South Carolina red snapper will open for 14-day season in October 

NOAA Fisheries has approved SCDNR’s revised Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application, allowing South Carolina to hold a 14-day recreational red snapper season in federal waters from Oct. 9-22. The pilot, state-based program will allow anglers to participate directly in data collection to support future fisheries management. The recreational harvest limit is one fish per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 20 inches total length and no boat limit.

To participate in the 2026 season, anglers must:

• Possess a valid South Carolina saltwater fishing license.
• Obtain a free red snapper experimental harvest permit through Go Outdoors SC or on the Go Outdoors SC app. Permits will be available beginning Oct. 2.
• Use the VESL app to declare and report trip and harvest information. After obtaining a harvest permit, anglers will receive an email invitation to download the app or access the web version and create an account.
• Follow all South Atlantic snapper-grouper regulations, including requirements for the use of descending devices.

After reviewing data collected during the October season, SCDNR will work with NOAA Fisheries to determine whether additional days could be authorized in December.

South Carolina’s experimental red snapper season is separate from the three-day South Atlantic red snapper season announced by NOAA Fisheries, which applies to anglers fishing in North Carolina. The experimental seasons in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida are separate state-based programs.

Anglers are also strongly encouraged to declare and report bottom-fishing trips, including red snapper catch, during November. These reports will help SCDNR collect additional information on released fish, provide a clearer picture of what anglers are seeing on the water and inform future exempted fishing permit efforts.

“South Carolina anglers play a critical role in the success of this program,” said Amy Dukes, SCDNR Regional Fisheries Manager. “The information collected through angler participation and reporting will help improve fisheries management and shape future recreational fishing opportunities for red snapper.”

The VESL app is funded by Yamaha Rightwaters, the conservation and sustainability initiative of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

The red snapper season in South Carolina state waters remains unaffected. Anglers may keep one red snapper per day in state waters, with a 20-inch minimum size and no closed season.

More information on how to participate can be found at dnr.sc.gov/redsnapper.