Georgia 2001-2002 sport fishing regulations

GEORGIA
2001-2002
SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION COASTAL RESOURCES DIVISION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FRESHWATER SECTION
Agreements with Bordering States ................. 9-10 Angler Award Program ....................................... 20 Boating Regulations ............................................. 5 Buying Licenses ...................................................4 Commercial Fishing ............................................ 12 Daily Limits ........................................................... 6 Definitions .......................................................... 33 Guidelines for Eating Fish ............................ 23-26 Finding a Place to Fish ....................................... 17 Fish Identification ......................................... 18-19 Fish Kill Reporting .............................................. 10 Fisheries Section Offices & PFAs ...................... 17 Fishing Methods ...................................................8 Free Fishing Days ................................................ 7 Handling & Releasing Fish ................................... 7 Length Limits ........................................................ 7

License Requirements .......................................... 4 Protected Species .............................................. 11 Public Fishing Areas .................................... 21-22 Turn in Poachers ................................................ 33 Sale of Fish ........................................................ 12 Seasons ...............................................................6 State Record Fish .............................................. 20 Trout Fishing ................................................ 13-16
SALTWATER SECTION
Bait Minnows ...................................................... 31 Crabs .................................................................. 31 Deflating Your Fish ............................................. 34 Finfish ........................................................... 28-29 Measuring Saltwater Finfish ............................... 29 Shellfish .............................................................. 31 Sport Bait Shrimping ........................................... 30

2001-2002 FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS
Roy Barnes, Governor Lonice C. Barrett, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources David Waller, Director - Wildlife Resources Division Duane Harris, Director - Coastal Resources Division
The Wildlife Resources Division designed this guide to help you quickly find and understand regulations for fishing in Georgia. Th~ ~:me_and Fis~ Coqe ap~ ,Department of Natural Resources rules are the final authority on questions
of law. Recent '"'w cndnges a.e 1n l1gh, Llde.

BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Jamie Reynolds - Chair Bill M. Gilbert - Vice Chair J.D. Caswell - Secretary Sally Bethea James E. Butler, Jr Donald J. Carter Sarah S. Clark Pierre Howard Walter A. Hudson Walter McNeely Ben G. Porter Bob Rutland Glenn E. Taylor Reese Thompson Loyce Turner Thomas W Wheeler, Jr

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OFFICES, PUBLIC FISHING
AREAS & HATCHERIES
See page 17 for telephone numbers and locations of Fisheries Section offices.
MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Brunswick .................. 912/264-7218
I Cover photo provided by G3 Boats

Never buy a fishing or hunting license again!

For a one time price, Georgia's sportsmen and women can enjoy a lifetime of the state's great fishing and hunting opportunities!

Infants under age 2:$200

The lifetime License is
now on sale at Wildlife Resources Division Offices

Youth ages 2 - 15: $350 or call (770) 414-3333 for

Adult ages 16- 65: $500 more information.

For a Lifetime License application, go to www.georgiawildlife.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES
Boating Safety ............. 770/784-3068 Albany .......................... 229/430-4252 Brunswick ..................... 912/264-7237 Calhoun ........................ 770/769-9680 Calhoun ........................ 706/624-1367 Gainesville ................... 770/535-5499 Macon .......................... 478/751-6415 Manchester .................. 706/846-8448 Metter ........................... 912/685-2145 Social Circle ................. 770/918-6414 Social Circle ................. 706/557-3034 Thomson ...................... 706/595-4211 Thomson (Augusta) ..... 706/737-1480 LE Headquarters ...........770/918-6408 Turn in Poachers ..... 1-800-241-4113
RECENT CHANGES
The Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek downstream to US Hwy 41 is now a delayed harvest trout stream. See page 16 for details.
The minimum length limit for largemouth bass at Lake Walter F George is now 14 inches.
Live blueback herring may now be used for bait at Lake Lanier and Lake Juliette. See page 8 "It is unlawful to:" for details.

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page 3

I jtcnsc J{cquircnlcnts

THREE CONVENIENT WAYS to Buy a Fishing License:
Over 1,000 license dealers

LIFETIME LICENSE
Lifetime licenses are available

NO,NRESIDENT$:
Nonresidents 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must have a

statewide including WRD offices, for sportsmen and women of all

valid nonresident Georgia fishing

major retailers, sporting goods, bait & ages! Infant (under 2 yrs) $200;

license to fish in Georgia, except in

tackle, marinas, and hardware stores. Youth (2-15yrs) $350; Adult(16-

private ponds.

Telephone 1-888-748-6887 Internet www.permit.com

65 yrs) $500; Senior (65+) no Nonresidents under 16 do not require

charge. Available from the

a fishing license except to fish in

Telephone and Internet available 24 License Uhit and DNR Law

trout streams or to fish for or to

hours, 7 days a week.

Enforcement offices The

possess trout (see TROUT LICENSE).

All licenses may be purchased by mail Lifetime License satisifies all Florida residents 65 years of age or

from the Department of Natural state license requirements for

older-see Agreement with Florida

Resources, License Unit, 2189 the life of the purchaser.

on page 10.

Northlake Parkway, Suite 108, Bldg. 10, Tucker, Georgia 30084.

. Res1dent~thatarepermanentl~and

College students (US citizens) enrolled full-time who are residing

Orders by mail must include name, address, date of birth, weight and height with the proper payment.

t~tall~. disabled may ob!am. a D1sa~1hty Hon~rary Co.mbmatlon Hunt1~g and F1~h1ng Llce:nse by

within the state may purchase a resident fishing license. A current student 1.0. must be shown when

WHO NEEDS A FISHING

apply1ng.~o the License Umt. Proof purchasing a residentfishing license.

LICENSE?

of d1sab1hty must accompany the

. .

.

application Proof of disability may M1htary persons on act1ve status

Anglers age 16 and older must have come from the.U.S. Dept. of Veterans station~d.at a mil!tary ba~e in Georgia

a current Georgia fishing license in Affairs, Social Security Admin., andthe1nmmed1atefa~1lyme~b~rs

their possession while fishing in Railroad Retirement System or may purchase a restdent flshmg

fresh or salt water in Georgia, another government agency.

license. A current military I. D. must

EXCEPT a license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments-city, county, state, or federal) nor by a landowner and their immediate family when

Persons that are blind can apply for a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License and must provide a Physician's certification of blindness with the application.

~es.how~whenpurchasingaresident f1sh1ng license. Any violation of Georgia fishing laws or regulations can cause revocation of license.

fishing on their land.

NOTE: Georgia DNR has Agreements

TROUT LICENSE

RESIDENTS: .
ProofofresidencesuchasaGeorg1a driver's licens. e is. r.equ.ired to purchase a res1dent flsh1ng license.

with Alabama, Fl?rida, North Carolina, and South Carolina that allow holders of Georgt.a f'1sh'1ng 11. censes to f'1sh .m thewaters covered WI'thout obtam. m. g a fishing license from the bordering state.

All resident anglers ages16 to 64



.

must h. ave. a. trou. t license a.nd .a

Geo.rgia f1shmg license to f1sh . 1n

designated trout waters and to ftsh

Residents 65 years of age or older See Agreements with Bordering States . for or to possess trout.

may fish with the Senior (65+) Lifetim~ License. Th~s license can beobtamedfreefromhcensedealers ~Y furnish.ing pro?! of age (driver's

on pages 9_10. PUBLIC FISHING AREAS
Se~ page 21 for license requirements

Resident Senior (65+) lifetime and hon~rary license holder.s are not requ1red to have a trout license.
Landowners and their immediate

license, b1rth cert1f1cate, etc.) .

to f1sh on a PFA.

families may fish on their premises

2001-2002 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE FEES

without a trout license. All nonresident.anglers, ~~gardless of age or phys1cal cond1t1on, must

License Year: Apri/1, 2001- March 31,2002

possess a nonresident fishing license and nonresidenttrout license

RESIDENT LICENSES:

NONRESIDENT LICENSES:

to fish for or possess trout or to fish

Sportsman's ......... ............ $60.00 Annual Fishing ................. $24.00

in designated trout waters.

0Finshei-nDga.y...F...1.s..h..1'.n..g..........

... ....... .. .. ....... .... .. .

9.00 3.50

Trout .. .................. ............... .. 5.00

Combination Hunting

and Fishing ........ ............... 17.00

Wildlife Management Area ... 19.00

0 ne-Day F1' shm' g .. ......... .... ... 3.50 7-Day Fishing ............. .......... 7.00 Trout ..... .............................. 13.00 Wildlife Management Area . 73.00

Florida residents, regardless of age, must possess a nonresident trout license to fish for or possess trout or to fish in designated trout waters.
STATE PARK VISITORS are not required to have a trout license to fish in the impounded waters of the park.

Page 4 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rc~.:t nl Law C. hangcs

Wildlife Resources Di vision & Coastal Resources Division

Boating

Boat Registration

Personal Flotation Devices

No motor in excess of 25 hp may be

All boats that carry any means of mechanical propulsion and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be registered.
A Boat Registration Application can be obtained from any office of the Wildlife Resources Division, or from most marine dealers and marinas or by writing to: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, License & Boat Registration Unit, 2189 Northlake Parkway,Building 1O,Suite 108,Tucker, Georgia 30084 or from the internet, www.gofishgeorgia.com
For more information, call the Boat Registration Unit at 770-414-3337

A wearable personal flotation device (PFD) is required for each person aboard a vessel. PFDs must be readily accessible to all occupants, in good and serviceable condition, legibly marked with the US Coast Guard approved number, and of appropriate size for the occupants. One Type IV throwable device must also be on board.
Children under age 10 must wear a PFD when the vessel is under way, unless the child is within a fully enclosed cabin.
PFDs must be worn by each person aboard a vessel in an area marked as "hazardous area"

operated on Lake Juliette or Lake Tugalo. Georgia State Park lakes often have boat and motor restrictions. Check with the Park Office at each park for details.
Boating Safety
No vessel may be operated over idle speed within 100 feet of any moored or anchored vessel, vessel adrift, or any wharf, pier, piling, or persons in the water, or shoreline next to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.
Booze and boats do not mix! It is

Georgia honors all other states' Outboard Motor Restrictions

unlawful to operate a boat while under

registrations, provided the boat is No motor in excess of 9.9 hp may be the influence of alcohol or drugs.

not used in excess of 60 consecutive operated on the Ogeechee River To learn more about requirements

days in Georgia.

upstream of State Hwy 119.

for operating your boat obtain the

Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws

from any WRD Law Enforcement

Why Should You Buy

Office.

a Fishing License?

To learn about a boating safety course, contact the Boating Safety

Your purchase of a fishing license helps support the following Fisheries Section programs.
If you want to support fisheries management and

Coordinator at (770) 784-3068 or any WRD Law Enforcement Office (see page 3 for contact information).

conservation, buy a fishing license in 2001!
Management: Fish populations are monitored and managed in over 500,000 acres of reservoirs and small lakes, 12,000 miles of streams and

Lost Your License?

rivers, and over 4,000 miles of trout streams.
Hatcheries: 7 warmwater hatcheries produce largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and other species to stock reservoirs, rivers, and ponds; 3 trout hatcheries stock over 1 million trout in trout streams.
Public Fishing Areas: Almost 2,000 acres of water on eight PFAs provide quality fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. PFAs are perfect areas for family recreation. License sales help build new PFAs.

If you bought your license over the internet, you can replace it by printing out another if you bookmarkedyouroriginal.lfyou bought your license by telephone, call1-888-748-6887 for replacement.

Pond Management guidance is provided to pondowners through consultation and on site visits.

If you bought your license at a license dealer, obtain a

Boat Ramps: 150 boat ramps are maintained statewide. New ramps are built each year to provide better access for anglers.
Aquatic Education: Over 30,000 kids are introduced to fish and fishing at over 500 Kids Fishing Events each year. Over 1,200 educators are trained each year to teach youth about Georgia's aquatic resources.

"Request for Replacement/ Refund" form from a license dealer and mail to the License Unit. There is a $3 replacement fee for each form submitted.

Publications: Reservoir and South River Fishing Prospects, Small

To fish immediately, you must

Lakes Open to Public Fishing, Pond Management book, Trout Streams of purchase a new license and

Georgia map, Fishing Regulations, River Fishing Guides, and many request a refund for the second

others are sent to thousands of anglers each year

license by submitting a "Request

Fish Kills in public waters are investigated and polluters fined.

for Replacement/Refund" form.

2001-2002 Sport Ftshmg Regulattons

www .gofishgeorgta.com

Page 5

Fresh\vater Gan1e Species l)aily l..~ilnits

It is unlawful to take in one day or to SAUGER ....................................... 8

possess at any one time, except at SHAD ...~................................... 8

a residence or commercial storage American and/or Hickory facility, more than the daily limit for

each species. It is unlawful to STRIPED BASS, WHITE BASS

possess more than a total of 50 andlor HYBRID WHITE-STRIPED

individuals of all the game fish listed BASS (see Note & Exceptions)..15

in this section, except channel and Only two of which can be 22 inches

flathead catfish.

or longer (there is no length

Once the daily limit for a particular restrictioninwaterscoveredinSouth

species is taken, it is unlawful to Carolina agreement)

continue to fish for that species. Note: The season for taking striped

Exception: Dailylimitsdifferoncertain . bass and hybrid white-striped bass

waters shared by Georgia and South from the Savannah River and its tri-

Carolina. See Agreements Section butariesdownstreamofNewSavannah

(page 9).

Bluff Lock and Dam is closed.

BASS .......................................... 10 SUNFISH or BREAM Largemouth, Redeye (Coosa), (see exception) ............. 50
Shoal, Smallmouth, Spotted Bluegill, Flier, Redbreast, Redear, (Kentucky), and/or Suwanee bass Rock bass, Spotted, Warmouth and/

CATFISH ........................... No Limit or Shadow bass

Cha.nnel and/or Flathead

TROUT (see exception) ......... 8

CRAPPIE .................................... 30 Brook, Rainbow, and/orBrowntrout

Black and/or White

WALLEYE (see exception) ......... 8

PICKEREL .................................. 15 STURGEON may not be taken in fresh

Chain, Grass and/or Redfin

or saltwater in Georgia.

EXCEPTIONS:
BREAM: see South Carolina Agreement onpage9.
STRIPED BASS, WHITE BASS and/ or HYBRID WHITE-STRIPED BASS:
Limit taken from the North Newport River, Medway River including Mount Hope Creek, Little Ogeechee River, Ogeechee River, Oconee Riverdownstream of GA Hwy 22 in Milledgeville, Ocmulgee River downstream of the GA Hwy 96 bridge between Houston & Twiggs counties, Altamaha River, St. Mary's River, Satilla River, and the tributaries to these river sections; and from saltwater is a two fish limit. both must be 22 inches in length or longer.
See South Carolina Agreement on page 9.
TROUT See Amicalola Creek, ChattahOochee River, Smithgall Woods, Smith Creek, and Waters Creek on page 16.
WALLEYE: Limit on Blue Ridge Reservoir is 15.

Seasons

There is no closed season for fishing in freshwater in Georgiaexcept for the following:
Trout streams that are designated as seasonal trout streams are OPEN to fishing for any species from MARCH 31 - OCTOBER 31, 2001. Seasonal trout streams are closed to fishing for all fish species at all other times.
The Flint River and its tributaries

from the Georgia Power Co. dams at Albany to the US Hwy. 84 bridge; the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries from the Columbia Lock & Dam to the GA Hwy. 91 bridge; and Spring Creek and its tributaries. downstream to GA Hwy. 253 are closed to striped bass fishing and spear fishing from May 10ctober31.
All fishing, including spear fishing,

for any species in the marked areas around five fish refuges in Lake Seminole and in three fish refuges in Lake Blackshear.is prohibited from May 1- October 31.
The season for taking striped bass and hybrid white-striped bass from the Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam is closed .

Don'treleaselivebaitfishormovelivefish,aquaticplants,


or mussels!





Moving live fish, aquatic plants, or mussels from.one lake or stream to another is against the law and may

harm native fish and wildlife. Plants, fish, and other animals should be disposed of in bags and placed in

proper receptacles. Live fish and other animals should not be released.
* It is unlawful to stock or rete;, ;e fish in waters within the state without a permit from DNR, except for lawfully

obtained fish of legal species stocked in private ponds.
* Never release live bait fish. aquarium fish. or aquatic plants into our waters. * Dispose of bait fish after fishing so that they cannot enter a lake, river. or stream. * Remove all plant fragments and mussels from your boat, motor, trailer, live well, and nets before leaving the

launch site.

* Clean your boat and equipment thoroughly before launching into new waters.





Page 6 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rct:ent Law Changes

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Length Limits

There are no minimum length limits on freshwater game fish unless listed below:

Largemouth bass 12 inches statewide except:

Public Fishing Area lakes operated Medway River including Mount Hope by the Department of Natural Creek, Little Ogeechee River,

Lake Blackshear-14 inches

Resources-14 inches. This limit will Ogeechee River; Oconee River

Lake Blue Ridge-no minimum (0 in.) not apply to lakes which have been downstream of GA Hwy 22 in

Lake Burton-no minimum (0 in.)

posted as having a different length Milledgeville; Ocmulgee River

Lake Juliette-no minimum (0 in.)

limit for largemouth bass.

Lake Lanier-14 inches .
Lake Oconee-bass between 11 and 14 inches must be released

Shoa1bass.. Lake Lanier-14 inches

downstream of GA Hwy 96 bridge
betweenHoustonandTwiggscounties; Altamaha R"1ver, Sam t Mary's R"1ver, SatillaRiver,andthetributariestothese

immediately. All others maybe kept. Flint River and its tributaries- river sections; and from saltwater

Ocmulgee River from the Spring 12 inches

Trout - No minimum length limit for

Street bridge crossing in Macon Spotted bass: Lake Lanier-14 inches trout other than:

downstream to the confluence of Striped bass, White bass, Hybrid Waters Creek-brown and rainbow

the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee white-striped bass-You may only trout-22 inches; brooktrout-18 inches

River-14 inches.

keep two fish that are 22 inches or Noontootla Creek and its tributaries

Lake Walter F. George-14 inches longer, exceptthe minimum length is on Blue Ridge WMA-16 inches for

West Point Reservoir-16 inches 22 inches on the North Newport River, all trout

How to Measure a Freshwater Fish
1. Place the fish on its side with the jaw closed 2. Squeeze the tail fin lobes together 3. Measure in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the
extreme tip of the tail 4. You must release all fish shorter than the minimum length
indicated for that species.

Lake Oconee's Largemouth Bass Slot Limit
Make it Work by Harvesting Small Bass Keeping bass less than 11" will improve bass growth! Keeping bass larger than 14" is your choice.

Discover Fishing on Georgia's Free Fishing

Bass between 11" and 14" must be released. For information or comments, call 770-918-6418

Days!"
June 2 & 9, 2001 and

Handling and Releasing A Fish

September 22, 2001
No fishing or trout license

When releasing a fish, you can give the fish is hooked in the stomach or

the fish a better chance of survival by throat, cut the line and leave the

following these guidelines:

hook. The hook will dissolve without

Play and release the fish as rapidly harming the fish.

as possible.

Wet your measuring board before

Whenever possible, do not take the measuring the fish.

fish out of the water.

Hold the fish in an upright position

Handle the fish gently with bare, wet and move it gently back and forth so

hands. Do not squeeze the fish, put water runs over the gills. Release

your fingers in the eyes or gills or the fish when it is able to swim.

cause scale loss.

Operate live well aerators

Remove the hook as quickly as continuously when holding fish that

possibl~ using needlenose pliers. If you plan to release.

required All waters of the state Must be a Georgia resident Does not include fees at
private hikes No WMA license required to
fish on a Public Fishing Area or Waters Creek trophy trout stream All other Fishing Regulations apply

2001-2002 Sport Ftshmg Regulations

www .gofishgeorgta.com

Page7

Fishing \lethods

HOOK AND LINE Game fish may be used as live bait
(where live bait is legal) if they are taken legally and you do not exceed daily creel and possession limits.
There is no restriction on the number of poles and lines to fish for game fish except: fishing for trout - one pole; fishing on Public Fishing Areas - two poles; and sport shad fishing two poles.
Landing nets may be used to land fish legally caught.
Anglers using more than two poles and lines to fish for shad must abide by commercial shad regulations. Bow nets are considered sport shad fishing gear and shall have a minimum legal size of 31/2 inches stretched mesh.
SPORT TROTLINES Sport trotline is one line or a
combination of lines using less than 51 hooks. Sport trotlines must be: 1 marked with the owner's name
and address and with visible buoys 2. submerged at least three (3) feet below the surface of the water 3. attended regularly and removed after the completed fishing trip. Unmarked or unattended trotlines will be confiscated by DNA. It is

unlawful to use any sport trotline within one-half mile below any lock or dam. Only catfish and nongame fish (yearround) and American and Hickory shad during shad season may be taken with trotlines.
Trotlines and jugs are not permitted on Lake Tobesofkee or any state park lake.
SPEAR FISHING "Spearing" is the use of a handheld
spear or similar device and the use of a weapon, other than a firearm, which propels the spear to which a wire, rope, line, etc. is attached and securedto the weapon orthe person using the weapon. Only nongame fish may be speared in freshwater and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. It is illegal to spear game fish and all species of catfish. A sport fishing license is required to spear fish in Georgia. The person spearing fish must be completely submerged.
NOTE: SEE SECTION ON SEASONS
SEINES AND CAST NETS Only nongame fish less than 5
inches in length may be taken using a minnow seine and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. All other fish and eels taken in minnow seines must be released

immediately unh~rmed into the water A minnow seine must be less than 20 feet in length and have a 3/e inch or less mesh (square or diameter). Minnow seines may not be used in designated trout waters. Dip nets and cast nets may be used to take threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and blueback herring for bait except in state park lakes.
BOW FISHING Only nongame fish may be taken by bow and arrow from freshwater under the following conditions:
Possession of a sport fishing license is required to bow fish in Georgia.
Arrows must be equipped with barbs or similar devices for recovering fish and must be attached to the person or bow by a line sufficient for recovering the arrow and fish.
Poisonous orexploding arrowheads are illegat
Arrows cannot be discharged into the watercloserthan 150feetto any person.
Legal hours for fishing with bow and arrow are from sunrise to sunset, except nongame fish may be taken at night while using a light in reservoirs over 500 acres in size.
Any game fish with an open wound possessed,by a person bow fishing will be considered evidence oftaking fish illegally.

A
~-
~~~
EXPEDITJ&)N- Ck+lh~,~

Great Selections at Both Our LOCiltions:

SNELLVILLE, GA GAINESVILLE, GA

888-4362737

8002329620

www.campingtime.com

Page 8 l-888-748"6887 for licenses

IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:
Possess or use live blueback herring for bait in all freshwaters except the following: Lakes Chatuge, ,Juliette, Lanier, and Nottely; and the Altamaha Riverwatershed downstream ofthe following: Juliettedam ontheOcmulgee River, Lake Juliette dam on Rum Creek, Lake Tobesofkee dam on Tobesofkee Creek;Lake SinclairdamontheOconee River; and watersheds of all other streams that flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Maps illustrating restricted waters are available at gofishgeorgia.com
Fish for game fish, except american shad, hickory shad, channel catfish, or flathead catfish, by any means other than pole and line.
Take any fish from public freshwater by any method other than the methods listed on this page. Snagging fish is illegal.
Use electronic devices, explosives, poisons, or firearms to take fish.
Stock or release fish or bait into any public waters exceptthe water from which it was taken.

Re~;ent Law Changes

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

,\grctnH:nts "it h Bordering Statts

Agreements with bordering states allow holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obta~ning a fishing license fromthe bordering state. Regulations under these agreements may differ from Georgia's general laws and regulations. If this is the case, the laws and regulations of the agreement explained in this section are to be followed.
AGREEMENT WITH ALABAMA

Waters Covered:

Chattahoochee River arm of the Minim~m Length Limit$:

The banks and waters of only that reservoir The waters covered by Largemouth bass:

portion of the Chattahoo.chee River forming the boundary between Georgia and Alabama and L~kes Bartletts Ferry (Harding), George

this agreement do not include other streams or tributaries which flow

LLaakkee WWaelstet rPFJ,JiGnte-o1r6gein-c1h4e.1snc.hes

into the Chattahoochee River or its All other fishing laws and r~ulations impoundments orthe portion of Lake of the State of Georgia apply in

W. Andrews, Goat Rock, Oliver, Seminole covered bythe agreement Georgia waters covered by this

Seminole, Walter F George with Florida or Lake Weiss.

agreement.

(Eufaula)and West Poinl; howeveF, Creel and Possession Limits:

Licenses:

this agre~ment does not include. All creel and possession limits on All persons meeting the sport fishing

thatportton of West Point Reservoir waters covered. by 'this agt;eement requirements of Georgia or Alabama

lying upstream {north) of Georgia are the same as Georgia'sstateWide may fish on the banks and waters

Hwy . 109 . bridge on the limits.

covered Without having to obtain

any other license.

AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH CAROLINA

. This agreement does not apply to commercial fishing orsaltwatersport fishing.

Carolina state l.ine (35th parallel of No person rna.y ~ave. a rifle .in their
to North latitude at Ellicott's Rock). possession or In a. boat on South
This agreement aiSQ applies all Carolina wat~rs.

..A South. Cafoljl)a saltwater.fishing the waters and banks of Clarks Hill All other laws and regulations of

:.license isrequi~ when fishing from Reservoir (Strom Thurmond), Georgia apply inthe Georgiaportion
:a boat on the SC side of the Richard 13. RusseiiReservoir, e>fwatel'$covereclbythisagreement.
Savannah River downstream of Hartwell Reservoir, Yonah La~e. There is, no length limit for .striped where tl\6 CSX Railroad trestle , Tugaloo (Toogal) Lake, the New bass a~ hybr.id bass tal<en from the

crosses)rte Ba<:;k River.

Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (see waters covered by this agreement.

Any p$r$qn U$ing.baskets,. jugs, minnow s~ines, ()r trot lines in the waterS coyered must comply with

NOTE), and Stevens Creek Lake 'iOTE:The .s~~&pfl;'tqrtaking striped
~~~~~~~~r::~~tit~~~ (except that:portion on the Stevens
Creek arni upstream of South

the taws, rUJ~s and.regulations .of Carolina Hwy 53). The agreement downstream of New Savannah Bluff

th8 state in w.ftich the baskets, jugs; does not apply to any flowing Lock and Dam is closed.

minnow seine.s. or trot lines are fish~. regardless ofth~ir residence. ; No~ may carry to.either state or ~S$ in such state more fi,sh than;the Iavis oftt)at state or those of this agreement permit, even though the'fishwere caught incthe waters of the other state.
Waters covered:
. On the banks and inthe waters of all .. \ichannels of the Savannah River

portions oUributary streams to these

impoundments nor to tributary

streams of the Savannah, Tugaloo

and Chattooga RIVers.



Licenses:
All persons meeting the freshwater licens.e requirements.Qf,Georgia or South Carolina may fish on the banks and waters covered without having to obtain any other license.

Creel and 'Poss.ssion Limits: Lirnitsfortakin~m~Hfrom thewaters
covered by this agreement are:
Largemouth-t>ass, Spotted bass, and/or Rede.~~(Co~sa) bass ...... 10 Trout......~,,...~:.~ ....;....::.,............... 8 Bream (all species) ..................... 30
Walleye ......................................... 8
Sauger ...........,..............,............., ...... 8 Crappie (Black and/or White) ...... 30

from its.mouth to the junction of the Length Limit:

White bass .............~ .................... 30

Tugaloo (Toogaloo) and Seneca Largemouth bass caught in the Striped bass and/or

.Rivers; ,the Tugaloo River from its Georgia portion of the waters Hybrid \4fhlte-striped bass ............. 1o

mouth to the junction.oftheTugaloo covered by this agreement that are It is unlawful topossess a total of

and Chattooga Rivers; and the Chatto.Pga River to the North

shorter than 12 inches in length must be released immediately.

lmisotre~dJ,aho~oPvefp..rty (40)of aU species

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

Rel.'flll Luw Change~

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page9

AGREEMENT WITH FLORIDA

AGREEMENT

Waters covered The waters and the banks of the St.

and Chattahoochee Rivers, west of

WITH NORTH CARQ~I~A

Spring Creek; and Oilthe north by the Waters covered: ,.

. MarysRiver,notincluclingitstributaries. HermanTalmadgeBridgeacro8sthe Lake Chatuge and .~lLJributary

The waters and banks of Lake Chattahoochee River Seminole, bounded on the west by . Creel and Possession Limits:
on Florida State Road No. 271; Jhe The limitfor striped b~ss; white bass,

branches lying inGeo~gtaqr Nor1tl
Carolina which ar~ aecessible qy
boat fr~m the ma1n body of the

south by the Jim Woodruff Dam; on anq hybrid white-striped bass on _reservoir

the east by the line immediately east the St. Mary's River is two fish which Licenses:

.

of the Chattahoochee Marina (also must be 22 inches or longer,

Holders of a valid Georgia or Nortn

known as the BoOster Club) ~nning For all other species in.the waters C~rolina fish in~ li?ense may fisr

northwest across the reservotrto the covered, Georgia's statewide creel w1th hook and line tn Lake Chatug~

tiD oUand at the junction of the Flint andpossessionlimits(page6)apply. only from boats. Boats may n~t

. All other fishing regulations of the anchored to the sh?re or to a pier qr

:'~

StateofGeorgiaapplyontheGeorgia boa~ d~~'ip~nectmg to the _shor~.

m side of the St. Mary's River and the ., ,emorc1t1zen and youth license

us Amy eorp.

Georgia portion of Lake Seminole. exemptions authorized by eith~r

ofEnglneere

Florida laws and regulations ~ply on state are honored by both states on

SevliMih Dlllrlct

~..f.0.ur.tif.ec::~~ .'

t>.JsJ<V
Gl
~""~ '

~(,.\.)..

'


.

m - ~ ~

. . ! tr-00

'11 fror1' ~

the Florida side of the St. Mary'sRiver Lake Chatuge.

.:

and the Florida portion of Lake All other laws and regulations df

. Se!nihole; , /';

Georgia apply to the Georgia portioh

..L,Jce1'et", .'-\5:. :' .~ ; . ..

of Lake.Chatuge. All other_laws an~

Any per$on 'MilO M$i~V~ fi~hing regulattons of No~h Car?hna apply

or license ari'd p~J$$~ p~imits to the North Carolina port1on of Lake
or licenses, oo!fi~-, ~~~ref:fby . :Ghatuge.

GeorgiaorFioridaintheir~i$)ri ( :l-'--'.-.........,. . - - - - - - - -...

. may ,sport fish for freshwater fish in REPORT FISH KILLS

.

tAhFeIw~an,d.atsearls~oaotveerrf~i~ sht;n.g(.hcen,$,.,eJS<:

.Help protect our valuable fish resources. Report fish kilts as

.

requtred t? f1sh for or t? po~sess quickly as possible. CALL TOLL

saltwater f1sh on the Flonda s1de of 'FREE 1-SG0-241-4113 (24 hrs a

For Information on Water

the St. Marys River

day seven days a week).

The Georgia Honorary Disability

'

Safety, Recreation, Lake Levels, or Camping, Contact:

License is not recognized by Florida under this agreement


TAGGED FISH

Hartwell Project P.O. Box278 Haltwel, GA 30643-(Yl78 706-856-0300 1-888-893-0678
Richard B. Ru888ll Project 4144 R_... Dem Drive EIMNIDn, GA 30635-9271 708-213-3400 1-XHM4-7207
J. Strom lhwmond Project Rt. 1; Box 12
Qarb .... sc 28821-9701
884-333-1100 1-800-533-3478
hllp://www.-a.ueace.anny.ml
For Camping Reservations, Contact the National Recreation Reservation
Service (NRRS) toll free at:
877-444-8777 www.......,.,...com

Georgia Senior Citizens

Georgia Senior (65+) Lifetime

License holders may fish in the

freshwatersinFioridawithoutcharge.

A Florida saltwater fishing license is

required to fish for or to possess

saltwater fish onthe Florida side of

the St. Marys River.

Flori~a

. Sen_or

. Citizens

Flonda residents more tha~ 65 years

~f a~ (proof of a~ requt~ed~ may

f1Shlnfreshwaters1nGeo~1aW1thout

~harge, e~cept a ~onres1de~t tro~

hce_nse IS reqwred to f1sh . m

designated trout waters and to f1sh

for or possess mountain trout. A

nonresident WMA license is also

required in Waters Creek.

A nonresident fishing license is

requiredtofish,castnet,seine,crab,

gig, sport bait trawl, or harvest shell

fish in saltwater in Georgia.

The Department of Natural
Resources (DNA) periodically tags fish for research purposes. Anglers who catch tagged fish
are encouraged to return the tag to DNA. A reward may be offered for each tag returned.
In past years, some individuals have placed their own personal tags on fish which were then released. This activity ha~ created confusion among anglers over the purpose for the tagging and
the organization responsible for it. Tagging by an inexperienced person can result in the needless death of the fish. For these reasons, the Department of Natural Resources urges anglers not to
tag fish in pub1ic waters unless they are cooperating in a recognized scientific tagging program.

Page 10 l-888-748-6887 for licenses

R ,~c c' nL L tW Ch:nges

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

IMth-
qualltv dMiera to cafoh your
Q3 tocl8yl
B&BMARINE 1622 H\Vy. 138 Conyers, GA 30207
770-922-6098
BOLLING BRIDGE
MARINE
4870 Dawsonville Hv.y. Gainesville, GA 30506
77().887-1570
COmTTsOWNhttewMatAer RRdI.NE Valdosta, GA 31602 912244-4440
CUSTOM MARINE
104 Rushing Land
Statesboro, GA 30458 912-881-7777
DUB1L32I1NNoMrthAJeRffeIrNsonE~t. Dublin, GA 31040 912-272-9470
EVANS OUTDOORS
991 Hv.y. 280 West
Cordele, GA31015
912273-1892
SATILLA MARINE 1807 Reynolds St Waycross, GA 31501 912-285-8115
PROTECTED SPECIES MAY BE ENCOUNTERED WHILE FISHING
Many rare and protected species such as the three pictured below live in or near water and may be encountered while fishing. There are currently 55 fish, 7 salamanders, 14 mussels, and 13 turtles.on Georgia's protected species list. It is unlawful to capture, kill, or harm any protected species. If you accidentally capture a protected species while fishing, release it unharmed immediately. For more information, please contact the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage section at .(770) 918-6411 or
visit the website www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/wild/natural.html

EASTERN HELLBENDER Large, harmless salamander found in clear, rocky mountain streams such as trout streams.
2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

MAP TURTLE Aquatic turtle with prominent spiny keel on midline of shell. Found in large streams, rivers in Northwest and Southwest portions of state.

ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE Huge aquatic turtle that may weigh over 100 lbs. Occurs in large streams, rivers, reservoirs in the. Southwest corner of the state. Jaws are powerful-keep a safe distance!

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page II

Sale of Fish

GAME FISH

contained in the package. Fish must recognized prior to 1.992 as havir)g an

It is unlawful for any person to sell or remain so packaged until processed established populatio{l in public waters

purchase any game fish except under or released into another pond.

in Georgia. The White Perch is not

the following conditions: .

Game fishshipped into Georgia may recognized as a domestic fish.

Game fish may be sold by be lawfully transported, sold, and

commercial fish hatcheries, resold provided each person in

wholesale and retail fish dealers, . possession of said game fish has

and pond owners (see following an authentic bill of sale or l~ding

paragraph) who conform to the which details the source of the fish

Game and Fish Code.

and the species, number and

Game fish from a pond ~ay be so~d:

pounds of the .fish. .

.

.

when_theownerhasobtamedavaltd DOMESTIC? FIS~

.

Persons in possession of domestic fish from registered aquaculturists must have an authentic bill of sale or lading which identifies the seller, th.e date of transaction and at least two of the following for each fish species: number, weight, or average length.
COMMERCIAL FISHING American. .shad, hickory shad,

permit from DNA LawEnforcement Aq~acult~nsts (fish farmers) must channel catfish and flathead catfish

Sectionand the pe"'!'it i.s.~isplayed regtsterwith.theDepartmentofNatur~l taken wjlile co~merical fishing may

at the pond. A perm1t w111 be 1ssued Re~ources 1n order to sell ~omest1c be sold.as described in the Game

only once annually and limits the fish: Registration a.pplic_atlons ~re and Fish Code. For a complete copy

time for taking fish from the pond to av~1~able fro111.~ny . F1shenes Sect1on. of the freshwater commercial fishing

15 days. Permit appli~tion~ n~9uire... ,()ffiC$ ()rPY,calhn$J ?~Q-:918-6418: . regulations, contact the nearest

twoweekstoprocess. To transport ' ' ()om~ic fish a~e l!lWh.d!y qbtaind f'tsheries Section office or see the

. game fisn takenfrom the pond, the '.farmeet .fi~tr 'wli{c.h .~re heldt in website \Yww.gofishgeorgia.com. For

fish must be'p~ckaged and.lab(!led confi~ementif.).pl'i,vateponds, butonly.),~nf~rmation concerning saltwater

with the permit .number an(i the .iftheyar~fishsJ>89ie8Wh~areeitt)e,r.., ~.r:nercial fishing! .c~:>ntact the

numberandpo\:Ji'ldsof each species indigenou~ to ~~.o.rgia,or hav~ . b. .n.;..coa~al Resources DIVISIOn.

1-88 8- CALL

GPC- LAKE to find out about some of the best

getaways in the state of Georgia . We have a wealth of forested parks and over I,350

miles of unspoiled sho reline for you to explore. And you thought we were only

good at maintaining the environment in your home.

GEORGIA POWER
A SOUTHI!RN COMPANY

Page 12 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Recent Law Changes

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Trout Fishing in Georgia

The Wildlife Resources Division uses special regulations (page 16) and stocking to provide quality trout fishing in Georgia. More than one million rainbow, and brown are stocked each year from March through midSeptember. The number of trout stocked and the stocking frequency depend on a stream's fishing pressure, public access, and water conditions. Streams with greater public access are stocked more often with more

trout. General information about trout stockings is available on the internet at the WRD web site. The Trout Streams of Georgia Map is available from WRD and includes Georgia's trout streams, roads, and a list of recommended streams.
Trout need clean, cold water to survive. Georgians can be good trout managers by using proper land use practices. Trees and other vegetation left along

stream banks provide shade to keep water cold and help prevent soil from washing into the stream.
Many trout streams are located on private property. The landowner controls access to, and fishing rights in, such streams. It is your responsibility to know when you cross a property line. Obtain permission from the landowner before fishing on private property.

TROUT SEASON

Tennessee state line and Smith

IMPOUNDMENTS ON

Trout season is from March 31 - Creek downstream of Unicoi dam

TROUT STREAMS

October31, 2001. Manytrout streams are open to fishing year-round. (see list below)
TROUT FISHING HOURS

are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Nightfishing is not allowed.
TROUT FISHING RULES

ANGLERS CAN:
Fish for fish species other than trout without a trout license, except on Dockery and Rock Creek lakes.

Fishing hours on seasonal trout Trout anglers are restricted to the Fish year-round, except on Dockery

streams, except Waters Creek use of one pole and line which must Lake.

(page 16), are 30 minutes before be hand held. No other type of gear Fish at night, except on Dockery

sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. may be used in trout streams.

and Rock Creek lakes.

Night fishing is not allowed.

Live bait-fish may not be used in any If you fish for or possess trout, you

Fishing 24 hours a day is allowed on trout stream, except live bait-fish must possess a trout license. If you

year-round trout streams, except may be used on the Chattahoochee catch a trout and do not possess a

those in next paragraph, and on all River downstream of the Roswell trout license you must release the

impoundments. on trout streams, Road bridge(GA Hwy 9). Seining trout immediately.

except OocketyilfldRockCreek lakes. bait-fish is not allowed in any trout Visitors fishing impoundments ._on

.Fish;ng t)ours on the Chattahooqhee stream.



State Parks canfish for & possess

River from Buford Dam to' Peach-
tree Creek, the Conasauga River wate.r~hed up~tre~""! of the G~or~ia-

It is unlawful to fish .tor any fish trout without a trout license. State

a. specie~ in s.easonal trout str~arn ._P,ark .visitors fishing trout streams

when the season is'closed..' .

,_. - -

- . .' ' .. --~

. . - ''

. ".. . . 'ii

--\-" . . ,... ....._. : must pos~ss .a trout license~

(~~- , )<~-~-

1~~- ~- --- _-_-_\: - -_ ~'- .

.:- .::.. ft':~-;: ,:GJ;ORG;IA'S..TROlJT _ sTFh~'AM~:- e.~c,dut.Jt~r -._.:{

. ... :;~:' ;;:~'-- ~~q(lal Trput Str~arn~ (~) .~re ~pen Marq~.-3,,-~-:0'ct~~t-~;~,:~~l - ~ \ .. ~: ve&t-rOflnd ~~'ftRJ~afei~l~fiSn1~fouglibUt.tfier~rahif~"~sig'ttatl@ln '<fafl<'ofu~iYpe; .

. .

Watershed: the stream and all its tributaries (streams flowing int~ thatstre'arn). _



NOTE:.,t ,he following trout stre~ms have special regulations, see page J6 before fi~hing: .A.rnicalol/3 Creek_,

ChattahQ<>Cnee River, Coleman River, Conasauga River, Hoods Creek, Jones Creek, Moccasi'n 'Cr~ek,,~taintown

Creek, f'JJpo.'}t8otla.Creek, SmithgaJJ Vl(oods~Dukes Creek, Smith Creek, Stanley Creek, Walnut Fork C(~~* ~atersCreek.

BARTOW CoUNTY

. ..i . .CATOOSA COUNTY

watershed (Coon Creek);:P~rennial ,_ Spring

S-Boston.Cr~ek watershed upstream from . S-Hurricane Creek watershed upstream from watershed; Raccoon Creekwatershedupstream

GA Hwy ~O;,lQI'T.lS,yreekwatershed upstre~m . Peters Branch. . .

.. .. _ from GA Hwy 48; Ruff Creek watershed.

from Bartow CoRd 82. . .

. .. YR-Dry Creek watershed,(Pacrtof East, .YR-Little ArmuchtHf Cree#r watershed

YR-c~~: P~ watershed; Dykes Chickamauga CtJek ~ihtidJ'-rtof" upsiielunitfjip~'Rd326;StCH'eyMittCreek

CreekwatefS/Jed;PtneLogCreekwatershed; catoosa Co RcJ257; Little ctiCkamaugs Creek wateishid; 1'iJiiifertocreelc watershed.

s c Pyle Creek w~tershed; Salacoa Creek watershed upstream from Catoosa Co Rd CHEROKEE COUNTY

watershed; Sprmg Creek watershed; Stamp Creek watershed upstream from Bartow Co Rd 269; Two Run Creek watershed; Ward

3G8A7.'HTwigye2rCreek watershed upstream from

- 8oston YR-Biuff

k t h d Crreeeekwwaaetresrsehe.~

upstream

of

Creek watershed.

CHATTOOGA COUNTY

Cherokee Co Rd 114; Pme Log Creek

~~~~alOlLaLpCooOsUaNRTiYver watershednorth ofI ~&a-Atlelg~oeodd._ BCrhaenlscehawCart~ekrswhaetde;rsChheda,~ElasCtFreoerkk Cwraeteerksh~eatde; rSsahtaecdouapCstrreeeakmwoafte~rhsehreodk;eSeoCapo

20, not including Little,Tallapoosa River L~leRIVer watershed; Htnton Creek ~tershed; Rd116, StapPCt,eekwatershed, WileyCreek

watershed. , .-..

Kmgs Creek watershed; Mt. Hope Creek . .watershed. (Continues em next 2 pages)

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

Recent L<Jw Changes

w w w .gofishgeorgia .com

Page 13

S- SEASONAL STREAMS; YR- YEAR-ROUND STREAMS

watershed; Mann Creek watershed upstream

COBB COUNTY

watershed; Tails Creek watershed; and all from Haralson Co Rd 162.

YR-Chattahoochee River downstream to other streams or parts of streams not listed as YR-TallapoosaCreekwatershed; Tallapoosa

the mouth of Peachtree Creek.

year-round except: Coosawattee River River watershed upstream from CoRd 222.

DADE COUNTY

downstream from Old GA Hwy 5(Gilmer CoRd HART COUNTY

S-East Fork Little River watershed; Rock 239); Talking Rock Creek; and tributaries to YR-Savannah River from Hartwell Dam

Creek watershed.

Carters Reservoirnotlistedasyear-round (these downstream toRichardB. RussellReservoir.

YR- AllisonCreekwatershed; LookoutCreek maybefishedyear-roundw~houtatroutlicense). LUMPKIN COUNTY

watershed upstream from Dade CoRd 197. YR-Ball Creek watershed; Cartecay River S-Amicalola Creek watershed; Bryant Creek

DAWSON COUNTY

watershed; Conasauga River watershed watershed; Cane Creek watershed upstream

S-Amicalola Creek watershed upstream from (exceptJacksRiverwatershed); Coosawatee from GA Hwy 9-52 bridge; Cavender Creek

Dawson Co Rd 192 (Steele Bridge Rd) which River from confluence of Cartecay & Ellijay watershed; Chestatee River watershed

is first bridge upstream from GA Hwy 53; rivers downstream to old GA Hwy 5 bridge upstream from Tate Bridge (first bridge below

Amicalola Creek tributaries from GA Hwy 53 (Gilmer CoRd239); Ellijay River watershed; Turner's Corner); Chestatee River tributaries

upstream to Dawson Co Rd 192 (Steele Bridge Flghtingtown Creelcwata'Shed; Mounttintown from the mouth ofTesnatee Creek upstream to

Rd); Nimblewill Creek watershed; Shoal Creek Creek watershed; Noontootla Creek Tate Bridge; Dockery Lake; Etowah River

watershed upstream from the mouth of Burt watershed; Sevenmi/e Creek watershed; Town watershed upstream from Jay Bridge; Etowah

Creek; Sweetwater Creek watershed.

Creek watershed; Wildcat Creek watershed. River tributaries from Castleberry Bridge

YR-Amicalola Creek from Dawson Co Rd GORDON COUNTY

upstream to Jay Bridge; Shoal Creek

192 (Steele Bridge Rd) downstream to GA S-Johns Creek watershed; Pin Hook Creek watershed; Yahoola Creek watershed upstream

Hwy 53; Anderson Creek watershed; Long watershed upstream from Gordon Co Rd 275; from the mouth of Bryant Creek.

Swamp Creek watershed.
FANNIN COUNTY S-Charlie Creek watershed; Etowah River watershed; Jacks River watershed; Owenby Creek watershed; Persimmon Creek watershed; South Fork Rapier Mill Creek watershed; Star Creek watershed; Toccoa River tributary watersheds entering the river

Rocky Creek watershed upstream from Gordon CoRd 210; Snake Creek watershed. YR-Pine Log Creek watershed upstream from GA Hwy53; Salacoa Creek watershed upstream from US Hwy 411.
GWINNETT COUNTY YR-Chattahoochee River.

YR-Chestatee River from Tate Bridge (first bridge below Turner's Comer) downstream to the mouth ofTesnatee Creek; Etowah River from Jay Bridge downstream to Castleberry Bridge; YahooiBCreekwatetshedfromthemouth of Bryant Creek downstream toGA Hwy 52.
MURRAY COUNTY S-Jacks River watershed upstream from

downstream from Blue Ridge Reservoir to the HABERSHAM COUNTY

Georgia-Tennessee state line; North Prong

GA-Tennessee state line &upstream from the S-Amy's Creek watershed upstream from GA Sumac Creek watershed; Rock Creek

mouth of Stanley Creek except those listed as Hwy 17; Chattahoochee River tributaries watershed upstream from MurrayCo Rd 4(most

year-round; Tumbling Creekwatershed; Wilscot downstream toGA Hwy 255 (except Amy's southern of two Rock Creeks which are in the

Creek watershed.

Creek downstream from GA Hwy 17 & Sautee Holly Creek watershed); SugarCreekwatershed

YR-Conasauga River watershed (except Creek downstream from GA Hwy 255 Alternate upstream from Murray Co Rd 4; Sumac Creek

Jacks River watershed); Ellijay River bridge); Left Fork Soque River upstream of GA watershed upstream from Coffey Lake.

watershed; Fightingtown Creek watershed; Hwy 356 &all tributaries to the entire Left Fork YR-Conasauga River watershedupstream

Mountaintown Creekwatershed; Noontootla Soque River; Middle For~ Broad River from the GA-Tennessee state line (except

Creek watershed; Rock Creek watershed; watershed; Nancytown Creek watershed Jacks River watershed); Dill Creek

Rock Creek Lake; Toccoa River downstream upstream from Nancytown Lake; Right Fork watershed; HollyCreekwatersheclupstream

from Lake Blue Ridge to the GA-Tennessee Soque River upstream of Wilson Falls & from Dill Creek; Mill Creek watershed

stateline& upstream from themouthofStanley Creek{doesnotincludetributariesunlesslisled).
FLOYD COUNTY S-Johns Creek watershed upstream from Floyd CoRd 212; Kings Creek watershed; Lavender Creek watershed upstream from Floyd Co Rd

tributaries to the entire Right Fork Soque River; Soque River tributaries that enter the river from the confluence of the left Fork &Riglt Fork Soque rivers downstream to the mouth of Deep Creek. YR-ChattahoocheeRiverdownstreamtoGA Hwy255; Left ForlcSoque River downstream

upstream from Murray CoRd 27; Mill Creek (Hasslers Mill Creek) watershed that Is in the Holly Creek watershed; Rock Creek watershed(most northern of, Rock Cteelcs wittin Holy Creek watershed) upstream from Murray CoRd 301.

893; Mt. Hope Creek watershed; Toms Creek of GA Hwy 356 except tributaries; Liberty PAULDING COUNTY

watershed.

Creek watershed; North Fork Broad River S-Possum Creek watershed upstream from

YR-Dykes Creekwatershed; LittleCedarCreek watershed; Panther Creek watershed; Right Paulding Co Rd 64; Powder Creek (Powder

watershed; Silver Creek watershed upstleam Fork Soque River downstream of Wilson Springs Creek) watershed; Pumpkinvine

of GA Hwy 1E (Royd CoRd 631); Spring Creek Falls except tributaries; Roberts Branch Creek watershed upstream from Paulding Co

watershed (flows into Etowah River).

watershed; Sautee Creek downstream from Rd 231; Raccoon Creek watershed upstream

FORSYTH COUNTY YR-Chattahoochee River.
FULT~N COUNTY YR-C attahoochee River downstream to

GA Hwy 255 Alternate bridge; Soque River, except tributaries downstream from the confluence of Left Fork & Right Fork Soque rivers, to the mouth of Deep Creek; Toccoa

from SR 2299 (Paulding Co Rd 471 ). YR-Pyle Creek watershed; Tallapoosa
River watershed; Thompson Creek watershed; Ward Creek watershed.

the mouth of Peachtree Creek.

Creek watershed.

PICKENS COUNTY

GILMER COUNTY ..

HARALSON COUNTY

S-Amicalola Creek watershed upstream from Dawson Co 'Rd 192; Cove Creek watershed

8-Harris Creek watershed; Johnson Creek 8-Fiatwood Creek watershed;Lassetter Creek

(Continues on next page)

Page 14 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rc~.:e lll Law Ch anges

Wildlife Resources Divisi on & Coastal Resources Division

S - SEASONAL STREAMS; YR YEAR-ROUND STREAMS

WHITE COUNTY

upstream from Pickens Co Rd 294; Fisher Creek waterShed; Toe~ CIBek watershed $-Chattahoochee River watershed upstream

creek watershed; Pin Hook Creek watershed. upstream from Toccoa Falls. YR Ball Creek waters~; Bluff Creek TOWNS COUNTY

from GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge; Chattahoochee River tributaries from GA Hwy 75

watershed; Cartecay Rtver watershed; s-aearmeat Creek watershed; Bell Creek Alternate bridge downstream to GA Hwy 255 Darnell Creek ~atershed; Hobson Creek watershed; Bugshuffle Branch watershed (Allen bridge except Dukes Creek watershed

watershed; Ltttle Scarecorn Creek Mill Creek); Burch Branch watershed; Fodder downstream from the US Forest Service

watershed; Long Swamp Creek watershed Creek watershed; Hog Creek watershed; Shake property boundary, Sautee Creek and Smith

upstream from Cove Creek; Mud Creek watershed; Rock Creek watershed;
Salacoa Creek watershed; Scarecorn Creek watershed upstream from GA Hwy

Rag Branch watershed; and all other streams or parts of streams not listed as year-round
except: Hightower Creek downstream from Towns CoRd 88; Hiwassee River downstream

Creek watershed downstream from Unicoi dam; Town Creek watershed upstream from the mouth of Jenny Creek. YR-Chattahoochee River downstream from

53; Sevenmile Creek watershed; Sharp Mountain Creek watershed; Soap Creek watershed; Talking Rock Creek watershed upstream from S1011 (GA Hwy 136); Town Creek watershed; Wildcat Creek watershed.

POLK COUNTY

. .

$-Lassetter Creek watershed; Pumpk1nplle

Creek watershed 14>51ream from Pok Co Rd 437.

YR-CedarCreekwatershedupstreamfrom

Polk CoRd 121; Little Cedar Creek watershed;

Silver Creek watershed; Spring Creek

watershed; Swinney Creek watershed;

eo Thomasson Creek watershed; Thompson
Creek watershed upst1eam ofPolk Rd441.

fromTownsCoRd87;andtributariestoChatuge Reservoir not listed below as year-round (may be fished year-round without a trout license). YR-BrasstownCreekwatersheddownstream from US Hwy 76 bridge; Charlies Creek watershed; Hightower Creek downstream from US Hwy 76 bridge to Towns CoRd 88; Hiwassee River downstream from Brown Briclge(secondbriclgeaboW:USHwy~onGA Hwy 75) to Towns CoRd~ Tallulah Rtver.
UNION COUNTY S-Arkaqua Creek watershed; Bracket Creek watershed; Butler Creek watershed; Camp Creek watershed; Conley Creek watershed;

the GA Hwy 75 A/tsmate bridge to theGA Hwy
255 bridge; Dukes Creek watershed
downstream from the US Forest Service property boundary; Little Tesnatee Creek watershedupstream from the mouth dTimef Creek; Sautee Creek; SmithCteekdownstiMn ofUnicoidam; TumerCreekwatersiJed(one
nearest to Cleveland City limits).
WHITFIELD COUNTY $-Snake Creek watershed; Swamp Creek watershed upstream from Whitfield Co Rd 9. YR-coahulla Creek watershed upstream from Whitfield Co Rd 183; Dry Creek

Kiutuestia Creek watershed; Low Creek watershed{part ofEast Chickamauga Creek

RABUN COUNTY

.

S-Bad Branch watershed (flows Into L~ke

watershed; and all other streams or parts of streamsnotlistedbelowasyear-roundexcept:

watershed); Spring Creek (Deep Spring Creek) watershed; Tiger Creek watershed.

Seed); Bad .creek watershed (flows mto Butternut Creek watershed; Nottely River

Tugaloo); Bndge Cre7k watershe.d; Crow downstream from Nottely Dam & tributaries to Creek watershe~ (flows 1nto Seed).; Dickenson Nottely Reservoirnot listed as year-round (these

Branch (flows m!o Burton); D1cks Creek maybefishedyear-roundwithoutatroutlicense).

watershed (flows 1nto Burton); Falls Branch YR-Brasstown Creek watershed

watershed (flows into Rabun); Flat Creek downstream from US Hwy 76 bridge; Coosa

watershed; Joe Creek watershed (flows into Creek watershed; lvylog Creek watershed;

Rabun); LaCounts Creek watershed (flows into Seed); Moccasi'l Creek watershed; Popcorn Creek watershed; Seals Creek watershed (flows into Seed); Slick Shoal Creek (flows into

Noontootla Creek watershed; Nonely River from US Hwy 129-19 bridge downstream to Nonety Reservoii; Rock Creek watershed; Toccoa River {does not include tributaries

~~ FLOATING OOCKS
ALUMINUM RAMPS . ~~~}; :~~~:

Seed); Timpson Creek watershed; Wildcat unless listed); YoungcaneCreekwatersiJed. + Pressure lreated pile + Sleel hardware

Creek watershed; Worse Creek watershed WALKER COUNTY

and lumber



(flows into Tugaloo); and all other streams or $-Allen Creek watershed; Chappel Creek parts of streams not listed as year-round except: watershed; Dougherty Creek watershed; Dry Tallulah River downstream from Lake Burton Creek watershed (tributary to East Armuchee Dam & tributaries to Burton, Seed, Ra.bun, Creek);EastForkUttleRiverwatershed(flows

+ Encapsulated floats + Pile guides + Pile caps

+ Cleats + Dock boxes + Aluminum ramps

Tallulah Falls, Tugaloo &Yonah lakes not listed as year-round (may be fished year-round without a trout license). YR-chanooga River upstr~am from the mouthofWarwomanCreek; Little Tennessee

into Dade County); East Fork Little River watershed (flows into Chattooga County); Furnace Creek watershed; Gilreath Creek; Harrisburg Creek watershed upstream from Dougherty Creek; Johns Creek watershed;

+ Fenders
+ V10yl decking, fencing
and handrail
+ FiHercloth for erosion

+ Lighting + Swim ladders
+ Boat and jet ski lifts

River downstream from US Hwy 23-441 LeftForkCou~erBranchwatershed; Rock Creek Located 1mile off of 1-95 at exit 13 Midway, GA

bridge; Overflow Creek watershed; Stekoa watershed upstream from Sawmill Branch; Ruff

Tuesday Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Creek watershed; Tallulah Riverdownstream to Lake Burton; WestForkChanoogaRiver.
STEPHENS COUNTY $-Middle Fork Broad River watershed upstream

Creek watershed; Sawmill Branch; Snake Creek watershed; West Chickamauga Creek
watershed upstream from Walker CoRd 107 YR-chananooga Creek watershed upstream

~~l!Plvl'PO!.Ci!I'(

PHONE
912-884-3443
FAX

TR~~IQP\LYlEi*.

912-884-2461

from NRCS flood control structure No. 44.

from Walker Co Rd 235; Concord Creek

YR Little Toccoa Creek watershed; North watershed; Duck Creek watershed; Gulf Creek

1-800-279-6656

ForkBroadRiverwatershedupstreamfrom watershed; Little Chickamauga Creek NRCS flood control structure No. 1; Panther watershed; West Annuchee Creek watershed.

WWW OOCKSUPPLYINC COU

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.corn

Page 15

Special Trout Strcan1 Regulations

While fishing specially regulated waters with a minimum size limit, it is unlawful to possess a trout which is less than the specified minimum size regardless of where the fi~h was caug.ht. The f?llowing trou~ st~eams and P?~ions of trout streams have special management programs and regulations to prov1de a vanety of trout f1sh1ng opportumt1es:

DELAYED HARVEST STREAMS
Anglers fishing delayed harvest streams must release all trout immediately and use and possess only artificial lures with singlehooksfromNov.1-May14annually. These restrictions do not apply from May 15-0ct. 31 of each year The following streams are delayed harvest streams: AMICALOLA CREEK from County Road
192 (Steele Bridge Road) downstream to GA Hwy 53. CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER from Sope Creek (off Columns Drive) downstream to US Hwy 41 (Cobb Parkway). SMITHCREEKonUnicoiStateParkf~o~ Unicoi Dam downstream to the Umco1 State Park property boundary.
ARTI~ICIAL LURES O~L.Y In streams hste.d here only art1f1c1allures may be used. It IS unlawful to possess any other type bait on an "artificial lures only" stream (see definitions on page 33).
CHATTAHOOCHEERIVERfromGAHwy 20 to the boat ramp at the National Park Service Medlock Bridge Park immediately upstream of GA Hwy 141 COLEMAN RIVER and its tributaries from
itsjunctionwiththeTallulahRiverupstream
tCoOFNorAeSstASUeGrvAice~IBVriEdgReaNndo..15ts4t.n.butan.es (exceptJac~Riverwatershed)u~stream of the Georg1a-Tennessee state hne are restrictedtousingonlyartificiallures from Nov. 1through the last Saturday in March

of each year. Natural baits may be used

during trout season. . . .

HOODS CREEK and 1ts tnbutanes on the

Warwoman WMA. . . .
JONE~CREEKand1tstnbutanesonthe

Blue R1dge WMA.

MOUNTAINTOWN CREEK and its

tributaries upstream of Mountainto'!'Vn

Creek Watershed Structure No. 2 (H1IIs

Lake).

.

N.OON.TOOTLA <?REEK and Its

tnbutanes on Blue Ridge WMA:

.

NOTE: All trout less tha~ 16 1n~hes m

length caught from th1s sect1on of ~oont~otla Creek must be released

1SmTmA~edL1EaYtelyC.RE~K

and

. 1ts

. . tnbutanes

on

the R1ch Mountam WMA.

WALNUT FORK CREEK and its

tributaries on the Warwoman WMA.

OTHER REGULATIONS . MOCC~SIN CREEK That portion of Moccasm Cree.k between L~ke Bu~on Hatchery~ater mtake and a s1gn markmg the app~oxlmat.e normal pool level of Lake Burton IS restncted to anglers under 12 ~ears of age .and holders of t:ronorary
licenses and IS open only dunng trout
season. SMITHGALL WOODS.DUKES CREEK CO~SE~VA~ON ~~EA. Dukes Creek and 1ts tnb~tanes Within the Dukes ~r~ek Conservation Area ar~ open to fishing year round by reservation only.

Tomakeareservationcall706-878-3087

Only artificial lures with barbless hooks

may be used or possessed on the

portion of Dukes Creek and its

tributaries in White County on the

Conservation Area, including the GA

Hwy 75 Alternate right-of-way.

Possession of any bait, lure, or gear not

legal for use on the stream is unlawful.

All fish caught from Dukes Creek and

its tributaries in White County on the

Conservation Area, including the GA

Hwy75Aiternateright-of-way,mustbe

immediately released where caught.

No trout may be possessed while

fCis0hnisne~atoi.non

an
Ar:a

stream on the or the GA Hwy 75

Alternate nght-of-way.

WATERS CREEK located on the Chestatee WMA is managed for trophy
trout. Waters Creek and its tributaries are

open during the trout season on

Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

only between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastem Standard Time (7:30p.m. Eastem

Daylight Saving Time) with the following restrictions:

Artificial lures with a single barbless

hook no larger than a #6 must be used. Only one lure can be used at a time.

You cannot possess lures that do not

meet these criteria while on the area.

Landing nets may not exceed two (2)

feet in length.

:Timber Management :Wildlife Management (Soil & Water Conservation :Recreation :Aesthetics

Are you interested in managing your forest for multiple uses?

Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program
._ can provide you with a written management plan to help you reach those objectives!

.

"'*Yv-,

For details contact your nearest

Georgia Forestry Commission or

Georgia Department of Natural

Resources Office or call:

1-800-GATREES

Possession of any bait, lure, landing nets or gear not legal for use on the stream is unlawful.
No night fishing. License Requirements for Waters
Creek: Resjdents: Georgia resident fishing license, Trout license, and WMA license. Senior (65+) Lifetime and Honorary license holders do not need a WMA license. Nonresidents: Nonresident Georgia fishing license, nonresident trout license and nonresident WMA license. Florida residents more than 65 years must possess nonresident trout and WMA licenses. Size limits: 22 inches for brown and rainbow trout and 18 inches for brook trout. It is a violation to possess a trout smaller than these limits while fishing on Waters creek. Possession limit: One (1) trout may be
possessed daily. No person may take
more than three (3) trout per season.

Page 16 l-888-748-6887 for licenses

Ret:,'nt Law Ch,mges

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

FINDING A PLACE TO FISH IN GEORGIA IS EASY, HERE IS WHY!

Georgia offers some of the best fishing in the country. You can fish from the mountains to the coast for everything

from rainbow trout to spotted seatrout. Listed below are publications and information available from DNR that make

it easy to find a place to fish.

www.gofishgeorgia.com - the DNR web site will get you to a wealth of fishin~ inf~rma~ion. .

. .

Reservoir qnd South Georgia River Fishing ProsP.ects - updated annually by f1shenes b1olog1sts, these pubhcat1ons give you information about each lake or nve-r, who to call, species you can fish for, fishing tips, and more.

Small Georgia Lakes Open to Public Fishing - lists small lakes you can fish around the state. Includes location, telephone, fTsh species, facilities, when you call fish, and other pertinent information.

Public Fishing Areas - Located statewide, you can fish for bass, sunfish, catfish, and crappie at any of eight PFAs. These areas are managed by WAD for anglers and truly are "Perfect Family Areas" for fishing and recreation. Information cards provide the information you need to visit. See page 21 for more information about PFAs.

Trout Streams of Georgia - this map shows all the trout streams in Georgia, public land where access is not a problem, roads, camping areas, and has fishing tips and a list of stocked and wild streams to get you started. Map is available on the DNR website or from any Fisheries Section office.

Saltwater fishing - the DNA web site (www.gofishgeorgia.com) has all the information you need to fish from the shore or from a tioat at one of the artificial reefs. Also available from Coastal Resources Division are county guides to coastal fishing in Camden, Glynn, Mcintosh, Liberty, Bryan, and Chatham counties.

Fisheries Section Offices, Hatcheries & Public Fishing Areas

I Rocky Mountain Rec. & PFA

706-802-5087

2 Summerville Office & Hatchery

706-857-3394

3 Northwest Regional Office (Calhoun)

706-629-1259

4 Burton Office & Trout Hatchery

706-947-3112

5 Northeast Regional dffice (Gainesville)

770-535-5498

6 Buford Trout Hatchery

770-781-6888

7 Thomson District Office

706-595-1619

8 McDuffie PFA & Hatchery

706-595-1684

9 East Central Regional Office (Social Circle) 770-918-6418

10 Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center/Marben PFA 770-784-3059

II Treutlen County PFA .

912-685-6424

12 Metter District Office

912-685-6424

13 Evans County PFA

912-739-1139

14 Demeries Creek Coastal Regional Office

912-727-2l12

15 Richmond Hill Hatchery

912-756-3691

16 Coastal Resources Division HQ

912-264-7218

17 South Central Regional Office (Waycross)

912-285-6094

18 Dodge County PFA

478-374-6765

19 Cordele Hatchery

229-276-2362

20 Bowens Mill Office & Hatchery

229-426-5272

21 Paradise PFA

229-533-4792

22 Southwest Regional Office (Albany)

229-430-4256

23 Manchester District Office

706-846-8448

24 Big Lazer Creek PFA

706-846-8448

25 West Central Regional Office (Fort Valley) 478-825-6151

26 Dawson Office & Steve Cocke Hatchery

229-995-4486

27 Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters

770-918-6400

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you have questions or comments regarding fishing laws or regulations, or any other
fisheries matter, please contact the Fisheries office nearest you. Telephone numbers are listed above.

FRESHWATER
Northwest Region Wildlife Resources Division 312 N. River St., N.W. Post Office Box 519 Calhoun, Georgia 30703-0519
Northeast Region Wildlife Resources Division 2150 Dawsonville Hwy. Gainesville, Georgia 30501

East Central Region Wildlife Resources Division 2123 U.S. Hwy. 278, S.E. Social Circle, Georgia 30025
West Central Region Wildlife Resources Division 1014 Martin Luther King Blvd. Fort Valley, Georgia 31030-6246
Southwest Region Wildlife Resources Division 2024 Newton Road Albany, Georgia 31701-3576

South Central Region Wildlife Resources Division Post Office Box 2089 Waycross, Georgia 31502-2089
C~a~tal Region . . . W1ldhfe Resources D1v1s1on ~814 High~ay 144 . Richmond H1ll, Georg1a 31324
SALTWATER Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, Georgia, 31520-8687

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page 17

LARGEMOUTH BASS
upper jaw extends beyond eye

spiny & soft dorsal fin separate or nearly so
/..

WHITE BASS (seldom exceeds 3 pounds)
tongue with one tooth patch

tongue normally smooth, tooth patch rare

SMALLMOUTH BASS

usually has vertical stripes along body

~ength 2nd anal spine 2/3 or

of 3rd anal spine

HYBRID WHITE STRIPED BASS

back arched body deep

stripes distinct & usually broken

SPOTTED BASS
upper jaw not past rear of eye

3 short spines on anal fin
spiny & soft dorsal fin clearly connected
I

tongue with two tooth patches
STRIPED BASS body slender

I
2nd anal spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd anal spine
stripes distinct occassionally broken

tooth patch on tongue
SHOAL BASS - found in Chattahoochee, Flint, and Ocmulgee Rivers

tongue with two tqoth patches
FLATHEAD CATFISH head wide & flat

2nd anal spine l/2 or less the length of 3rd anal spine
body dark in color

no tooth patch on tongue
CHAIN PICKEREL (JACKFISH)
elongated body with chain-like markings

light golden color

large mouth; lower jaw extends past upper jaw

tail not forked

WALLEYE

no spots on dorsal fin dark area at base
of dorsal fin

sharp needle like teeth
Page 18 1-888-748-6887 fo r licenses

sharp teeth

/
white spot at bottom of tail

Wildlife Resources Di vision & Coastal Resou rces Divis ion

BLACK CRAPPIE 7-8 dorsal spines _ __
body color pattern irregular arranged spots BLUEGILL

RAINBOW TROUT
small black dots throughout the body that extend into the tail

black spot on dorsal fin

red stripe along side on silvery body
BROWN TROUT black & red-orange spots inside light circles on brown body

vertical bars on body REDEAR SUNFISH (SHELLCRACKER)

caudal fin (tail) square
BROOK TROUT light, wormlike markings on dark upper body

REDBREAST SUNFISH
long, dark ear flap

spotted body

GIZZARD SHAD

ear flap (operculum) not wider than eye

BLUEBACK HERRING
pointed snout

small dorsal fin

blunt snout
THREADFIN SHAD
mouth at end of snout

deep body
; gt<d do"'' fi my

lower jaw sloped upward

body not as deep as gizzard shad

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

pointed snout

yellow tail fin

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 10

(;corgia's .\ngler .\ward Prognun

Catching a big fish is always a thrill. and usually requires exceptional fishing skill. Each year DNR recognizes the achievement of anglers that catch ''trophy" fish by presenting the angler with an Angler Award. The fish does not have to be a new state record to qualify. Angler Award applications and minimum weights for species are available at any Fisheries Section office. To qualify you must:

gia Dept. of Agriculture (at grocery & convenience stores) in the presence of two witnesses over the age of 18. Witnesses cannot be members of the immediate family.
The fish must meet the minimum weight requirements for that species.
Take the fish to a DNR Fisheries Office and have it positively identified by a fisheries biologist ortechni-

cian. In some cases a clear side view photoof the fish can be used for identification, but you must discuss this with a fisheries biologist or technician prior to submitting your application.
Complete an application and submit it with a clear side view photo of the whole fish to the address listed on the form.

Catch your fish by legal sport fishing methods in Georgia.
Weigh the fish as soon as possible on scales certified accurate by the Geor-
( atrhin!.!, a Stall' Rl'4.:ord
Ifyou thinkyou, orsomeoneyou know, has caught a fish on sporting tackle that may be a new state record, follow these steps: Do not clean or freeze the fish Keep the fish cool, preferably on ice Weigh the fish as soon as possible
on scales certified accurate tothe nearest ounce by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture in the presence oftwo witnesses who are overthe age of 18. Obtain witnesses names, addresses and telephone numbers. Witnesses cannot be members of your immediate family. Estimated weights are not accepted. Take the fish to a DNR Fisheries Office as soon as possible and have
it positively identified by a DNR
fisheries biologist or technician. Complete an application and submit
with a clear side view photo of the whole fish within 90 days of the catch.

Georgia's StateRecord Fish

Species

Weight

Angler

LocatJon .

Bass, Hybrid

251bs..8 oz. David Hobby

lal<e:Chatuge

Bass, Largemouth 22 lbs. 4 oz. George Perry

Montgomery lake

Bass,Redeye

3 lbs. 5 oz. Jjlmes Vaughn

Lake Hartwell

BaSs, Shoal

8 lbs. 3 oz. David Hubbard

Flint River

Bass, Smallmouth 7 lbs. 2 oz. Jack Hall

Lake ChaJUge

Bass, Spotted

8 lbs. 0.5 oz. Patrick Bankston Lake Lanier

Bass, Striped

63 lbs.

Kelly Ward

Oconee River

Bass, Suwanee 3 lbs. 9 oz. Laverne Norton Ochlocknee River

Bass, White

51bs. 1 oz. J.M. Hobbins

Lake Lanier

Bowfin

16 lbs.

Charles Conley Stephen Foster State Park

Bullhead, Brown 51bs. 8 oz. James Andrews O.F. Veal pond

Carp, Common 351bs. 12 oz. Donald Clark

Lake Jackson

Catfish, Blue

62 lbs.

Ralph Barbee Jr. Clarks Hill Reservoir

Catfish,Channel 441bs. 12 oz. Bobby Smithwick Altamaha River

Catfish, Flathead 67 lbs. 8 oz. Gene Middleton Altamaha River

Catfish, White

Bibs. 10 oz. James Sanders Savannah River

Crappie, Black (tie) 4 lbs. 4 oz. Shirley Lavender Acree's L~e

Crappie, Black (tie) 4 lbs. 4 oz. Steve Cheek

Lake Spivey

Crappie, White 5 lbs.

Theresa Kemp

Bibb Co. pond

Gar, Longnose 28 lbs. 6 oz. Richard Johnson Flint River

Muskellunge

38 lbs.

Rube Golden

Blue Ridge Lake

Perch, Yellow

2 lbs. 8 oz. Charles Poole

Lake Burton

Pickerel, Chain 9 lbs. 6 oz. Baxley McQuaig Jr. Homerville

. Pickerel, Redlin 21bs. 10 oz. Gene Brantley

Lewis' pond

Pike ).Jorthem

181bs.2 oz. Keith Gragg

Lake Rabun

Sauger

4 lbs. 3 oz. Stuart Bowers

Clark!> Hill Reslllvoir

Shad, American 8 lbs. 3 oz. Henry Baxley

. ~!)vannah River

Shad, Hickory

1 lbs. 15 oz. Mark Bowers

Ogeechee River

Sunfish, Btvegill 31bs. 5 oz. P.F. Gumm

Shamrock Lake

Sunfish, Flier

1 lb. 4 oz. Curt Brooks

Lowndes Co. pond

Sunfish, Green 1 lb. 1 oz. Kevin BfYant

Gordon Co. pond

Sunfish, Redbreast 1 lb. 11 oz. Emory Walden

Coweta Co. pond

Sunfish, Redear 4 lbs. 2 oz. Pat Lawrence

Richmond Co. pond

Sunfish, Warmouth 2 lbs.

Carlton Robbins private pond

Trout, Brook

51bs. 10 oz. Russell Braden Waters Creek

Trout, Brown

181bs. 2 oz. William Lowery

Rock Creek

Trout, Rainbow 151bs.

E.B. Watkins White Co. pond

Walleye

11 lbs. 6 oz. Neal Watson

Richard B. Russell Lake

Date 5/1/95 6/2132 2127/99
1o123m
3/28n3
5/20/85 5/30/67 10/6/84 6/16n1 5/25n6 5/22n8 1972 9/12n9 5/18n2 5/24/00 6/10/96 6/1n1 3n5 4/10/84 1/28/95 6/57 2123/80 2161 ?n/82 6/27/82 4/5/86 4/5/86 4/2195
mm
2126/96 5/17198 4/16/98 6/6/95 5/4/74 3/29/86 5/6/67 4/18/85 9/11/95

Page 20

1-888-748-6887 for licenses

OUTDOOR GROUP, INC. DISCLAIMER The Georgia Department of Natural Resources allows appropriate advertising in its annual regulations to help offset increasing costs of printing. Many states have adopted a similar strategy. Promotional advertising does not cqnstitute endorsement by the Department or Outdoor Group; Inc.
To inquire about regulation information, contact: The Georgia Dept. of Natural ResourceJ 770-918-6418
To inquire about placing an ad, contact: Outdoor Group, Inc. 1-800-564-6818

Rel:l'lll La\\' Cl1<mges

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Public Fishing Areas
Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are great places for family outings. You can fish from the bank or a boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, and enjoy the outdoors. Good bank fishing opportunities are available at all PFAs and many of them have special kids fishing areas for young anglers. Call each PFA,for details.
On Public Fishing Areas, YOU CAN:
Operate fishing boats propelled by paddles, oars, or electric motors on ponds or lakes, unless they are posted as closed to the use of boats.
Operate outboard motors at idle speed only In lakes posted as open to the use of outboard motors.
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE FISHING AT A PFA!
Licenses:
Anglers 16 years of age and older must
possess a valid Wildlife Management
Area~) licenseandacurrentfishing license to fish, except a WMA license is not. required to fish at Rocky Mountain Recreation and PFA.
If you have a Sportsmans License, One Day Fishing License, Senior Lifetime LicenseorHonorary License, you are not required to have a WMA license to fish.
Hours of Operation: PFAs are open year round, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Unless a pond or lake has been posted as having a different length limit or daily limit the following apply:

Consume alcoholic beverages except at campsites on the area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Rocky Mountain PFA.

Length limit for Largemouth bass: 141nches minimum

Fish except during the time between sunrise and sunset. Fish in a pond or lake that has been posted "closed" Fish with any gear other than pole and line. Fish with more than two poles and lines. Use live fish for bait, unless the lake or pond has been otherwise
posted. Operate personal watercraft uet skis), sailboats, or sailboards.

Dally Limits: Largemouth bass .......................... 5 Bream or sunfish (of any one or a combination) ........................ 15 Channel catfish ............................. 5 All other species ............ see page 6
Grass carp must be released immediately.

Park a vehicle at any place within a PFA where signs prohibit parking.
Drive or otherwise operate a vehicle on any road posted "closed" to vehicular access, to drive around a closed gate or cable blocking a road, .or to drive on any road that is not maintained for vehicular access.
Camp any place other than designated camping areas. NOTE: Contact the PFA before visiting for regulations regarding camping.
Swim, except at Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA beach.
For children under 14 years of age to enter or remain on any PFA unless under the supervision of an adult.
For horses to be on areas other than those designated as open to equestrian use.

Public Fishing Areas
BIG LAZER CREEK (Talbot County) (706-846-8448)
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill & Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie
Water 195 acre lake
Facilities: concrete two-lane boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities
DIRECTIONS FROM TALBOTTON: East on US Hwy 80 for 4 miles; left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 miles; left on Bunkham Road; left into area

Fishing is a great way to spend time with a child.

CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE CENTERIMARBEN PFA (Jasper & Newton Counties) (770-784-3059)

The Fisheries Section sponsors several hundred Kids Fishing Events each year where kids can learn to fish. Most Public Fishing Areas also have special kids only ponds for kids to fish in. Call the nearest Fisheries Office to learn about Kids Fishing Events and opportunities near you.

Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Crappie, Channel catfish Water 22 ponds totalling 295 acres. Ponds range in size from 1 to 95 acres. Facilities: Kids only ponds, concrete boat ramps (6 lakes), boat docks, restrooms, fishing piers, picnic areas, primitive camping, some fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities'
(Continues on next page}

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

Recent Law Change~

www ,gofishgeorgia,com

Page 21

NOTE: Sign in at information board primitive camping, some facilities Water: 75 lakes encompassing 525

and check for lakes that are open for accessible to persons with disabilities acres of water.

fishing when you visit.

DIRECTIONS FROM CLAXTON: Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area,

DIRECTIONS FROM MANSF.IELD: East on US Hwy 280 for 8.5 miles; concrete boat ramps, primitive

SouthonGAHwy11 for2.7miles; left right on Old Reidsville-Savannah Road camping, fishing pier, boat dock, some

on Marben Farms .Rd; (Co. Rd. 229), for 1 mile; left on Old Sunbury Road facilities accessible to persons with

follow signs

(dirt), PFA 0.3 miles on right marked disabilities

DODGE COUNTY (478-374-6765 or 229-426-5272)
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish Water 104 acre lake ,

by Wildlife Resources sign

McDUFFIE (McDuffie County)

(706-595-1684)

Fish Species: Largemouth bass,

Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel

catfish

.

DIRECTIONS FROM TIFTON: East on US Hwy 82 for 8 miles to BrookfieldNashville Road near Brookfield; follow signs from US Hwy 82 to the area
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECREATION & PUBLIC FISHING AREA

Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing Water: 12 ponds varying in size from (Floyd County) (706-802-5087)

pier, restrooms, picnic tables, nature 1 to 30 acres

Fish Species: Largemouth bass,

trail, some facilities accessible to Facilities: concrete boat ramps, Bluegill, Redearsunfish, Channel catfish,

persons with disabilities

restrooms, picnic tables, tent and RV Blackcrappie, Hybrid white-striped bass

DIRECTIONS FROM EASTMAN~ camping in designated areas (fee is Water: two lakes (202 & 357 acres)

South on US Hwy 231341 for3 miles; left $10 per site per night)

Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing

on County Road 49 for0.6 miles to lake DIRECTIONS FROM THOMSON: jetties, restrooms, picnic shelters,

!;VANS COUNTY (912-739,.1139 or 912.S85..&424) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown bullhead Water: three ponds encompassing 122 acres (8, 30, 84 acres) Facilities: concrete b~t ramps, fishing piers. restrooms, picnic tables,

South on Hwy 17 to US Hwy 278; left (east) for 5.6 miles; right on Ellington Airline Road for 2.8 miles; right on Fish Hatchery Road for 0.8 miles
PARADISE (Berrien County) (229-533-4792 or 912-285-6094) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown bullhead

scenic overlooks, hiking trails, tent & RV camping (seasonal), group primitive camping (reservation only), group picnic area (reservation only), some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities Fee: Daily or annual Rocky Mtn. PFA parking permit required (one per vehicle) WMA stamp not required. Restrictions: It is illegal to possess alcoholic

beverages.

No one may rappel, rock climb or

Saltwater fish may simply give up the fight once theY see you're armed with a new boat from Travis Boating Center. As one of the'world's largest retail boating chains,

hang glide. DIRECTIONS FROM ROME: North on US Hwy 27 for 10.4 miles, left on

you'D find an unequaled selection. You'll also discovenhat our volume buying means Sike Storey Road 0.4 miles, left on Big

outstanding prices and exceptional value with our exdusive Travis Edition packages, Texas Valley Road 5.4 miles to

complete with the motor and accessories you want. Ptus we can put 1t all together entrance

at with attractive fif.Wlcing, tailored to your budget. Just see your local Travis Boating TRE,UTLEN COUNTY

Center ofiStt us online wWw.travisboatingcenter.com

(912;;.685-6424) '

Fish Species: Largemouth bass,

Bluegill, 'Redear sunfish, Warmouth,

Flier, Brown bullhead, Crappie

Water: 189 acre lake

Facilities: concrete boat ramp

DIRECTIONS FROM SOPERTON:

North on County Road 166 for 4.5

miles; at Wildlife Resources sign right

onto dirt road

Page 22

Rccem Law Changes

FISHING ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed on WMAs according to state- wide regulations. Alcohol use is prohibited on WMAs except in designated camping areas. Refer to the Hunting Regulations Guide for a complete list of WMA regulations.
Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

(; uidrlinrs for Eating Fish frotn (;corgia \ \"attrs

The Health Benefits

once p8r week shoUld cause no Cook fish so fat drips away. Broil,

of Eating Fish

significant health risks.

bake, or grill fish and do not use the

Sport fish caught in Georgia are

generally good quality andsafe to eat.

Fish provide a high protein, low fat diet

which is low in saturated fats. Fish

may have substantial health benefits

when they replace a high fat sourceof

protein . .

in

th.e

diet.

., ;,

-:

Special Notice for Pregnant Women, Nursing
Mothers, and Children
lfyouarepregnantoranursingmother, or plan to become pregnant-soon, you and children under 6 years of age are sensitive to the effects of .some

drippings. Oeep~fat frying removes some contaminants, but discard the oil once you have cooked the fish. Pan frying removes few contaminants.
Guidelines for Georgia The following tables list the current guidelines for eating fish for lakes and

What are.the Guidelines?

contaminants. Women and children in rivers in Georgia. Lakes and rivers

Georgia DNR samples .fish frOm water bodies each year to test for contaminants such as PCBs,
chlordane, and mercury. Many of the fish tested havefeworno contaminants and are safe to eat. Waters where fish have been tested and found clean are listed at the top of the tables. Fish from waters listed inthe tables had some level of contarn.inants so you should restrict the amountof fish you eat from

these categories may wish to eat fish less often than recommended in the tables.
How to Reduce Your Health Risk
Eat smaller fish anc1 vary the kind ot flab you eat. Contaminants build up in
top predators (bass), bottomfeeders (catfish), and older (larger) fish to a greater extent than panfisti, such a8 bream and crappie.

listed atthe top of each table have been tested and the fish found to contain little or no contamination. If the lake or stream where you fish is listed in the table, it is safe to eat the amountlisted for.a given species from that body of water.
More details on fish contaminant testing are available
in the publication "Guidelines tor Eating Fish

these waters. Recommendations are Clean .,..d Cook Fish Properly

from Georgia Waters.

made to limit how often you eat a meal Some chemicals have a tendency to

Call the following offices for

offish to eitheronce perweek ormonth. concentrate in the fattytissues offish. A meal of fish is about 1J4 to 1/2 pound. By 'removing the fish's skin and These guidelines are based on eating trimming the fat, you can substantially fish from alistedarea for at least 30 reduce contaminants.

a copy or more information:
Environmental Protection Division
(404) 656-4713

years. That is because it would take

months or years of regularly eating

contaminated food to accumulate

levels in your body that would affect

your health.



One meal per week mean eating a 4 to 8 ounce serving no more than

---~--.....back fat

- -"""---

side fat

fat belly ..._....;:t..;llt_.--

Trim qway these fatty areas

. Coastal Rftc:turces Division

'

(912) 264-7218

Wildlife Resources Division (770) 918-6418
~leo available On the Internet at .www.dnr.state. ulldnr/environl

,

.

W.fCIIIIY

a_ _ FisFh, Lfoa.rrg_ eSmtooucth_ kaln.a_..._ L(F.-_-._a.lo_k_r-_i._d-_ . a_ . x-.-___fl:14od._-_ rtPheom_n) ds_ _.

'

Etar arowtng and mOm aggiUslye



Cppperno.e Bluegill

Aedear Shallcracker
Sterile Graaa. Carp .

Autommlc Fish Feeders
Cell for more Information (800) 524-0383

TAKE YOUR
KID.a'.S..,..f1i'RSOHUITN. G tAIN80W RANCH"
FUIBArr
at.MSLB
PAYBYLIL.
IOI:W&At
YOU cATCH
WBa.IAN
.,, AND.ICB

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

R ert~ nt La w Change~

Page 23

Guidelines for Limiting the Fish You Eat from Lakes

LAKES: Fish have been tested from the following water bodies and no restrictions are necessary: Blackshear, City of

Adairsville pond, Chatuge, Dodge Co. PFA, Fort Vargo State Park, Hard Labor Cr.State Park (Rutledge), Juliette,

Ken Garden, Mayer, McDuffie PFA (East), Olmstead, Paradise PFA (Patrick & Horseshoe 4), Sinclair, Shepherd

(CEWC), Varner, Seed, Walter F. George, Brasstown Valley Kid Fish Pond, Clayton Co. Water Auth.lakes, Carters,

AI -

- - - - - ~. ...

- - --- - -- -

-

-:l_

- ---

... - --

---- , - - ---- ~L'1_ -- - - ,..._ .- - .... .-. -- ------1

.

t ;.t.IC'S:!Il

.. N n

1 MEAL. PER WEEK

1 MEAL. PER MONTH

Allatoona

Carp< 16", C~pie, S~tted bass< 12", LM 12-16 , CCF

Spotted bass 12-16", LMB > 16", White bass

Bennett CEWC PFA

LMB > 12"

Black Shoals

CCF < 12"

CCF 12-16"

LMB 12-16"

Big Lazer PFA

LMB 12-16", CCF

LMB > 16"

Blue Ridge

CCF< 1r LMB < 1 "

White b~ss & LMB 12-16" CF > 16"

Burton

LMB 6-12.., CCF Bluegill

LMB > 16"

"larks Hill

catfish< 11?". Blgck ::rfcPie, Redear, White perch, Striped ass, potted sucker, HB

Catfi~h > 16" LM > 12"

Evans County PFA

CCF, LMB 12-16"

LMB > 16"

~oat Rock

Black crappie, LMB 12-16", Spotted sucker

HB < 12" , CCF 12-16"

HB~CCF & LMB > 16" ite bass < 16"

~rtlett's Feny

Crappie

HB < 12", LMB > 12", CCF < 16"

HB & CCF > 16"

truurgtwaelolloAnn)

Black crappie, ~brid/Striped bass< 12", CF< 16

LMB < 16" Carp> 16"

DO NOT EAT Hybrid and Striped bass> 161nches In length

Hybrid/Strif3-d bass 12- 6"
CCF & LMB > 16"

~rtwell main body
lake

DO NOT EAT ~d and Striped bass . ( S C Dept. Health and Env ronmental Control1-888-8497241)

LMB, CCF

~lgh Falls

HB, CCF & LMB < 16", Crappie, Redear sunfish

CCF & LMB > 16"

~ackson

Crappie,Redear sunfish, catfish & LMB < 16"

Catfish & LMB > 16"

~nler

catfish & Striped bass< 16" Bluegill, Crappie

LMB, Spott~h~~e.triped ba~ &

Carp> 16"

~ulgeeSt.Pk.

Brown bullhead 12-16"

LMB > 16"

~cDuffle PFA West ~ottely

CCF CCF. Black crappie

LMB Largemouthbass > 12"Striped bass>
16"

LMB < 16", catfish, Crappie,HB

LMB > 16"

Oliver

Striped bass< 12", CCF < 16", Redear, Bluegill

LMB > 12", CCF > 16"

Rabun

LMB 12-16" Bluegill, White catfish< 16"

White catfish & LMB > 16"

RMd Bingham S.P.

LMB > 12"Catfish > 16"

.~...- - B. Russell LMB 12-16", Crappie, Bluegill, White perch, catfish

Seminole

Bullhead< 12", LMB 12-16" CCF

LMB > 16" Bullhead > 12", LMB > 16"

Stone Mountain

Catfish

LMB > 16"

Tobesotkee Tre~PFA

CCF, LMB 12-16"

LMB > 16" Lake chubsucker < 12"

LMB > 16"

Tugalo

White catfish 12-16", Bluegill

LMB > 12"

WestPoint

Black crappie, HB < 12"

CCF & HB > 12" LMB > 16"

Worth

LMB <16", Flathead catfish,CCF < 16"

CCF & LMB > ~6"

= -

- - - -- -

Abbreviations: < means less than, > means more than, LMB largemouth bass, HB Hybrid bass, CCF Channel catfish

Due to space limitations this Is not a complete list of lakes that have been tested Only large and/or popular water bodies are listed here. A complete list Is available by calling EPD at (404) 656-4713 or on the Internet at www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ/

Page 24 l-888-748-6887 for licenses

Re;:,'nl Law Ch<lngt!S

Wildlife Resources Division&. Coastal Resources Division

Guidelines for Limiting the Fish You Eat from Rivers and Creeks
RIVERS AND CREEKS: There are no restrictions on the Alcovy River, Boen Creek (Rabun Co.), Brasstown Creek (Towns -co.}, Broad River, Buffalo Creek (Carroll Co.), Butternut Creek (Union Co.), Cane Creek (Lumpkin Co.), Chattahoochee River (Chattahoochee, Early, & Stewart cos.), Chattanooga Creek, Chattooga River (NW Ga.), Dukes Creek, Flint River (Dougherty, Baker & Mitcllell cos.), Daniefs Creek (Cioudland Canyon State Park), East/South Chickamauga Creek, Goldmine Branch, Jacks River, Jones Creek, Ltttle Dry Creek (Floyd Co.)kllttle Tallapoosa River, Mill Creek (Whitfield Co.), Moccasin Creek (Lake Burton Trout Hatchery), Noonday Cree (Cobb Co.), Ocmulgee River (Butts, Monroe, Houston & Pulaski cos.h_ Oconee River (Laurens Co. &Milledgeville to Dublin), Ogeecflee River (Ft. McAllister), Ponder Branch (Walker \,;O.), Slab Camp Creek (Oconee Co.), Stamp Creek (Pine Log WMA), Stekoa Creek, Tallapoosa River, Yahoola Creek, Yellow River, Little Tennessee River, North & Middle Oconee Rivers, Conasauga River above Dalton, Chickasawhatchee Creek..~. Coleman River, Mud Creek (Cobb Co.), Nickajack Creek, Olley Creek, Proctor Creek (Cobb Co.), Sewell Mill Creek ('-'obb Co), Tallulah River, and Upatoi Creek.

RIVERS I CREEKS Alapaha River Alapahoochee River ~latoona Creek, Cobb Co. IAJtamaha River jApalac:hee River ~eaver Creek (Taylor Co.) !Brier Creek (Burke Co.) lcanooehee River !casey Canal
~~e~n t:o Jan:rR) iver
~~uhfoordoDcahmeteo RMiovregran Falls Dam) ~tortgaan~aRilsivaemrto Peachtree Creek) ~~eaa~chotroecehCereeeRkitvoerFranklin, Ga)
6\Tv,etr taa~mhteoec!hJiavtetar hoochee Co.) ~~etsttaoi=ntedeamRtiove1r-85)
!chickamauga Creek (West) !conasauga River (below Dalton)
!coosa River (Floyd Co.)
~towah River (Dawson County) jEtowah River (above Lake Allatoona) ~towah River (below Lake Allatoona) Flint River (Spalding/Fayette cos.) Flint River (Me~r/Upson/Pike cos.) Flint River (Taylor co.) Flint River (MaconiDooly/Worth cos.) Gum Creek (Crisp Co.) lchawaynoc:haway Creek Klnc:hafooMe Creek (above Albany) Little River (above Clarks Hill Lake) Little River, (above Ga. Hwy 133, Valdosta) Muckalee Creek (above Albany) Pchlockonee River (near Thomasville) bcmulgee River (below Macon, Bibb co.)) Ocmulgee River (Telfalr/Whesler cos.) Oconee River (above Barnett Shoals)

NO RESTRICTIONS Redbreast sunfish
CCF (below US 25) CCF
LMB, Bluegill CCF

1 MEAL PER WEEK

1 MEAL PER MONTH

Spotted sucker

LMB, Bullhead

Bullhead

Spotted bass, Alabama Hog Sucker

Flathead catfish, LMB, CCF

LMB

Yellow bullhead

Spotted sucker

LMB

Redbreast , CCF (above Ft. Stewart) LMB, CCF (below Ft. Stewart)

Striped mullet

Redeye bass, Bullhead,Redhorse

LMB

B~~P'
Brown trout,~~ sucker

~phFi.teSspuocktteerd,

~ss arp

LMB

LMB
LMB CCF

Carp Striped bass

LMB, Bullheads

Spotted bass

Redbreast sunfish
Spotted bass
Golden redhorse CCF, Striped bass, Bluegill
Spotted sucker CCF, Flathead catfish
CCF, Shoal bass CCF Carp
Spotted Sucker
Spotted sucker, Silver Redhorse Spotted sucker Spotted sucker
CCF

Spotted bass
Black crappie, LMB Blacktail Redhorse
Spcitted bass Spotted bass, LMB
LMB Shoal bass
LMB LMB LMB LMB LMB, Spotted sucker LMB LMB LMB Spotted sucker, White catfish LMB Flathead catfish, LMB Silver redhorse,LMB

White bass, buffalo Striped bass, CCF, buffalo
Smallmouth buffalo
-
LMB Flathead catfish

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 25

Guidelines for Limiting the Fish You Eat from Rivers and Creeks (continued)

.. .. . . RNERst cmt<s

NO RESTRICTIONS

't MEAL PER WEEK

1 MEAL PER MONTH

~~J=ns

CCF

s~~"~ln~

LMB

Ohoopee River (EmanueUToombs cos.)

Spotted sucker, Redbreast

LMB

Okefenokee Swamp (Billy's Lake)

Flier

Bowfin

Oostlluula River, Hwy.158, Calhoun

BluegiH

Srnallmouth buffalo

Oostlin.lula River, Hwy 140, to Coosa River

Bluegill, Smallmouth buffalo

LMB, CCF, Spotted bass

Striped bass

Patslllga Creek (Taylor Co.) Plpemaker Canal Satllla River (Waycron, Ware/Pierce cos.) Satllla River (Mar Folkston, Camden Co.)
b~\ 'fmJ.,bove &below N- Savanuh

Suckers, Chain Pickerel LMB
Redbreast sunfish, CCF
Spotted sucker, LMB

Bass
LMB LMB, Redbreast

Savannah River (Chatham/Screven cos.) ~nah River (Etftngham Co.)
!Savannah River (Tidal Gate)
~Creek (Warren Co.)
South River (Henry Co., Snapping Shoala)
South River (Butts Co., Hwy. 38) ~ Creek (SemlnoleiDecaturiMIIIer co.)
l Marya River (Camden Co.) ~l Marys River (Charlton Co.)
uwannee River
~ c~ (Redwine eov. Road)
alklngRodr.Creek
Trlb. To Hudson River, Alto, Banks Co.
Wlthlac:oochee River (BerrleniLowndes cos.)

CCF, Redear sunfish CCF, Redbreast sunfish
Red drum Silver redhOrse, CCF
LMB, CCF, Creppie, Redear sunfish Spotted sucker
Redbreast sunfish
Brown buUhead

LMB White catfish White catfish
Sunfish LMB
White catfish, Silver redhorse LMB LMB
Redbreast sunfish BuHhead, Chain pickerel
Redeyebass Redeyebass Redeyebass Redbreast sunfish

LMB, Bowfin
! I ! I
LMB LMB
LMB

/ COAITAI..IW&Rs a CREEKS./ . . ', No RESlRlcTIONS

~"=a='cneks)
r:.=.,:rtt::..-

'.

Shrimp

T~~~hannel Markert) ==~~&South

Shrimp
a

1 MEAL PER WEEK 111EAL PER MONTH

DO NOT EAT al Seafood

Blue ~~~nc:ler
Flounder
fr:::ker
B aab

s~keseratrout
Red & Black drum Spotted
Croaker~ aab
SpBotltaecdksderuamtrout

.B~u 4s~, mser,s
C~ssels
~sels

Croa~=-=Red l:~'i:tn\south of Torru Ca.-ay to .

,

crab &

Yellowtail (Silver perch)

Clams. Mussels
Oysters

1. ; '

SPECIAL LISTING: RIVERS I CREEKs

Rec:omrnenddon

Toewm"r~~~~ Terry Creek north otTorras ea.-ay No Fcl on s'nh atel d se~ dr ~tstointthheedcleiasnuUPbpraocnescseol~

JOint KiiifM.ci~i~r*t

StateiGulda~ luued by Georala. North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. j:or.South Atlantic Octlan

~M:....iiFOI'k~~~ I

Recommendations for Meal Consumotlon of Kina Mackerel Cauaht Olhhore Georala Coast

24 To Leu Than 331nc:ba

No Reslricllons

33 To 3t lnchH

1 meal per month for pregn&l)t women, nursing mothers and children age 12 and younger
1 meal per week ror other adults

Over 3t Inches

Do Not Eat

Page 26 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rec,'nl Law Ch,lnges

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Proudly Honors
The 2000 Forestry for Wildlife Partners

A GEORGIA POWER
AIOUIIIIIUI COMMNY

A. W~yerhaeuser The future is growing"'

Forestry For Wildlife Partnership
( l - e a d Coated Board Division
For their outstanding accomplishments in incorporating fish and wildlife conservation practices as an integral part of their overalllandmanagement goals.

DNR IS-LOOKING FOR CONSERVATION RANGERS
The Department of Natural Resources is looking for men and women interested in a career in conservation law enforcement. ConseJVation rangers are responsible for enforcing the state's wildlife and boating safety laws, promoting hunter safety and education, and seJVing as local resources for conseJVation information in theircommunities.
REQUIREMENTS: Must be 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States.
Must have a minimum of an associate's degree or completion of at least.90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university.
Must meet all the requirements for certification as ~ peace officer by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training council, including passing a background investigation and a polygraph examination dealing with substance abuse and/or criminal activity.

For an application, call DNR at (770) 918-6400 or (912) 993-4540.

2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

Rect:nt Law change~

www .gofishgeorgia .com

Page27

(;corgia l{ccrcational Salhvatcr Fishing

Fishing License
Resident and nonresident anglers (age 16 & older) who fish in fresh or saltwaters of Georgia must possess a Georgia Fishing license. This license is required for hook & line fishing, castnetting, seining, crabbing, gigging, sport bait trawling, and harvesting shellfish. A Georgia Fishing license is required for anglers returning to Georgia ports or transiting Georgia waters with recreational catches from federal waters beyond the state's 3-mile territorial sea. Reciprocal agreements with Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida currently do not apply to saltwaters. Charter captains may or may not choose to purchase an annual license that covers all of their clients. For this reason, anglers booking a charter should inquire whether they will need a Georgia Fishing license or if they will be covered under the charter fishing license. See page 4 for information on license requirements.
Saltwater Fishing lnfonnation
Information and updates on licenses,
THE ULTIMATE SOURCEBOOK
tor ClldOIII rod builditg &fly tyilg suppliss
Everything from world-dass fishing rod blanks for freshwater. warmwater, and saltwater along with an extensive selection of components, hooks, and reels can be found on-line and in our free 120 page catalog.
Page 28

regulations, and fishing in Georgia's Simons, and Sea islands. These zones

inshore and offshore saltwaters may extend from the northernmost point to

be obtained by contacting:

the southermost point of each of these

Georgia DNR Coastal Law Enforcement

islands and from the highwater mark to a distance 1,OOOfeetseaward. From

One Conservation Way, Suite 201 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 (912) 264-7237 or fax

May 1 t.hrOUQh September 30, power boats, Jet sk1s, and other motorized craft are prohibited in these zones.

(912) 262-3166

Wanton Waste

Co~stal ~es~urces ~ivision,
Manne F1shen~s Sect1on . One Co.nservat1on Way, SUite 300
Brunswick, GA 31520-8687

Sort or cull your catch on the water Retumundersizedorunwantedwildlife to the water alive. When you throw away wildlife, you are not only wasting

(912) 264-7218 or fax (912) 262-2318 www .ganet.org/dnr/crd
Federal Saltwater Fishing Regulations

valuable resources, but you are also breaking the law!
S_ALTWA~ER FINFISH
Lan~~~~ Requirements/Transfer

For information and updates on recreationalfishingregulationsinfederal

waters (3-200 miles offshore), contact:

South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council

One Southpark Circle, Suite 306,

Charleston, sc
(843) 571-4366

29407

www.safmc.nmfs,gov

Forinformationandupdatesonfederal

regulations and required permitting

Prohibition
All saltwater finfish (including sharks)
under state or federal regulation must be lan,ded with head and fins i~tact. An~lers m~st make catches available for mspectl<:m ~y gove.rnment ~fficials. Saltw_at~r fmf1sh subject to s1ze and
bag hm1ts cannot be transferred to anotherp~rso_n or vessel on the~ater. Commerc1~1 licenses are r_eqwred to sell recreatlonally caught fmflsh .

for tunas, billfish, and sharks, contact:

Gear

National Marine Fisheries Service HMS Management Division 1315 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 2091 0 (301) 713-2347

A seine may not be used as a gill net (a net construct6ld of single webbing
attached to a float line and lead line
and fished in a stationary manner to
ensnare or entangle fish in the

www.nmfs.gov

meshes). A modifiedcastnetorcastnet

For information on the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary contact:
Gray's Reef Sanctuary Program 10 Ocean Science Circle Savannah, GA 31411 (912) 598-2345

with-greaterthan8feetradiusisallowed
for taking fish for bait. Only flounder may be ~ake~ with a gig (a~y hand~eld shaft w1th smgle or multiple pomts,
barbed orbarbless). All seasons. hours, creel limits. minimum size limits. and

www .skio.peachnet.edu/noaalgrnms
. .. I R f Offshore Art111c1a ee s
Georgia has 19artificial reefs located from 6-80milesoffshore.Manyaredesignated
as Special Management Zones (SMZ)

other regulations applicable to saltwater finfishapplyregardlessofthegearused
Definitions
Minimum Size: the specific size in length bel_o~ which !t is unlawful to

by the federal government. Within these take that fmf1sh spec1es. zones, only handheld hook-and-line and OpenSeason:thatspec~iedperiodoftime

spear-fishinggearmaybeused. Forfurther durin.g which one may take certain finfish

information, coordinates, and updates s~c1es from ~n~ waters of the state.

on Georgia's offshore artificial reefs Da1ly Creel L1m1t: the lawful amount of

contacttheCoastaiResourcesDivision: a sp~cies of finfish that a person may



take 1n one day.

~oatmg Safety Zones

Possession Limit: the lawful amount

Boat1~9 safety zones have been of a species of finfish that a person

established off Jekyll, Tybee, St. can legally have at any one time.

Rc~.:em Law Changes

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Species

Saltwater FinfiSh

Open

Dally Creel

Possession

Season

.Llmll

.l.imD

Minimum Size (in,)

Blue marlin

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY

White marlin

Pending implementation of HB 173. Contact Coastal

Sailfish

Resources Division at 912-264-7218 for effective date.

Tarpon* ...................................... 3/16-11/30.................... 1 ............................ 1 .....:......................... 40 FL

Amberjack .................................. 3/16-12/31 .................... 1 ........................... 1 ............................... 28 FL

(No Sale 4/1-4/30)

Cobia .......................................... 3/16-11/30 .................... 2 ............................ 2 ............................... 33 FL

Dolphin ....................................... All year ........................ 15 .......................... 15 .............................. 18 FL

King mackerel ........................... All year ......................... 3 ............................ 3 ............................... 24 FL

Spanish mackerel ....................... 3/16-11/30 ................... 15 .......................... 15 .............................. 12 FL

Sheepshead .............................. All year ........................ 25 .......................... 25 ............................... 8 FL

Atlantic sturgeon ~no harvest allowed ..................... no harvest allowed ....................

Bluefish ...................................... 3/16-11/30 ................... 15 .......................... 15 .............................. 12 FL

Black sea bass ........................... All year ........................ 20 .......................... 20 .............................. 10 TL

Gag grouper ............................... All year ......................... 2 ............................ 2 ............................... 24 TL

(No Sale 311-4/30)

Red drum ................................... All year ......................... 5 ............................ 5 ............................... 14 TL

(None longer than 27 ln.)

Black drum ................................. All year ........................ 15 ......................... 15 .............................. 10 TL Weakfish .................................... All year ......................... 6 ............................ 6 .............................. 13 TL Flounder ..................................... All year ........................ 1.5 .......................... 15 .............................. 12 TL Whiting ....................................... All year ........................ 35 .......................... 35 .............................. 10 TL Spot ............................................ All year ........................ 25 .......................... 25 ............................... 8 TL Atlantic croaker .......................... All year ........................ 25 .......................... 25 ............................... 8 TL Tripletail ...................................... All year ......................... 5 ............................ 5 ............................... 18 TL Red snapper .............................. All year ......................... 2 ............................ 2 ............................... 20 TL Spotted seatrout ....,..................... All year ...................,.... 15 .......................... 15 .............................. 13 TL Striped bass. ....................................................All year ......................... 2 ............................ 2 ............................... 22 TL
Sand tiger shark ......................... no harvest allowed ..................... no harvest allowed ....................
Small shark composite* ............ All year ......................... 2 ............................ 2 ............................... 30 TL Sharks** .................................... All year ...................... 2* ...................... 2 ............................ 48 TL
(limit may Include only one longer than 84 in.)
Red Porgy .................................. Contact Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218 for current regulations.

* Gamefish or no sale status u Consists of Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, & spiny dogfish U* Consists of all sharks other than sand tiger shark & small shark composite **** Two per person or boat, whichever is less
= = = FL fork length TL total length. For billfishes, LJFL from the tip of the lower jaw to fork of tail. = a See Seasons Closure in Savannah River page 6.

Measuring Saltwater Finfish
~----------------------------~ r-----------------------------~

Total Length

Fork Length

Minimum sizes for saltwater finfish are measured in three ways: Total Length (TL) is the overall length of the fish and is measured in the same manner as a 2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

largemouth bass; Fork Length (FL) is Jaw Fork Length (WFL) applies to bill-

usedtomeasurefishwithdeeplyforked fish, such as martins, and is the dis-

tails and is the distance from the tip of tance from the tip of the lowerjaw to the

the snout to the fork of the tail; Lower- fork of the tail.

Rect!nl Law Change~

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page 29

Shrin1p

Baiting Shrimp
It is unlawful to place, deposit, distrib-
ute, or scatter any bait of any kind in,
on, or over any waters so as to lure, attract, or entice shrimp toward the bait or to cause shrimp to congregate in the area where bait is placed. It is illegal to knowingly fish for shrimp in baited waters.
Disposition and Sale of Shrimp
It is unlaWful for any person to sell or .otherwise dispose of, for human consumption, any shrimp taken as bait. Shrimp recreationally harvested for personal consumption may not be sold.
SPORT BAIT SHRIMPING with POWER-DRAWN NETS
A Georgia Fishing license is required for taking shrimp for live bait With power-drawn nets 10 feet or smaller. Informationon the specific net dimensions is availablefrom.DNR offices in Brunswick and Demeries Creek.
Areas, Seasons, and Hours
A 10 foot sport bait trawl may be used . to take shrimp only in rivers and creeks or portions thereof which have been opened to bait shrimping by DNA. Charts of established "Bait Zones" are .available at DNA offices in Brunswick and Deineries Creek (RiChmond .Hill). .Unless otherwise designated, bait zones are open year-round for si}ort bait shrimping. Sport bait shrimping is legal only between the hours of 1/2 !lour before official sunrise to 1/2 hour after official sunset.
Catch Limits - Sport Bait Trawls
A sport bait shrimper may not possess at any time more than two (2) quarts of
shrimp, no more than V2 pint of which
may be dead, and may not take more than four(4) quarts of shrimp within a 24-hour period. When two or more persons occupy the same bOat, there may be no morethan four (4) quarts qf shrimp on board the boat at any time, no more than one pint 9fwhich may be dead, ctnd no more than eight quart~ of shrimp may be taken within a 24-hour peryod.
SEINES
A Georgia Fishing license is required to use a seine for non-commercial purposes in the state's saltwat~rs.

The shrimping season for seines Is the same as that established for other food shrimping season. The Commissioner of DNA can open the food shrimping season from May 15through the end of February. During t!le open season, seines may be used at any time of day in authorized areas.
Seine Sizes & Areas
Seines equal to or smaller than 12 feet long, with a maximum depth of four feet, and a maximum stretch mesh'of 1 inch may be used throughout the year and throughout Georgia's saltwaters. Seines up to 100feet long and with a minimum stretch mesh of 111. inches may be used on sand beaches of any barrierisland in Georgia. 5eiqes from 100-300 feet long and with a minimum mesh size of 2v~ inches may be used only on the ocean-front sides of beaches. The use of seines over 12 feet long in any inlets or tidal sloughs is prohibited~ Seines over 300 feet long are also prohibited. It is unlawful to use any seine in saltwaters such that it blocks .more than 1/2 of the entrance of any tidal river, creek, slough, or inlet to the ocean.
Seine -Catch.Limits
No one ~~on taking shrimp solely by meanspf a seine, whethersuch person is acting alone or in a group of persons, may possess more than 24 quarts of shrimp with heads on or 15 quarts of tails taken by such seine in any 24-hourperiod;!f anyperson or group of persons occupying the same boat are In possession of a castnet
and.a .seine, such person or persons strall'be subject to the limits imposed
tor shriml:ftaken bycastnet:
CASTNEmNG FOR FOOD SHRIMP
AGeorgia Fishing license is required to
use castnets ~:~on-commercially to take shrimp for personal consumption. The season forcastnetting for food shrimp is the same as that established for other commercial shrimping seasons. The Commissioner of DNA can open the season from May 15 through the end of February. During the open season, castnetling for personal consumption may be conducted at any time of day in all the state's saltwaters.

Castnet Construction

.

Castnets used recreationally to take

food shrimp are restricted to a maxi-

m!Jm net size of eight feet in radius
with a minimum 1f2 inch bar-mesh web-

bing and shall be constructed of uni-

form material from horn (thimble) to

the lead line. All modifications, including

duct tape, lawnchairwebbing, and bub-

ble wrap are prohibited. The lead line must have a minimum of 3/. pound of weight per radius;..foot attached. ., .

Food Shrimp Catch Limits

No person taking shrimp for personal

consumption with a castnet may possess more than 48 quarts of heads~on

shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails in

any day. When one or more persons

occupy the same boat, there may be

no more then 48 quarts of heads-on

shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails on board at any time. No vessel owner

shall allow the vessel to be used to

take more than the allowable catch limits in any day.

CASTNETTING FOR BAIT SHRIMP
A Georgia Fishing license is required to use castnets non-commercially to take shrimp for bait. There is no closed season for castnetling for bait. Castnetting for bait may be conducted at any time of day in all of Georgia's saltwaters.
Castnet Construction
Bait shrimp castriets must be constructedof a minimum of 3/s inch mesh webbing with a radius not greatert~an eight feet. Modifications are prohibited in castnets intended for taking bait shrimp. Bait shrimp castnets cannot be used to take shrimp for personal consumption. Castnets constructed to take shrimp for personal consumption may be used to take bait. Howev-
er, at no time shall there be .bQth a bait
shrimp castnet and a food shrimp ca_stnet aboard the same vessel.
Bait Shrimp Castnet Limits
Recreational castnetters collecting bait shrimp are limited to two quarts per person at any time, provided that person may take amaximum of four quarts of bait shrimp per day. When two ormore persons occupythe same boat, there may be no more than four quarts of bait on boardthe boat at any

Page 30 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Re~:em Law Changes

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

time, and the persons 6ccupying the sunset. Shellfish may only be taken . ter Each trap must tiave attac~d a

.~boat may ,take oomore than eight Withhandheldimplements.Recreatio'n- tag or float . bearing the name and

'quarts of bait shrimp per day. Bait ally harvested shellfish may not be address of the ~rson using the trap.

shrimp taken with a castnet may be sold.

Subject to specificgear design crite-

live or dead.

Areas

ria, sizes, time of.day, and area re-

CRABS

Upd~ted charts of approved public ,stnctions outlined inthese regu~tlons,

and A Georgia Fishing license is required
to harvest crabs for non-commercial

picking areas for shellfish should be obtained from Coastal Resources Di-

bait minnows may also be taken ~re: ationallyyear-round in seines cast~

purpbses. Unless otherwise designat- vision's Ecological Services Section. nets.

..

ed, saltwaters are open year-round for recreational crabbing. Recreation-

It is illegal to recreationally !'larvest shellfish except in designated public

PNoo. si~sievisdsuiaolnreLcrimeaittiosnally harvesti~

ally caught crabs may not be sold. picking areas, unless authorized in bait m'nnows may P().Ssess more than

Gear
Up to six standard size crab traps

writingbyapri~tepr~rtyownerwith legal harvest rights to an area. Private

two quarts of bait :minriows' at any given time. A United States Coast

(2X2 feet or smaller) may be used recreationally. Two unob,structed es-

property owners wishing to harvest recreational quantities of shellfish or

<?uard licensed captain may possess not more than 10 quarts at any given

capement rings (23/e inchinside diam- to issue permission to others must time.

eter) must be installed on an outside notify andprovide DNR with specific REPO.RTING VIOLATIONS

vertical wall. Eachtrap rnustbe rnat1c;ed information. It is unlawful to give per- To report violations, contact DNR Law with a float bearing the owner's name mission to take shellfish from a closed Enforcem~nt offices in Brunswick

une and address. Traps should be suffi- area. Harvesters taking shellfish from (912)264-7237orcailtheToii-Free24-

ciently weighted- to p.revent Joss in private property must have on their hOur ftot

~241-4113. To re~

strong tidal currents .It is unlawful to pef'$0n proof of ownership or permis- port violations inJederal waterscon-

place or set crab traps in the channel sion.

tact United Stat~s Coast Guard stations

of any stream with a lawfully estab- Shellfish Limits

in Bruns'(llick (912) 267-7999 and Ty

lished system of watei'Way markers. Oysters must measureno less than bee Island.(912) 786-5440, .NOAA's

Disposalof crab traps in p.ublic waters three inches from hinge _to mouth, toll-free, 24-hour Fisheries l;nforce-

is a violation of State and Federal unless the oyster cannot be .removed menthotline'800-853-'1964, orDNR LE

Jaws.

from a legal-sized oyster without de- 800-241-4113; ~ '

Subject to. sp~ific gear design crite stroying it. For clams, the maximum

ria, sizes, tim~of-day, and area re- depth from one shell half to the other
maY strictions outlined i(l~se regulations, must be at leastone inch thick. Recre-
legalcrabs betaken reereationally ational quantity limits are -up.totwo
year~round in seines and castnets. bushels of oysters anc:f one bushel of

Sea Turtles
It is unlaWful to harm, harass, or
disturb any sea turtle adult, hatchling, eggs, n.~st, carcass, _or

of Crab Catch Umlta

clamsperpersonperday,withamax-

It is unlawful to take or possess any imum limit of six bushels' oysterS

crab less th.\in 5IJ19heS from spike to
spike across the- ~(other than a

and one bushel of clams per bo~tper

day ~



skeletal remains under both State and Federallaw.lt is also unlaWful to offer for sale, sen, or. possess any sea turtle; orsea turtle parts'. If

~peeler" or a matur~.. adult female

.BAIT.MINNOWS ..:-. ... . ,.

crab). Peelers musfmeasure afieast A Georgia Fishing license is required

3 inches from spike to spike across to harvest bait minnows for non.:com-

the back.

mericial purposes. Baitminrwws may

Otherthan licensed commercial crab- beharvested year-round~ Recreation~

bers, no person may take or possess ally harvested bait minnows may not

more thanone bushel of crabs during be sold~ Bait minnows may not be

any 2+hourperiod. No more than two trapped in freshwater.

a bushels may be taken recreationally
or posse$Sed during a 2+h6urperiod on a boat with more than one person aboard.

Gear
No more than two traps may be used
recreationally, except that united
States Coast Guard licensed captain

SHELLFISH . '

may use a maximum of four traps.

A Georgia Fishing license Is required Maximum dimensions for rectangular

to take shellfish (oysters, clams) for traps tnay not exceed 24"x18x9".

non-commerpial purposes. Saltwaters Cylindrical traps may not exceed 24

may be opened for taking oysters or in length and 30" in circuinfe~ence.

clams between Janual)' 1 and Decem- Recreational bait minnow traps shall

ber 31 . Shellfish must be harvested have amesh size of no smaller than

between the hours of 1f2 hour befo're 1/4~ bar mesh. Thethroatopeningofthe

official sunrise and .V2 hour after official funnel shall not exceed 3/4tn diame-

~~!~2Af~fui~~~i?g~~i~;
release orby cutting any hookand line as close to the turtle as possible. Report any dead or injured sea ' turtle to the Georgia DNA, Non- game Wildlife/Natural Heritage Section, :Endangered Wildlife Program 6()()...2-SAVEME.
. Marine Mammals
It is unlawf.ulfor any person to display, feed, net, tr.ap, h~rpoon, molest or otherwise interfen~ with the well-being ornormal activity of rna.line marrm'lals Including bottle-nose & spotted dolphin, manatee, and anysp&Giesofwhale. Reportsightings o,fdead()r injured marine mam.mals ~<> 800~24.1 --4113.

2001-2002 Sport FishmgRegulattons

Ren~nl Law Change;;

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page 31

Georgia's State Record Saltwater Fish

Species

Weight

Angler

Location

Qlm

Ambe~ack ............... 921bs, 1oz .............. Ben Key, Jr ..................... J Reef .......................................... ens Barracuda ................ S41bs, Boz .............. Wayne Hall ...................... East of R2 Tower ......................... 6/99 Black Sea Bass ....... Sibs, 11 oz .............. J. C. Hadden, Jr.............. Navy Tower R2 ........................... 4/94 Bluefish .................... 171bs, 12oz .....,...... Gary Altman .................... G Reef ......................................... 4/80 Cobia ....................... 881bs, 12oz ............ Jeff Clark ......................... A Buoy ......................................... SIBS Croaker .................... Sibs, 12oz .............. David Flynt ............~........~Lanier Bridge ............................... 3n7 Dolphinfish ............... 67lbs, 6oz .............. Michael Sheppard ............ East of Navy Tower RB ................ S/97 Drum, Black ............. 861bs, Boz ..,........... Timothy Belcher............... Cumberland Sound ...................... 4/98 Drum, Red ............... 471bs, 7oz .............. Richard Price ................... KC Reef ..................................... 11/86 Flounder .................. 1Sibs, 10oz ............ Janice Youmans .............. Jekyll Pier .................................. 11/90 Grouper, Gag .......... 341bs, 8oz .............. Mike Parmalee ................. 67mi E of St. Simons Is ............... 4/86 Jack Crevalle ........... 361bs ...................... Byron Williams ................. Wassaw Sound ............................ 6/96
ana Ladyfish ................... Sibs ........................ Ma~orie Nighbert ............. Cumberland Island .......................
Mackerel, King ......... 631bs, 8oz .............. Hal Waters; Jr.................. Brunswick Snapper Banks ........... 8/90 Mackerel, Spanish ... Bibs, 4oz ................ James Geiger .....;............ Smi E of Buoy YS ........................ S/91
Marlin, Blue ............. 4911bs, Boz ............ John Howard, Jr.............. Gulfstream, off Brunswick ............ 6/BS
Marlin, White ........... 491bs, 12oz ............ Thomas Hester ................ Gulfstream east of St. Catherines .. 6/86 Striped Mullet .......... 9lbs, 3oz ................ Steve Middleton ..............~ Darien River ............................... 12/94 Florida Pompano ..... 41bs, 1Soz .............. Gary Altman .................... Christmas Creek ........................ 11/98 Sailfish ..................... 6Sibs ...................... Vann Downs .................... NOAA Buoy ................................. 6/81 Scamp ..................... 261bs ...................... Wayne Hall ...................... East of R2 Tower ....................... 11 /9S Spotted Seatrout ..... 9lbs; 7oz ................ Tommy Hall ..................... Christmas Creek ....,..................... 7n6 Shark, Black Tip ...... 1311bs .................... Albert Boyd ...................... Wassaw Channel ......................... sna
1na Shark, Bull ............... 4SSibs .................... Mark Noble ...................... STS Buoy .................................... on Shark, Dusky ........... 2721bs, Boz ............ Bill Hunter ........................ STS Buoy .................................. 1 a
Shark, Hammerhead 7701bs .................... Charlie Marshall ............... Little Cumberland ..,...................... an3 Shark, Lemon .......... 37Sibs .................... Thomas Winslow ............. St. Andrew Sound .............. .......... 7n4 Shark; Mako ............ 2281bs, Boz ............ Harry Woolley .................. Off Savannah ............................... sns Shark, Nurse ........... 2441bs .................... Bill Watson ...................... Sapelo Channel ........................... 8/81 Shark, Sandbar ....... 1581bs, Boz ............ Chat Lee Kirby ................. Jekyll Pier .................................... 4n9 Shark, Sand Tiger ... 2901bs .................... Billy Castle ....................... Ossabaw Island ........................... sn7 Shark,Thresher ......: 1161bs .................... MarkNoble ...................... C Reef ...::..................;.................. 3n6 Shark, Tiger ............. 7941bs .................... Chuck Hall ....................... STS Buoy .................................... ens Sheepshead ............ 141bs, 4oz .............. Harry Scott, Sr................. Wilmington River .......................... 1/00 Red Snapper ........... 371bs, 8oz .............. Bill Shearin, Jr ................ Savannah Snapper Banks ........... 9/88 Snook ...................... 1Olbs, 2oz .............. Lester Rooks ................... Kings Creek ................................. 3/90 Spadefish ................ 111bs, 12oz ............ Ken Murray ...................... G Reef ......................................... 5/81 Swordfish ................. 861bs ...................... W.H. Lippitt ...................... Gulfstream, E. of Savannah ......... 5/80 Tarpon ..................... 1611bs .................... Christopher Edwards ....... Buttermilk Sound ......................... 7/95 Little Tunny .............. 201bs ...................... Sister Mary Clarice .......... East of St. Catherines .................. 7n3 Triggerfish ............... 111bs, Soz .............. Elizabeth Zeagler ............. Savannah Snapper Banks ......... 11/87 Tripletail ................... 281bs, 7oz .............. Jeff Anderson .................. S. Brunswick River ...................... 7/93 Tuna, Blackfin .......... 301bs, Boz .............. Penny Morgan-Turner ..... Navy Tower RS ............................ 6/99 Tuna, Yellowfin ........ 2491bs, 2oz ............ ken Cooper ..................... Gulfstream ................................... 5/80 Wahoo ..................... 1231bs, 3oz ............ Michael Stefanick ............ Triple Ledges ............................... 6/00 Weakfish .................. 61bs, aoz ................ Frank Taylor .................... Troupe Creek ............................... 3n6 Whiting .................... 21bs, 12oz .............. Harold Guinn ...:............... Mackay River ............................... 2n5

For more information on Saltwater Gamefish Records contact the Coastal Resources Division.

Page 32 l-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rt:;:,nt Lt\\ Clwnges

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

llcti 11 itio 11 s

Artificial lure- any lure which is made completely of natural orcolored wood, cork, feathers, hair, rubber, metal, plastic, tinsel, styrofoam, sponge, or string, or any combination of such materials, in imitation of or as a substitute for natural bait. This does not include any item sprayed with or

containing scented or chemical attractants.
Daily limit- means the number of fish that may be taken, caught, or killed during any one day.
Fishing_ catching, capturing, taking, or killing fish, mussels and all seafood

TURN IN POACHERS

TIP Hotline:
1-800-241-4113

or *DNA (Cellular for BeiiSouth Mobility Customers)
(7 days a week /24 hours a day)

A poacher is a thief who

Turn In Poacher, Inc. (TIP)

steals fish and wildlife that belongs to all Geor-


~

~~~:::::::::;~1~

is a non-profit Georgia conservation organiza-

gians. Poachers rob you

tion whose mission is to

of recreational opportu-

protect wildlife by in-

nities that you pay for through license fees. You can be paid for turning in a poacher! If your tip

creasing public support for wildlife law enforcement. Contributions to the

leads to an arrest, you Will

TIP reward program are great-

receive reward money - even if you ly needed and appreciated. Dona-

wish to remain anonymous. If you tions (made payable to TIP) are tax

see orlearn of a violation, try to write decuctable and can be sentto: Turn

down: a description .of the violator In Poachers, Inc., 3423 Piedmont

and their vehicle; the location and Road, N.E., Suite 110, Atlanta, Geor-

type of violation.

gia30305.

and includes all lesser acts such as attempting to catch, capture, or kill by any device or method and directly assisting any person in catching or attempting to catch fish or seafood.
Game fish -fish that are listed under Daily Limits. (page 6)
Immediate Family- all persons living in one household under one head of household and bearing a blood or dependent relationship to the head of household.
Non-game fish - any fish not designated as game fish under Daily Limits. (page 6)
Public Fishing Area - designated areas owned and/or operated by the Dept. of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Section for the primary purpose of fishing and are open to the public. These are listed on pages 21-22.
Resident - any citizen of the United
States who has maintained a legal
residence in Georgia for a period of at leastthree months prior to purchasing a fishing license.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources receives Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration funds. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap. If you believe that you have been dicriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: The Office for Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washin ton, D.C. 20240.

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We Shi World-Wide - Competitive Pricin

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NEXT GENERATION
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A nonprofit organization created by sportsmen to pass the family heritage of
hunting and fishing from ne generation to the next.
For more information on:
YOUTH DREAM HUNTS -NGS gave 40 plantation deer, duck, and~ pheasant parent/child hunts toyoung hunters last year.
GEORGIA YOUTH DEER CONTEST
OTHER EVENTS, OUTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES
CALL 1-Sn-6412955 or
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2001-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations

www .gofishgeorgia.com

Page 33

Deflating Your Fish

Many marine reef fish have gas-filled organs called swim bladders. These organs control buoyancy and allow the fish to maintain a certain depth in the water column. Swim Bladder
When some fish are brought quickly to the surface, the gas in the swim bladder can over-expand and rupture the bladder Escaping gas fills the gut c~yity. If rel~ased in this buoyant cond1t1on, the f1sh cann?t de~cend and may float aw~y and d1e. Sw1m bladder over-expansion can cause everted

Everted Stomach

/

~

Distended Intestines
stomachs or intestines, as shown here.
If a fish is unable to submerge, be prepared to vent the fish's gut cavity and get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible if you wish to release it. Venting helps the gas ascape, allows the fish to descend, and improves survival. Use wet gloves to handle the fish and have a deflating tool on hand. A simple deflating tool can be made by mounting a sharpened football needle in a

1"x3" dowel rod. A center hole is drilled lengthwise through the rod to allow gas to pass from the needle through the rod. Hold the fish gently on its side. Insert the needle through the thin lower body wall below the rear end of the pectoral fin. Insertthe needle only as far as needed to allow the gas to escape. Squeeze gently to help push the gas out.
Underneath a Scale
Do not try to push the stomach back into the throat. Revive the fish in the water and release it when it can swim upright.

BE AN ETWCAL ANGLER
Ethical anglersfish responsibly and considerthe rights ofothers. Theyportray apositive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it. Ethical anglers:
r know and obey the fishing regulations.
report violations and pollution. keep only the fish they can use and release all others properly so they will survive. don't transfer fish or plants between bodies of water. Non-native species can adversely affect
existing populations. pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing. appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose offishing line property, and leave aplace cleaner
than they found it. show courtesyto others,lend ahelping hand wheneverpossible and always ask permission before
fishing on private property.
Treat your favorite little angler to an unforgettable weekend at one of Georgia's State Parks. You'll find outstanding fishing for beginners as well as trophy fishermen. State parks also offer camping, cottages, and activities for the whole family. Call today for a free brochure.
Geo~n--
STATE PARKS 6 HISTORIC SITES

Deflated Stomach
Florida Sea Grant, 1995

IDEAL SPORTS
AND
TACKLE
SINCE 1980

Old Town Canoes

River Hawk Fishing Boats

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Stren

Custom Baits

Zoom

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Abu-Garcia

Shimano Falcon Rods

Rocky Boots Charlie Brewer's Slider

We also do Custom Embroidery. Call for Special Prices on Jackets, Shirts and Caps for Bass Clubs.

www.gastateparks.org
TJ0-38cr7275 1-Soo-864-7275

CartcrsYillk. GA (77()) 382-399~

Page 34 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Rl~l,~n : Law C'h:liif!eo.

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

GEORGIA OUTDOOR GUIDES AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

BAIT/TACKLE

Broadway Bait & Tackle,

Rod & Reel



FISHING VEHICLES
EUROTRUCKIMPORTERS
Sales of Swiss Army Surplus: Mercedes-Benz Unimogs Steyr-Puch Pin zgauers
P.O. Box 18 10 Flowery Branch, GA 30542 770-965-3311/www.e uro tru ck -importers.com

MARINAS

EWNRUDE JOHNSON

STRATOS P/aybuoy SANGER

JAVELIN

PONTOONS

SKI BOATS

SEWELL MARINE, INC.

172 Temple Av e. Newman , Ga. 30263

Fax: 770-254-9908

770-253-7996

Great Prices On "RiVer .-Hawk Boats
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Hours: Monday tllil..l Satu rday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Phone: (BOO} 962-1465

_ -~ PR0175 .. WIM125ELPT O

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~

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Flies, Rods, Reels , Gadgets , Nets www.percysflies.com
For Guns & Hunting Products: www.llcote.com for a free catalog: (800) 287-7700 PO Box 190, Errol, NH 03579

FLY FISHING
River North Fly Fishing
in North Georgia Soque River Trout Fishing at its best!
Robert Williams 706-754-1740 Mobile: 404-317-9002
Eddie Michael 706-839-6621 Mobile: 404-403-2808
ww.rivernorthflyfishing.com Email: flyfish@america.net

GUIDES/OUTFITTERS

Bill Vanderford's Guide Service

Georgia 's Oldest & Most Ex perienced Service

l11du ctee of th e Natio11al Freshwater Fishi11g Hall of Fam e as a Lege11dary Guide

c Lanier

(770) 962-1241
www.fiShinglanier.com

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Year round fishing charter4 on Lake Lan1er.
Stripers Bass Crappie

. . _;9; ~ '' .

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., ''

Instructional Video's Available

RV PARKS/CAMPGROUNDS
Full Service RV Parking & Campgrounds adjacent to Evans County & Fort Stewart Public Fishing areas. (912)739-3136 bmhennessee @g-net. net
TAXIDERMY
Broderick Head's Taxidermy
Exceptional Award Winning Mounts "Only GOD Can Do Them Better" (770) 537-3529 wvvw.headstaxidermy. com
103 Deer Run Lane Bremen , GA 30110
F~'1-T~ (706) 754-7391 695 Coolsprings Circle Clarkesville , GA 30523 F~ C!..wK/. Full Time Taxidermist
LAKE MANAGEMENT

Glenn Morrison's
Lake Lanier Guide Service
Book your trip TODAY
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~ 770-962-8738 ~
www .georgiafishing .com

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Fish Population Analysis (Electroshock) Pond Supplies----Water Quality Analysis Fish Stocking & Trophy Bass Management
770-735-3523 website: www.lakework.com

BEACH SEINES

Shrimp seines 50751 00' Save SSS on seafood

Fish seines up to 300'

Educational

Fun for entire family
Locally owned & operated Brunswick, GA (912) 2642893

~ ~

Crappie &Hybrid Fishing

Bait &Tackle Furnished

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TOM SHAPARD

Lake Walter F. George Professiona l Guide Service

U.S.C.G. License 894883

(229} 439-2608 (912} 881-4788

YOU COULD REACH 700,000 ANGLERS NEXT YEAR BY ADVERTISING! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL
OUTDOOR GROUP INC. 1-800-564-6818

Black Drum (young)
Loses vertical bars with age
Weakfish (Summer Trout)

Sheepshead
~~~f1L 3 spines
keeps vertical bars throughout life
Spotted Seatrout

indistinct dark freckles on upper body
King Mackerel

distinct dark spots on upper body
Spanish Mackerel

up to 60 lbs.
Atlantic Sharpnose

averages 2-41bs.

bright gold spots
Spiny Dogfish

smooth-edged ~/ curved teeth ~
tooth u to 48" TL.
Bonnethead Shark
shovel or bonnetshaped head

up to 48" TL.

offshore in winter

Sand Tiger Shark
pointed snout
I _.. .

up to 48" TL.

W' . .

evenly rounded edge with no indentations
underside of head

young often with yellow-brown spots

;r, \ ~--sharp, pointed irregular teeth

I
underside of head

up to 10' TL.