Redfish Slot Limit Sc
Size & Catch Limits for Saltwater Fish
- TL = Total Length
- FL = Fork Length; See How to Measure a Fish.
- AIW = Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
These bull reds fight hard and can get upwards of 40lbs. The bigger redfish must be released due to the legal slot for keeping redfish is 15-23in. If you do catch redfish in the slot limit, they are great to eat. All in all, any size redfish will put up a great fight and test you as an angler. Spotted Sea Trout.
The South Carolina General Assembly has passed a new law intended to reverse Red Drum overfishing. The lowered bag limit allows two fish per person per day and no more than six fish per boat per day. The previous catch limit was three fish per person per day, with no boat limit. The slot limit (15-23 inches) remains unchanged. BEST TECHNIQUES — Surf anglers fare best using fresh cut bait like mullet, whiting, spot or croaker fished on a single- or double-hook rig outside the surf line. Incoming tide is typically best for finding adult redfish cruising outside the breakers. Anglers can keep three reds per day, but they must fall within the 15- to 23-inch slot limit. . All Redfish presented to the weighmaster must be within the 'slot' as defined by the SCDNR. All Redfish presented to the weighmaster will be subjected to a 'pinched tail' measurement. Any fish measuring over, or under the 'slot' limit will be disqualified.
State Waters extend from the saltwater-freshwater dividing line to the 3-mile limit.
Federal Waters extend from the 3-mile limit to 200 miles offshore (international waters).
All species in this section must be landed with head and tail intact.
Update to Red Drum Regulations (effective July 1, 2018)
The South Carolina General Assembly has passed a new law intended to reverse Red Drum overfishing. The lowered bag limit allows two fish per person per day and no more than six fish per boat per day. The previous catch limit was three fish per person per day, with no boat limit. The slot limit (15-23 inches) remains unchanged.
Slot Limit:
- 15-23 inches (total length)
Bag Limit:
- 2 per person per day, and no more than 6 per boat per day
Inshore Finfish
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Shad | No closed season for recreational hook & line harvest; For all other gears, seasons as for commercial harvest | 10 shad per person per day except in Santee River and Rediversion Canal (20 per person per day) | Licensing, permitting, and gear requirements. | |
| Herring | Herring Closures | 1 U.S. bushel of herring per person per day | Licensing, permitting, and gear requirements. | |
| Black Drum | 5 per person per day | 14-inch to 27-inch TL | ||
| Bluefish | 15 per person per day | |||
| Flounders (Southern, Summer & Gulf) | 10 per person per day not to exceed 20 per boat per day | 15-inch TL |
| |
| Red Drum | Cannot be harvested by gig Dec. - Feb. | 2 per person per day (state waters) Not to exceed 6 per boat per day 0 per person per day (federal waters) | 15-inch to 23-inch TL |
|
| Saltwater catfishes (Hardhead & gafftopsail catfishes) | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited |
| |
| Sheepshead | 10 per person per day not to exceed 30 per boat per day | 14-inch TL | ||
| Spotted Seatrout | Cannot be harvested by gig Dec. - Feb. | 10 per person per day | 14-inch TL |
|
| Striped Bass | Possession prohibited: June 1 – Sept. 30 except in lower reach of the Savannah River (2 per person per day year round;) | Possession prohibited: June 1 – Sept. 30; 3 fish per person per day: Oct. 1 – May 31 except in lower reach of the Savannah River (2 per person per day year round) | 26 inch TL except in lower reach of the Savannah River (27 inch TL) |
|
| Hybrid Bass, White Bass & Combinations | In lower reach of the Savannah River: 2 per person per day All other saltwaters: no bag limit | In the lower reach of the Savannah River: 27 inch TL All other saltwaters: no size limit | ||
| Tarpon | 1 per person per day | 77-inch FL |
| |
| Tripletail | No associated regulations | |||
| Weakfish | 1 per person per day | 12-inch TL | ||
| Atlantic Croaker, Spot, Whiting | 50 per person per day aggregate bag limit |
| ||
Offshore Finfish
An operator or crew member onboard a for-hire or commercial vessel must have a valid Operator Card when underway fishing for Dolphin/Wahoo.
These species are also managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) in federal waters. Regulations may change. Please contact the SAFMC at 843-571-4366 or safmc.net to get the most up to date regulations on these species.
The harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic species by commercial and recreational fishermen will be limited to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zones.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobia | May 1 to May 31 in state waters south of 032° 31.0 N latitude (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island) In federal and all other state waters, closed when Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is met | 1 per person per day and no more than 3 per boat per day in State waters south of 32.31, 1 per person per day and no more than 6 per boat per day Federal waters and State waters north of 32.31 | 36-inch FL |
|
| Dolphin | 10 per person per day not to exceed 60 per boat per day. Headboats have no boat limit | 20-inch FL |
| |
| King Mackerel | 3 per person per day | 24-inch FL |
| |
| Spanish Mackerel | 15 per person per day | 12-inch FL |
| |
| Wahoo | 2 per person per day |
|
Atlantic Tunas
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required to fish for these species except for the Other Tunas. Check current federal regulations by phone at 1-888-USA-TUNA (1-888-872-8862) or https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albacore, Skipjack | No associated regulations | |||
| Bigeye Tuna | 27-inch curved FL | |||
| Bluefin Tuna | NOAA Fisheries has adjusted the Atlantic Bluefin tuna daily retention limits which applies to vessels permit- ted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category. Visit https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ bulletin/bluefin-tuna-angling-category-daily-retention-limit-adjustment for detailed information regarding bag limits prior to fishing. | 27-inch to 73-inch curved FL |
| |
| Yellowfin Tuna | 3 per person per day per trip | 27-inch curved FL | ||
| Other tunas: Blackfin tuna, Bonita, and Little tunny | No associated regulations | |||
Billfish
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required to fish for these species. All billfish to be released may not be removed from the water. All recreationally caught Atlantic billfish landed must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours of landing at the dock. Anglers can report by calling 1-800-894-5528 or by visiting https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/. Recreationally caught billfish may not be sold.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | 99-inch FL from lower jaw |
| ||
| White Marlin | 66-inch FL from lower jaw |
| ||
| Sailfish | 63-inch FL from lower jaw |
| ||
| Swordfish | 1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip | 47-inch FL from lower jaw |
| |
| Roundscale Spearfish | 66-inch FL from lower jaw |
| ||
| Longbill Spearfish | Possession prohibited |
|
Snapper Grouper Complex
Many of these species are managed under annual catch limits. Seasons may be closed when catch limits are met. Visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov for the latest information on the status of annual catch limits.
These species are also managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) in federal waters. Regulations may change. Please contact the SAFMC at 843-571-4366 or www.safmc.net to get the most up to date regulations on these species.
You can also download the FREE mobile application Fish Rules. Fish Rules is available for both Android and Apple products.
Recreational and commercial fishermen are required to use dehooking tools when fishing for snapper grouper species. Non-stainless circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits for snapper grouper species.
Sale of snapper grouper under the recreational bag limit is prohibited.
For-hire vessels must have a Snapper Grouper permit to fish for these species in federal waters.
The harvest and possession of snapper grouper species by commercial and recreational fishermen will be limited to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zones. See 'Special Information' (page 47) for information on SMZs.
Sea Turtle Release Gear Requirements: For-hire vessels fishing for snapper grouper species and possessing a federal for-fire permit must have onboard NMFS approved sea turtle release gear and follow release protocols. For more information, call 727-824-5312 or visit, http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/turtle_sawfish_release/index.html.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Amberjack | 1 per person per day | 28-inch FL |
| |
| Hogfish | 2 per person per day | 17-inch FL | ||
| Wreckfish | Closed: January 1 – June 30 and September 1 – December 31 | 1 per vessel per day |
Seabass
Redfish Slot Limit Screen
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Sea Bass | In federal waters, closed when Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is met | 7 per person per day | 13-inch TL |
Porgies and Snappers
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Porgy | 3 per person per day | 14-inch TL | ||
| Vermillion Snapper | 5 per person per day; excluded from 10 snapper per person per day limit | 12-inch TL | ||
| Red Snapper | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | ||
| Lane Snapper | 10 per person per day from this group | 8-inch TL | ||
| Black, Blackfin, Cubera, Dog, Yellowtail, Gray, Mahogany, Schoolmaster | 12-inch TL | |||
| Silk and Queen Snapper | 12-inch TL | |||
| Mutton Snapper | 5 per person per day, included in the above group limit of 10 per person per day | 18-inch TL |
Grouper and Tilefish
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gag & Black Grouper | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day | 24-inch TL | |
| Scamp, Red, Yellowfin, & Yellowmouth Groupers | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit | 20-inch TL | |
| Golden Tilefish, Blueline Tilefish, and Sand Tilefish | Blueline Tilefish closed Sept. – April | Included in 3 grouper bag limit; Blueline tilefish - 3 per person per day (May-August only) Golden tilefish - 1 fish per person per day | ||
| Misty Grouper, Yellowedge Grouper | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day | |||
| Coney, Grasby, Red Hind, & Rock Hind | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit | ||
| Snowy Grouper | September – April | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Only 1 fish per vessel per day (May - August only) | ||
| Warsaw and Speckled Hind | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | ||
| Nassau and Goliath Grouper | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | If caught must be released by cutting the line and not removing the fish from the water. |
All Other Snapper Grouper Complex Species
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Including but not limited to: Lesser Amberjack; Cottonwick; White Grunt; Scup; Almaco and Bar Jacks; Margate; Whitebone, Knobbed, Jolthead, Saucereye and Longspine Porgies; Banded Rudderfish; Sailors Choice; Bank Seabass; Rock Seabass; Ocean Triggerfish | Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, and Lesser Amberjack closed in Federal waters effective August 9, 2016. Will reopen Jan 1, 2017. | 20 per person per day aggregate bag limit |
| |
| Gray triggerfish | Included in 20 per person per day aggregate bag limit (Lesser Amberjack; Cottonwick; White Grunt; Scup; Almaco and Bar Jacks; Margate; Whitebone, Knobbed, Jolthead, Saucereye and Longspine Porgies; Banded Rudderfish; Sailors Choice; Bank Seabass; Rock Seabass; Ocean Triggerfish) | 12-inch FL | ||
| Spadefish |
Sharks
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required in federal waters. All sharks must be landed with fins, head and tail naturally attached. Recreational anglers may only catch sharks using a rod & reel or handline. Additionally, anglers fishing recreationally for sharks are required to use non-offset, non stainless steel circle hooks whenever they are fishing, except when fishing with flies or artificial lures. All other gears prohibited. Current federal regulations and shark identification guide.
| Shark in this table are a Grouping - 1 Shark per vessel per from this group. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
| Blacknose, Blacktip, Blue, Bull, Finetooth, Lemon, Nurse, Porbeagle, Spinner, Thresher, Tiger and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks | 1 shark per vessel per day from this group | 54-inch FL | ||
| Great Hammerhead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Smooth Hammerhead Sharks | 78-inch FL | |||
| Shortfin Mako - Females | 83-inch FL | |||
| Shortfin Mako - Males | 71-inch FL | |||
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogfish (spiny & smooth) | No associated regulations | |||
| Atlantic Sharpnose | 1 per person per day | |||
| Bonnethead | 1 per person per day | |||
| Atlantic Angel, Basking, Bignose, Dusky, Galapagos, Longfin Mako, Narrowtooth, Night, Caribbean Reef, Sandbar, Sevengill, Caribbean Sharpnose, Silky, Bigeye Sixgill, Sixgill, Smalltail, Bigeye Thresher, Bigeye Sand Tiger, Sand Tiger, Whale and White Sharks | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited |
| |
Redfish Slot Limit Scale
The 2018-2019 Saltwater Fishing Regulations are provided in the Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format.
Redfish (also known as red drum) are one of the area’s several most popular game fish. They can be caught near the shore, inshore and near shore using live bait or a variety of lures and relatively lightweight tackle. If you are interested in trying to catch redfish in Myrtle Beach, our guide shows you an overview of where and how to hook them.
Tips For Catching Redfish
As with any game fish, it helps to understand the diet and habits of redfish. Adults and juveniles feed on or near the bottom. Inshore, juveniles tend to forage near the edge of marsh grasses. Juveniles tend to eat small crabs, minnows, and juvenile spot. Adults mainly feed on small fish, like adult spot, and crabs. Adults tend to congregate on sandy bottoms near beaches, in tidal creeks, and in oyster beds. Juveniles tend to congregate in estuaries, at the edges of marshes, and in shallow tidal creeks.
Rig For Success To Catch Redfish
These aren’t big fish, so serious deep-sea fishing gear is unnecessary and might even make fishing harder. A spinning rod and reel filled with 20-pound test line is good enough. You will also want medium-sized hooks, if using live bait, and an 18-inch wire leader. In live bait, menhaden, mud minnows, pinfish, and anchovies make good live bait. Lures that simulate the look or motion of those common bait fish are also good choices. A 1/4 ounce spoon or a specialty redfish lure like the Rapala Skitter Walk, are good options.
Spots To Fish In Myrtle Beach For Redfish
Several locations and techniques are worth trying out. Sport Fishing Magazine recommends going to a jetty and looking for a drop-off in depth, if you are on a boat with a depth finder. Otherwise trying casting along the jetty. The tops of sandbars also seem to attract redfish. If you can cast to one from the shore or from a boat, the other rules about baits or lures apply. You can also wade in grass flats or drift across them in a shallow boat and wait until you see a redfish in the water. In the grass, go for a soft-body lure rigged to make it snag resistant. Casting around potholes in the seabed or around the edges of marsh grass can work too.
Redfish Slot Limit Scales
Recommended Tides To Target Redfish
The tides are the most important consideration when going for redfish in Myrtle Beach. We recommend studying local tide tables and planning your fishing accordingly. Otherwise, the fishing is better in spring and summer. Mornings might be better for catching young redfish.
Rules & Regulations On Keeping Redfish In Myrtle Beach
Photo credit: Reel Action Fishing Charters – Captain John Schuchman
Redfish Slot Limits Florida
As with many fish species, a number of federal and state rules govern the taking of redfish. Anyone who wants to go saltwater fishing in South Carolina must have a saltwater license. No redfish may be caught in federally protected waters. There is a limit of 3 fish per person per day. Finally, state law puts size limits on redfish, as they do with other game fish. Redfish must have a minimum total length of 15 inches and a maximum length of 23 inches to keep. This is commonly referred to as a ‘slot Redfish’ by locals. The larger Redfish over 39″ are referred to as ‘bull Redfish’.