COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina anglers targeting one of the state’s most iconic saltwater gamefish will soon face new restrictions aimed at protecting a declining red drum population.
Beginning July 1, 2026, recreational fishermen will be allowed to keep just one red drum per person per day, down from the current limit of two fish. The South Carolina General Assembly recently approved the changes following scientific assessments that found red drum populations along the southern Atlantic coast have fallen to unsustainable levels.
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The new regulations affect anglers across South Carolina’s coast and estuaries, where red drum — also known as redfish or spot-tail bass — remain among the most sought-after species.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), both a regional stock assessment conducted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and a separate South Carolina-specific study reached similar conclusions: harvest reductions are needed to help rebuild the fishery.
“Red drum are an important part of South Carolina’s coastal resources and fishing heritage,” said Blaik Keppler, deputy director of SCDNR’s Marine Resources Division. “This change is a proactive step toward rebuilding a sustainable fishery for the future.”
What Changes July 1?
Under the new law:
- Anglers may keep only one red drum per person per day.
- Boats will be limited to two red drum per day total, regardless of the number of anglers onboard.
- The legal harvest size will change to fish measuring 18 to 25 inches.
- Anglers using natural bait and large hooks (4/0 or larger) while targeting gamefish must use non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks.
Previously, anglers could keep two fish per person, six fish per boat, and harvest fish measuring between 15 and 23 inches.
The circle hook requirement applies to red drum, cobia and tarpon when natural bait is used with larger hooks.
Conservation Groups Back Changes
Fishing conservation advocates say the new rules strike a balance between maintaining recreational opportunities and protecting the long-term health of the fishery.
“Red drum management in the Palmetto State has consistently been a story about wise stewardship,” said Tombo Milliken, chairman of the Government Relations Committee for Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina.
Milliken described the legislation as a collaborative effort among anglers, scientists, state agencies and lawmakers to ensure future generations can continue enjoying the fishery.
Why Scientists Are Concerned
Red drum are a cornerstone of South Carolina’s recreational fishing industry, supporting charter operations, tackle shops, tourism businesses and coastal communities.
Biologists say years of monitoring and population assessments indicate the current harvest rate is no longer sustainable. By reducing harvest and protecting more breeding-age fish, officials hope the population can rebound over time.
While anglers will be allowed to keep fewer fish, catch-and-release fishing remains popular throughout South Carolina’s coastal waters.
Essential Gear for the New Rules
The regulation changes may prompt anglers to update some of the equipment they carry aboard.
A quality measuring board will become more important as fishermen ensure red drum fall within the new 18-to-25-inch slot limit. Circle hooks that meet the new requirements are also expected to see increased demand among coastal anglers.
Other useful items include:
- Non-offset circle hooks for natural bait fishing (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
- Fish measuring boards or rulers (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
- Rubber-coated landing nets designed to reduce fish stress (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
- Fish grippers for safe handling (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
- Saltwater tackle organizers and storage systems (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
- Dehooking tools for catch-and-release fishing (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
Retailers such as Amazon and Walmart carry a variety of products designed to help anglers comply with the new regulations while improving fish survival after release.
Best Handling Practices Encouraged
Along with the new regulations, SCDNR is reminding anglers to use proper fish-handling techniques.
Experts recommend minimizing the amount of time fish spend out of the water, supporting the fish horizontally when handling, using wet hands whenever possible and releasing fish quickly.
Those practices can significantly improve survival rates for released fish and help support the recovery efforts underway.
Anglers 16 and older must continue to possess a valid South Carolina recreational saltwater fishing license when targeting red drum.
State officials say the success of the new regulations will ultimately depend on cooperation from the recreational fishing community and continued conservation efforts throughout the region.
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