Spanish Mackerel (also known as Spanish Mackerel, Spanish, Spanish Mack) in South Carolina. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the SCDNR guide, 2026.
In South Carolina, the minimum legal size for Spanish Mackerel is 12 in and the daily bag limit is 15 per person. There is no closed season in SC.
No closed season
No regional sub-rules within SC. This is the Atlantic migratory group of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). State waters (saltwater-freshwater dividing line out to 3 miles): 12-inch fork-length minimum and 15/person/day bag. Same limits apply in federal waters (Atlantic migratory group, joint Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP); for-hire vessels need a Coastal Migratory Pelagics permit to fish for this species in federal waters. No closed season in either jurisdiction.
These limits are pulled from the SCDNR saltwater size and catch limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
South Carolina requires a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License for anyone aged 16 or older harvesting marine resources. SC saltwater licences.
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