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February 22, 2010

Anglers reminded of regulation change for recreational marine bottom fishing

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, reminds anglers of several changes in recreational marine bottom fishing regulations.
           
Check the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site for complete saltwater regulations.
           
The following is an abbreviated list of commonly caught species:
           
* Vermillion Snapper
            Open Season: April 1 - Dec. 31
            Possession Limit: 5/person/day; excluded from 10 snapper/person/day limit
            Size Limit: 12" min.   
           
* Red Snapper
            Possession prohibited through June 2, 2010 and may be extended 186 days
           
* Gag grouper
            Open Season: May 1 - Dec. 31
            Possession Limit: No more than 1 person/day; included in 3 grouper/person/day limit
            Size Limit: 24" min.
           
* Scamp, Red & Yellowmouth grouper
            Open Season: May 1 - Dec. 31
            Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/ person/day limit
            Size Limit: 20" min.
           
* Coney, Grasby, Red and Rock Hind
            Open Season: May 1 - Dec. 31
            Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/ person/day limit
            Size Limit: None        
           
* Warsaw & Speckled Hind
            No Closed Season
            Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/ person/day limit; no more than 1 per vessel per trip; may not be sold or traded; no transfer at sea
            Size Limit: None
           
Please note possession of a dehooking device is required when fishing for snapper/grouper species. Sale of snapper grouper under recreational bag limit is prohibited unless the vessel owner has a Federal Commercial Snapper Grouper permit and applicable South Carolina commercial licenses.

South Carolina's natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state's economy. Find out why Life's Better Outdoors.

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