Welcome to 2025-26 South Carolina Fishing

What’s New – Fishing

Act 212

Recreational Blue Crab Harvest

Establishes that it is unlawful for a person to take or possess for recreational purposes more than one bushel of blue crabs in any one day, not to exceed two bushels in any one day on any boat. Also establishes that a two-chambered pot or trap used for taking blue crab must have at least two unobstructed, circular escape vents (rings) which must be two and three-eighths inches or greater in inside diameter and be located on vertical surfaces. At least one vent must be in the upper chamber and all vents must be within two inches of the horizontal partition or the base of the trap. If a pot or trap has a single chamber, one escape vent of at least two and three-eighths inches or larger is required on a vertical surface within two inches of the base of the trap. Effective July 1, 2025.

Recreational Crab Trap Endorsement

For the privilege of fishing more than two and up to five crab traps recreationally, a recreational saltwater license holder may purchase an annual enhanced recreational crab trap endorsement at a cost of five dollars. Effective July 1, 2025.

Act 16

Snapper-Grouper Species in State Waters

The catch limit for each species in the snapper grouper complex (see page 50) is now the limit published in the 2024-2025 South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide, or the federal limit for the species, whichever is higher. The lawful minimum size for each species is the size as published in the 2024-2025 Guide, or the federal limit for the species, whichever is lower. There is no closed season. These regulations apply to South Carolina state waters only. Beyond 3 miles offshore, federal regulations remain in place and may differ from state regulations. Effective May 8, 2025.