2020 Spadefish and Tripletail - New Regulations

Spadefish are common in summer near artificial reefs

Spadefish and tripletail are two fish species that are targeted by anglers during warm weather. This latest action to restrict size and bag limits on saltwater fish, is just the latest round of conservation measures that are being put in place to combat the threat of overfishing. Senator Chip Campsen introduced this legislation in 2019, and it was passed and signed into law by South Carolina Governor McMaster in 2020. Anglers may now keep ten spadefish per day, with a total daily limit of 30 per boat, with a minimum size limit of 14-inches total length. Anglers may keep three tripletail per person per day, with a total boat limit of nine per day, with a minimum size limit of 18-inches total length.

Atlantic spadefish have a black and silver bar pattern on their skin, and they are commonly found in large schools associated with reef habitat. Anglers use a strip of jellyfish as bait to target spadefish, which is unique among saltwater tactics. In fact, one cannonball jellyfish can provide many strip baits for a spadefish excursion, but some anglers choose to drop another whole jellyball down to the fishing grounds in order to serve as a teaser to attract the spadefish. Once the spadefish are located multiple anglers can drop down hook and line in an attempt to catch a spadefish, known for good table fare. This group fishing tactic can be too successful at times, which is why the keeper limit was reduced in 2020.

The tripletail fish is not common in the Lowcountry estuary, but with the warming climate they seem to be appearing more and more. There were no previous limits in South Carolina before the 2020 restrictions, but these fish are more common in Florida and Georgia waters and they are well-known as excellent table fare. Tripletail are most likely encountered in the nearshore waters and are often found near reef structure. Sight-fishing for tripletail is becoming popular with Lowcountry anglers that are already accustomed to keeping an eye out for cobia and other game fish species while on the water.

To view past blog entries about spadefish click on 2011 Reelin' Up The Coast TV 

To view past blog entries on tripletail click on 2010 IGFA Fly Rod Record 3T