Striped bass rules in South Carolina
Size, bag and season for recreational striped bass in South Carolina waters, as published by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
- Size
- 26" total length minimum
- Bag
- 3 per person per day (Oct 1–June 15)
- Season
- Open Oct 1–June 15; possession prohibited June 16–Sept 30
Also on the agency page: Exception: lower reach of the Savannah River — 2 per person per day year-round, 27" TL minimum (see SC freshwater limits). Rod and reel only.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 10, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Striped bass rules along the coast are built around a slot. A fish below the minimum or above the maximum goes back, so a measuring device on board is part of the rig.
State water or federal water
South Carolina rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Possession of striped bass is prohibited in federal waters (the EEZ, beyond 3 nautical miles). Fishing for them there is also prohibited. Only state waters can be fished. 50 CFR Part 697 · eCFR ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Coastal: 28"–31" (slot); Chesapeake Bay: 19"–24" (slot) | 1 fish per person | Openas of Oct 13 |
| North Carolina | 28"–31" total length (slot) — Atlantic Ocean | 1 fish per person per day — Atlantic Ocean | Openas of Oct 13 |
| South Carolina | 26" total length minimum | 3 per person per day (Oct 1–June 15) | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Georgia | 22" total length minimum (saltwater); 27" TL in Savannah River | 2 per person per day | Openas of Oct 13 |