October red snapper season will begin Oct. 9
Attention, anglers! South Carolina’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for Atlantic red snapper in federal waters has been issued by NOAA Fisheries for a 14-day season beginning Oct. 9, 2026
This project allows SCDNR and recreational anglers to work together and collect valuable information through an experimental harvest permit and direct angler reporting. The goal is to support informed management and a healthy fishery for years to come through improved data collection.
Free experimental harvest permits are required for anyone keeping red snapper during this season and will be available on the GoOutdoors app shortly. After receiving the free permit, anglers will then receive an email invitation to download the VESL reporting app, where all red snapper trips and catches must be logged.
Stay up to date on when permits will be available and need-to-know reporting details via our social channels and at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/redsnapper/index.html
Season: October 9–22
Bag Limit: 1 Fish/Person/Day
Size Limit: 20 inches total length
Permit: Free on GoOutdoorsSC app — coming soon
Reporting: MANDATORY through the VESL app
Be the first to comment