Off the coast of South Carolina, red snapper are far more abundant in federal waters (greater than three miles offshore) and are most commonly found around hard bottom areas such as natural and artificial reefs.ДЄccess to red snapper in federal and state waters has been limited in recent years. TheyвЂ™re uncommon within state waters (fewer than three miles offshore), which tend to be shallower than their preferred habitat. Snapper occupy multiple levels of the ocean food chain, serving both as prey for large, carnivorous fish and sea turtles as well as predator to smaller fish and crustaceans. TheyвЂ™re exceptionally long-lived, topping out at around 50 years of age and 50 pounds. Red snapper are among the most prized fish in southeastern waters, with their mild, sweet meat a quintessential offering at seafood restaurants. The new regulations (introduced as S.980 by Senators Campsen and Goldfinch) took effect recently upon signature by Governor McMaster.

The creel and size limits mirror those found in neighboring Georgia and Florida (Atlantic) state waters. The South Carolina General Assembly recently passed legislation that allows for year-round harvest of up to two red snapper per person per day with a minimum size of 20 inches total length in state waters.

Red snapper are not often caught within South Carolina state waters, but a new law will allow anglers along the coast to take advantage of some they do encounter. Red snapper are opportunistic bottom feeders that feed on fish and crustaceans.

Red snapper season