Verified against SCDNR guidance and the blue crab law effective July 1, 2025, September 2026. Rules change. Confirm with SCDNR Marine Resources before you set gear. This page is a reference, not legal advice.
New law, July 1, 2025
South Carolina had almost no blue crab regulation until the Legislature passed a full overhaul that took effect July 1, 2025. It brought recreational harvest limits, a limited-entry commercial license, and escape ring requirements for every pot. Enforcement on some measures was phased in over the first year. If your last look at South Carolina rules was before 2025, it is out of date.
Escape rings: 2-3/8"
- Two-chambered pot: at least two unobstructed circular escape rings of 2-3/8" or greater inside diameter, on vertical surfaces. At least one in the upper chamber. All rings within 2" of the horizontal partition or the base of the trap.
- Single-chambered pot: one ring of 2-3/8" or greater on a vertical surface within 2" of the base.
South Carolina runs the 2-3/8" ring, same as Georgia, Florida, and Virginia Bay water. The 2-5/16" ring used in Maryland and North Carolina is undersized here.
Minimum size
Hard crabs must measure at least 5" point to point. Egg-bearing females must be returned to the water immediately. Blue crabs caught in freshwater may not be retained.
South Carolina's 5" hard crab is a 5" measure, year round. Our aluminum cull stick is listed at 5-1/4" for Maryland's late season; call the shop for a 5" cut.
Recreational
- Saltwater recreational fishing license required; allows up to two pots
- Enhanced recreational crab pot endorsement, $5 annually, allows up to five pots; no sale
- Limit one bushel per person per day, two bushels per boat
- Buoy lines must be non-floating
- Unattended pot floats marked with owner's name and address or license number
- No pot left unattended more than 5 days
Commercial
Commercial crabbing moved to a limited license with qualifying criteria after June 30, 2025, with pot limits and a transfer system for retiring license holders. SCDNR has contacted existing license holders directly; check with the agency for your status.
Sources
- SCDNR Rules & Regulations, Crustacean & Shellfish Methods & Devices
- SCDNR announcement of 2025 changes
Gear for South Carolina pots
- Door hooks: FlatStack, 4-1/4" overall, 3-1/2" center to center, cut for a commercial pot door. Bulk boxes from 100 to 10,000.
- Cull rings: South Carolina requires 2-3/8". Our 2-5/16" ring is not legal here; we don't cut 2-3/8" yet. Tell us how many pots you fish and we'll know whether to.
- Cull stick: South Carolina is a 5" measure. Machined aluminum, held to .005"; call for the 5" cut.