending devices. Federal rules require a descending device, rigged and ready, on boats fishing for snapper and grouper. SCDNR's red snapper page describes it as at least 60 feet of line with 16 ounces or more of weight. Use it to return fish with barotrauma (bulging eyes or stomach) to depth.
• Circle hooks. Non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required for snapper and grouper with natural bait, and, under the 2026 state law, with natural bait on hooks 4/0 or larger for saltwater gamefish.
• Dehooking tool. Required in the snapper-grouper fishery.
• Measuring. Most fish are measured by total length (tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, pinched); some pelagics such as king mackerel and cobia use fork length. The guide says which.

On a charter or headboat

The captain and mates are responsible for knowing the rules and will measure fish and stop you from keeping something you cannot. That does not hurt to double-check: ask before the trip what you will likely be able to keep, especially in winter and spring when several bottom species are closed.

If you are not sure

Release it. Then check the official guide, or call SCDNR's Marine Resources Division at 843-953-9300. Bring a tape or measuring board; most tackle shops sell stick-on rulers for coolers and boat gunwales.