2012 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
Chapter 5 - MARINE RESOURCES ACT
Section 50-5-1710 - Size limits.

(A) Except as provided in Article 21, it is unlawful to take, possess, land, sell, purchase, or attempt to sell or purchase:

(1) spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) (winter trout) of less than fourteen inches in total length;

(2) flounder (Paralichthys) of less than fourteen inches total length;

(3) red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) (channel bass or spottail bass) of less than fifteen inches in total length, or more than twenty-three inches in total length;

(4) black drum Pogonias cromis of less than fourteen inches or more than twenty-seven inches in total length;

(5) weakfish Cynoscion regalis of less than twelve inches in total length; or

(6) sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) of less than fourteen inches in total length.

(B) The finfish species named in this section must be brought to the dock or landed with head and tail fin intact except for product produced by mariculture operations permitted under this chapter, provided that returning fish of unlawful size immediately to the water does not constitute a violation. A commercial retailer or restaurant may remove the head at the request of the ultimate consumer after completion of the transaction but before transfer of the purchase or serving of the dish.

HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 245, Section 9; 2001 Act No. 105, Section 3; 2007 Act No. 85, Section 3, eff upon approval (became law without the Governor's signature on June 15, 2007); 2012 Act No. 210, Section 2, eff June 7, 2012.