reef

Yellowtail Snapper

Ocyurus chrysurus

Keys signature. Chum hard, drift small baits back, light fluoro. Best on outgoing tide off the reef tract.

Preferred water temp70–85°F

Preferred depth30–200 ft

Peak monthsApr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Holds oncoral reefs, patch reefs, current edges

In our regions

Central/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandLouisiana Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 26, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 12 regulations for South Carolina

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 10 / angler / day
Minimum: 12″ TL (total length)

Federal South Atlantic: 12" TL min, within 10-fish snapper aggregate.

SC_ATLANTIC

South Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · SCDNR

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 10 / angler / day
Minimum: 12″ TL (total length)

Within group aggregate.

SC yellowtail: 10/day, 12" TL.