LivewellSouth Carolina · Lake
Atlantic Ocean
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Atlantic Ocean, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
5 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
What's safe to eat from Atlantic Ocean
Cobia
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
King Mackerel
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 33–39" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Over 39" | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Shark
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Swordfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Tilefish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are South Carolina's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Blue Catfish | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | 8" min | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Crappie | 8" min | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 30 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Redbreast Sunfish | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | — | 30 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Bass | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | — | 8 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: South Carolina — South Carolina DNR
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.5 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.9 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.