Palmetto Plain

South Carolina · S.961 / Act 231

Red drum rules (S.961, Act 231): one fish per angler, 18-25 inch slot and circle hooks in SC waters

Effective July 1, 2026

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The short version

  • Since July 1, 2026, it is unlawful in South Carolina to take or possess more than one red drum per person per day, and no more than two per boat per day. The old limits were two per person and six per boat.
  • Red drum must now be between 18 and 25 inches in total length to keep. The old slot was 15 to 23 inches.
  • When fishing for saltwater gamefish with natural bait and a hook size of 4/0 or larger, the hook must be a non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hook. SCDNR says smaller hooks and artificial lures have no hook-type restriction.
  • SCDNR says regional and state stock assessments found the red drum population had declined and harvest cuts were needed to rebuild it.
Status
Law. Signed by the Governor May 19, 2026; ratified as R242, Act No. 231. Red drum and hook rules effective July 1, 2026; deer tag section took effect May 19, 2026.
Official source
SC Legislature, 2025-2026 Bill 961 (Act No. 231)
SC Legislature, Bill 961 as amended May 6, 2026 (shows the prior limits being struck)

What it does

The act changes three sections of the state’s saltwater gamefish law and one deer hunting section. (Act No. 231, title)

  • Catch limit. “It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than one red drum in any one day, not to exceed two red drum in any one day on any boat.” (Section 1, § 50-5-1705(D)) The version of the bill showing changes to existing law strikes “two” and “six.” (Bill 961, version of May 6, 2026)
  • Size limit. Red drum (channel bass or spottail bass) less than 18 inches or more than 25 inches in total length may not be kept. The prior limits were 15 and 23 inches. (Section 2, § 50-5-1710(B)(3); Bill 961, version of May 6, 2026)
  • Hooks. Saltwater gamefish may be taken only by hand-held hook and line (including rod and reel and pole) or by gigging during legal periods. When using natural bait with a hook size of 4/0 or larger, the hook must be a non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hook. Gamefish taken any other way must be returned to the water immediately. (Section 3, § 50-5-1700(B))

Who it affects

  • Recreational saltwater anglers. SCDNR notes you need a valid recreational saltwater fishing license to fish for red drum if you are 16 or older. (SCDNR, via Live 5 News, June 28, 2026)
  • Anyone fishing for gamefish with large baited hooks. SCDNR says the circle-hook rule applies when fishing for gamefish including red drum, cobia and tarpon. (SCDNR, via Live 5 News and WPDE)
  • Deer hunters (see below).

What it means for you

  • One red drum per person per day, two per boat, and only fish from 18 to 25 inches. (§§ 50-5-1705(D), 50-5-1710(B)(3))
  • If you fish for gamefish with natural bait on a 4/0 or larger hook, switch to a non-offset, non-stainless circle hook. SCDNR says there are no hook-type restrictions with hooks smaller than 4/0 or with artificial lures. (§ 50-5-1700(B); SCDNR, via Live 5 News)
  • Why the change: SCDNR says a 2024 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission stock assessment found the southern Atlantic red drum population had declined to unsustainable levels, and a state assessment showed similar results. (SCDNR, via Live 5 News, June 28, 2026)

Deer tags (already in effect)

A separate section, effective when the Governor signed the act on May 19, 2026, says a resident who buys a hunting license and big game permit is issued three antlerless deer tags and three unrestricted antlered deer tags, and may buy two antler-restriction tags and additional antlerless tags for $5 each. Nonresident fees are $50 for the first antlered tag, $20 for each additional (up to four), and $10 per antlerless tag. (Section 4, § 50-9-650(B)(2)) A different law, Act No. 207, makes further deer tag changes effective January 2, 2027. (SC Legislature, list of 2026 acts)

Cost and impact

The fishing changes add no fees. The act does not include a cost estimate. (Act No. 231)

Current status

The Senate passed the bill 39–1 on March 17, 2026. The House amended it and passed it 98–3 on May 7; the Senate amended the House version 40–0 on May 12; and the House agreed 104–6 on May 14, 2026. It was ratified May 15 and signed by the Governor on May 19, 2026, as Act No. 231. (Bill history)

What happens next

The red drum and hook rules have been in effect since July 1, 2026. (Act Section 5) SCDNR’s 2026–2027 hunting and fishing regulations guide is posted on its regulations page. (SCDNR, Regulations)

Sources

Legislators connected to this bill

Current members listed as sponsors on the official bill page, or with a sourced public statement about it. Details and sources are on each member page.

SC Senate

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Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.