Murrells Inlet, South Carolina – In a bold challenge to federal restrictions, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) announced a pilot program on November 14, 2025, to expand the state’s recreational red snapper season from two days to approximately 60 days, with a one-fish daily limit per angler. The plan, submitted via an exempted fishing permit for federal waters, aims to replace what SCDNR calls unreliable national data with local, real-time reporting—potentially setting a new standard for state-led fishery management.
SCDNR Director Thomas Mullikin emphasized long-standing angler frustration, stating: “For years, South Carolina recreational anglers have expressed serious concerns about the extremely short mini seasons and the unreliable federal data used to manage them.” The proposed May-to-September window would allow fishermen to choose safer weather days, reducing risks from overcrowded, high-pressure openings.
State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch (R-Murrells Inlet), a lifelong angler, has fought federal overreach for 15 years. He called the current system “an oppressive regulatory regime that was based on a scam,” adding: “We are closer to the resource… We know what the resource looks like. We use the resource every single day.” Goldfinch believes the pilot could restore the fishery to its abundant 1990s and 2000s levels.
The plan includes a mandatory electronic harvest reporting system to track catches and reduce discard waste. Gettys Brannon, CEO of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance, highlighted the fishery’s $7 billion impact on the state economy. Jason Burton of Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters said the change would let the area’s 54 charter captains offer red snapper trips again, reviving a once-thriving tradition.
Goldfinch also stressed safety: “With the short season, fishermen are going to get out on the water even when conditions are not ideal and perhaps dangerous. With a 60-day season, anglers can choose safer days to fish.”
SCDNR expects a federal decision within 60 days and is pushing for faster approval to prepare for 2026. If passed, the agency will launch training to ensure compliance with the new data system. The model could inspire other states to adopt localized, science-based management.
This initiative reflects a growing movement among coastal states to prioritize real-world data and angler safety over one-size-fits-all federal rules, offering a path toward more sustainable and accessible fishing opportunities.
For more information, visit South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.