South Carolina recreational red snapper EFP season runs Oct. 9–22

South Carolina private anglers get a two-week red snapper window under a state-led Exempted Fishing Permit. SCDNR says the 2026 recreational season runs Oct. 9–22 with one fish per person per day and a 20-inch minimum size. A free red snapper experimental permit (available on or after Oct. 2 through GoOutdoorsSC) and mandatory trip reporting through the VESL app are required for anyone planning to keep fish in federal waters off South Carolina.

Anglers must declare trips in VESL before fishing and report catch within 24 hours. Gear rules for the snapper-grouper fishery still apply, including a descending device rigged and ready; EFP participants must use it when releasing red snapper that show barotrauma. Circle hooks and a dehooking tool remain required.

The project is meant to improve recreational catch and effort data so managers can better set future seasons. Separate federal rules apply outside the EFP. North Carolina did not seek an EFP this year; NMFS set a shorter three-day federal recreational season (Oct. 9–12) based largely on North Carolina catch rates. Check SCDNR’s red snapper page before you leave the dock.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: South Carolina DNR — 2026 Recreational Red Snapper Season (2026 season page); federal season dates in 91 FR 60334 (Sept. 23, 2026).