Trends in recreational catch, commercial landings, and size composition of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in the South Carolina fishery during 1977-1981 are examined and biological aspects relevant to management are reviewed . Principal developments include (1) a relatively stable recreational catch, (2) a greatly expanded commercial fishery , (3) probable rate of fishing mortality in inshore areas prior to 1981 sufficient to produce the maximum sustainable physical yield, (4) probable rate of fishing mortality in offshore areas prior to 1981 slightly below that required to produce MSY , (5) a size composition in 1981 suggestive of excessive exploitation in the southern district, (6) a size composition in 1981 below the optimum economic level , and (7) no evidence that recruitment is being affected. If the rate of exploitation remains at the present level or increases, quotas with separate recreational and commercial allocations and a 203-mm (8.0 in. ) total length minimum size limit, or a 229-mm (9 .0 in.) minimum for hook-and-line fishermen and a minimum mesh regulation for trap fishermen, should be considered.