2026 regulation year
South Carolina Spotted seatrout (speckled trout) 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Cynoscion nebulosus
Last updated
Spotted seatrout — known locally as 'speckled trout' or 'specks' — are SC's most-targeted inshore saltwater species after red drum. Year-round availability across the ACE Basin, Charleston Harbor, Winyah Bay, and the Lowcountry sounds, with peak action in fall as fish school in tidal creek mouths. SCDNR enforces a 14-inch minimum and 10-fish daily bag statewide. Spotted seatrout are highly cold-sensitive — SCDNR has periodically issued emergency post-cold-stun closures after extreme winter events. Confirm with SCDNR before fishing in February following a major freeze.
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Season
Open year-round Open year-round in saltwater statewide. May not be harvested by gig Dec 1 – Feb 28. Emergency closures possible after severe winter cold-stun events.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 10 / day per angler
- Possession
- Same as daily bag
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 14 in min
Gear restrictions
- Hook-and-line; may not be harvested by gig Dec 1 – Feb 28
- Saltwater Recreational Licence required
- Confirm SCDNR notices before fishing in February after severe winter freeze (cold-stun closures possible)
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific South Carolina waters:
Charleston Harbor + Cooper / Wando / Ashley Rivers
14 in min, 10 / day
ACE Basin (Ashepoo / Combahee / Edisto)
14 in min, 10 / day — fall schooling in tidal creek mouths
Winyah Bay + Waccamaw / Pee Dee tidal reaches
14 in min, 10 / day
Beaufort + Port Royal Sound
14 in min, 10 / day
Hilton Head + Calibogue Sound
14 in min, 10 / day
Official source
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes the authoritative 2026 South Carolinafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.
The spotted seatrout (speckled trout) rules on this page are sourced from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's official spotted seatrout (speckled trout) regulation page.
Visit official South Carolina fishing regulations →
Emergency-order channel
Spotted seatrout (speckled trout) closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any South Carolina trip during the active season.
Frequently asked questions
- When is spotted seatrout (speckled trout) season in South Carolina?
- South Carolina keeps spotted seatrout (speckled trout) open to fishing year-round for the 2026 regulation year — there is no closed season, though the daily bag and size limits below still apply every day.
- What is the South Carolina bag limit for spotted seatrout (speckled trout)?
- The South Carolina daily bag limit for spotted seatrout (speckled trout) is 10 / day per angler. The possession limit is Same as daily bag. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
- What size spotted seatrout (speckled trout) can you keep in South Carolina?
- The South Carolina size rule for spotted seatrout (speckled trout) is 14 in min.
- Do you need a license to fish for spotted seatrout (speckled trout) in South Carolina?
- Yes. South Carolina requires a valid fishing license to fish for spotted seatrout (speckled trout), with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a South Carolina license — compare resident and non-resident South Carolina fees on the state regulations page below.
- Are there gear restrictions for spotted seatrout (speckled trout) in South Carolina?
- Yes. In South Carolina, spotted seatrout (speckled trout) fishing carries these gear rules: Hook-and-line; may not be harvested by gig Dec 1 – Feb 28; Saltwater Recreational Licence required; Confirm SCDNR notices before fishing in February after severe winter freeze (cold-stun closures possible).
- Do specific South Carolina waters have different spotted seatrout (speckled trout) rules?
- Yes. 5 named South Carolina waters carry rules that override the statewide spotted seatrout (speckled trout) regulation, including Charleston Harbor, ACE Basin (Ashepoo / Combahee / Edisto), Winyah Bay system, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.