Georgia 2006-2007 sport fishing regulations

GEORGIA
2006-2007
SPORT FISHING Regulations
www.gofishgeorgia.com
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2006-2007 Sport FCishOinAg SReTgAulLatiRonEs SO URCES DIVISION WILDLIFwEwRw.gEoSfisOhgUeoRrgCiaE.cSomDIVISION Page

Table of Contents

Freshwater Section (Alphabetical listing) Agreements with Bordering States ................ 17-18 Angler Award Program...........................................7 Boating Regulations.............................................16 Buying Licenses.....................................................5 Commercial Fishing.............................................13 Daily Limits.............................................................6 Definitions............................................................18 Freshwater Fish Identification........................ 19-20 Fish Kill Reporting..................................................3 Fisheries Section Offices & PFAs..........................3 Fishing Methods.....................................................8 Free Fishing Days..................................................2 Guidelines for Eating Fish........................ 22-25, 27 Handling & Releasing Fish...................................10 How To Use This Guide.........................................4 Length Limits..........................................................7 License Requirements...........................................5

Protected Aquatic Species...................................10 Public Fishing Areas....................................... 14-15 Recent Changes Summary....................................4 Sale of Fish..........................................................13 Seasons.................................................................6 State Freshwater Record Fish.............................15 Trout Fishing.................................................... 9-13 Turn in Poachers contact information..................13
Saltwater Section (Alphabetical listing) Bait Minnows........................................................30 Crabs.............................................................. 29-30 Deflating Your Fish...............................................30 Finfish Limits and Information........................ 26-27 Measuring Saltwater Finfish...................................7 Saltwater Fish Identification.................................21 Shellfish................................................................30 Sport Bait Shrimping............................................29 State Saltwater Record Fish................................28

2006-2007 FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS
Sonny Perdue, Governor Noel Holcomb, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources Dan Forster, Director - Wildlife Resources Division Susan Shipman, Director - Coastal Resources Division

Note: The Wildlife Resources and Coastal Resources Divisions designed this guide to help you quickly find and understand regulations for fishing in Georgia. The Game and Fish Code and Department of Natural Resources rules are the final authority on questions of law. This publication was paid for by the sale of advertising. The Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources does not necessarily endorse products or services listed. Editor: Ted Hendrickx (GADNR), Advertising: Liberty Press 1-800-296-6402

BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Walter A. Hudson - Chair

Discover Fishing on

James A. Walters - Vice Chair Cader Cox III - Secretary
Earl D. Barrs Sally S. Bethea

Georgia's Free Fishing Days!
June 3, June 10, and September 23, 2006

Jenny Lynn Bradley Warren C. Budd, Jr.

No fishing or trout license required

Ralph W. Callaway

All waters of the state

William A. Carruth Sara S. Clark

Must be a Georgia resident

Mabel C. Jenkins Phyllis T. Johnson

Does not include fees at private lakes

James M. Reynolds III

No WMA license required to fish on a Public Fishing

Robert J. Rutland Glenn E. Taylor

Area or Waters Creek trophy trout stream

Loyce W. Turner James W. Tysinger

All other Fishing Regulations apply

Thomas W. Wheeler, Jr.

A Lifetime of Fishing and Hunting!
Infants under age 2: $200

See Page 4 For a Summary of Recent Fishing Related Changes

Youth ages 2 - 15: $350 Cover Photo:

Adult ages 16 - 59: $500

Senior (60-64):

$95

Non-resident under 16*: $1000 *Special restrictions apply
For a one-time price, you can enjoy a lifetime of great Georgia fishing & hunting opportunities!

Georgia has a wonderful variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Take a kid, take a friend or take yourself fishing and experience the fun in 2006! Find out more about the
TakeMeFishing campaign at:

Go to www.georgiawildlife.com or call 770-414-3333 for more information on purchasing a Lifetime License.

www.takemefishing.org or www.rbff.org
Fish images by Duane Raver

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1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Contact Information and Offices

Fisheries Offices, Hatcheries & Public Fishing Areas (PFAs)

1 Northwest Regional Office (Calhoun)

706-624-1161

NW Regional (Calhoun) office Atlanta # 770-387-4821

2 Rocky Mountain Rec. & PFA

706-802-5087

3 Summerville Office & Hatchery

706-857-3394

4 Buford Trout Hatchery

770-781-6888

5 Burton Office & Trout Hatchery

706-947-3112

6 Northeast Regional Office (Gainesville) 770-535-5498

7 East Central Regional Office &

770-918-6418

Walton Hatchery (Social Circle)

706-557-3039

8 McDuffie PFA & Hatchery

706-595-1684

9 Thomson District Office

706-595-1619

10 Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters 770-918-6400

11 Big Lazer Creek PFA

706-845-4180

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

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

14 West Point District Office

706-845-4180

15 Ocmulgee PFA (NEW in 2006)

478-783-2557

16 Cordele Hatchery229-276-2362

17 Dawson Office & Steve Cocke Hatchery 229-995-4486

18 Southwest Regional Office (Albany)

229-430-4256

19 Bowens Mill Office & Hatchery

229-426-5272

20 Dodge County PFA

478-374-6765

21 Evans County PFA

912-739-1139

22 Hugh M. Gillis PFA

478-296-6192

23 Metter District Office

912-685-6424

24 Paradise PFA229-533-4792

25 South Central Regional Office (Waycross) 912-285-6094

26 Coastal Regional Office (Demeries Creek) 912-727-2112

27 Coastal Resources Division HQ

912-264-7218

28 Richmond Hill Hatchery

912-756-3691

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT REGIONAL OFFICES
Telephone numbers are listed above, #'s refer to locations on the map above.

Northwest Region (#1) Wildlife Resources Division 312 N. River St., N. W. Post Office Box 519 Calhoun, Georgia 30703-0519
Northeast Region (#6) Wildlife Resources Division 2150 Dawsonville Hwy. Gainesville, Georgia 30501-1006

South Central Region (#25) Wildlife Resources Division 108 Darling Ave. Post Office Box 2089 Waycross, Georgia 31502-2089
Coastal Region (#26) Wildlife Resources Division 22814 Highway 144 Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324-5804

East Central Region (#7) Wildlife Resources Division 2123 U.S. Hwy. 278, S. E. Social Circle, Georgia 30025-4714

WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION State Headquarters Office (#10) 2070 U.S. Hwy. 278, S. E. Social Circle, Georgia 30025-4711

West Central Region (#13) Wildlife Resources Division 1014 Martin Luther King Blvd. Fort Valley, Georgia 31030-6246

SALTWATER FISHING INFO Coastal Resources Division (#27) One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, Georgia 31520-8687 912-264-7218

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES
Boating Safety................770-784-3068 Albany............................229-430-4252 Brunswick.......................912-264-7237 Calhoun (Atlanta #).........770-769-9680 Calhoun .........................706-624-1367 Gainesville......................770-535-5499 Macon............................478-751-6415 Metter.............................912-685-2145 Social Circle (Atlanta #)..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
REPORT FISH KILLS
Help protect our valuable fish resources. Report fish kills as quickly as possible.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-241-4113

Southwest Region (#18) Wildlife Resources Division 2024 Newton Road Albany, Georgia 31701-3576

For more fishing information visit us on the internet at: www.gofishgeorgia.com

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

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2006-2007 Changes & How to Use This Guide
Northwest Georgia Lake Sturgeon Sighting Alert

Four long "whiskers"

Mouth

Bony plates

"Shark-like" tail

These fish have been reintroduced by DNR into the Coosa River system in Northwest Georgia. These

fish cannot be harvested and must be released unharmed as soon as possible. If hooked deeply, cut the line close

to the hook and release the sturgeon.

Your help is needed. If you see a lake sturgeon please call 706-624-1161. Note the location of your sight-

ing and leave your name and telephone number. Additional information is also at www.gofishgeorgia.com

PLEASE NOTE: Lake sturgeon are only ONE species of sturgeon that live in Georgia. In middle and south Georgia

or in coastal locations you may encounter Atlantic sturgeon or shortnose sturgeon. These fish should not be confused

with lake sturgeon stocked in NW Georgia. Find out more about Georgia's sturgeon at www.gofishgeorgia.com

2006-2007 Changes: Savannah River Striped Bass: A rule change opened the season on striped bass effective Oct.

1, 2005. Anglers may now harvest fish. There is a two fish daily limit with a 27-inch minimum length on the Savannah River

downstream of J. Strom Thurmond Dam for striped bass, striped-white bass hybrids and white bass. South Carolina rules

also changed Oct. 1, 2005 to allow harvest under the same rules as Georgia. See pages 6, 7, and 17.

Noodling or Grabbling: The passage of HB 301 amended GA Code Section 27-4-37 to allow for the taking of flathead, blue

and channel catfish by noodling. Licensed persons can take fish by hand, without the aid of any device, hook, snare, net or

other artificial element and without the use of any scuba equipment, air hose or other artificial breathing apparatus. Noodling

is legal from March 1 through July 15 each year. See page 8 for full details.

Spear Fishing Changes (Savannah River system): HB 301 also allows the taking of channel catfish and flathead

catfish in the Savannah River, including its tributaries and impoundments within the Savannah Basin, by spearing any-

time of the day and at night by use of light. See page 8.

License Changes: A free hunting and

fishing license is now available that may be issued once for military veterans dis-

Celebrate

charged on or after July 1, 2005. See page

5. Find more details and an application

form at www.georgiawildlife.com

Saltwater regulations changes: At the

time of printing, legislative and/or regu-

lations changes were pending that may impact some species. See page 27 for details.

You Give. They Live. Buy A Tag.
www.georgiawildlife.com

and plan to attend a 2006 Georgia DNR Outdoor Adventure Day event!

How to Use This Guide
Enjoy your fishing trip but be sure you know the freshwater and saltwater rules for Georgia before you go. Regulations may vary on different bodies of water. To use this guide follow these steps:
1. Be familiar with fishing license requirements and know who needs a license. See pg. 5 (freshwater) & pg. 26 (saltwater).
2. Know the daily limits and seasons on pg. 6 (freshwater) & pgs. 26-30 (saltwater) and note any exceptions. See freshwater fish length limits on pg. 7 and legal freshwater fishing methods on pg. 8.
3. Are you trout fishing or fishing on Public Fishing Areas? See pgs. 9-13 (trout) and pgs. 14-15 (PFAs).
4. Are you from out of state or fishing border waters? See "Agreements with Bordering States" on pgs. 17-18.
As an angler, it is your responsibility to know what regulations apply to the body of water you are fishing.

NATIONAL HUNTING & FISHING DAY is
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2006
The U.S. Congress and President Nixon established National Hunting & Fishing (NHF) Day 34 years ago to recognize hunters and anglers for the time and money, more than a billion dollars each year, they donate to wild-
life conservation programs.
NHF Day events provide opportunities for outdoor-oriented people and urbanites alike to learn more about outdoor
skills and activities.
To find out about Georgia events visit www.georgiawildlife.com

Page

1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Freshwater and Saltwater License Requirements

WHERE TO BUY LICENSES
At 1,000+ license dealers statewide including WRD/CRD offices, State Parks, marinas, major retailers, sporting goods, bait & tackle, and hardware stores.
By telephone 1-888-748-6887
Internet: www.gofishgeorgia.com
Telephone and Internet sales available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
NOTE: Social Security Number is required for the purchase of all licenses.
WHO NEEDS A FISHING LICENSE
Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Conservation Rangers may require identification when checking fishing licenses. EXCEPTION: A fishing 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 fishing on their land.
Residents:
Proof of residence, such as a Georgia driver's license, is required to purchase a resident fishing license.
Residents 65 years of age or older: May fish with the Senior (65+) Lifetime License. This license can be obtained free from license dealers by furnishing proof of age (driver's lic., birth certificate, etc.).
Permanently and totally disabled: Residents may obtain a Disability Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License by applying to the License Unit (770-414-3333). Proof of disability must accompany the application. Proof of disability may come from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Admin., Railroad Retirement System or other government agency.

Blind persons: May apply for a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License and must provide a Physician's Certification of Blindness with the application.
Nonresidents:
Nonresidents 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must have a valid nonresident Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia freshwater and saltwater, except in private ponds. See also "RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS for BORDERING STATES" pg. 17-18).
Nonresidents under 16 do not require a fishing license or trout license.
Florida residents 65 years of age or olderSee "Agreement with Florida" on page 18.
COLLEGE STUDENTS & MILITARY:
College students (US citizens) enrolled full-time who are residing within the state may purchase a resident fishing license. A current student I.D. must be shown when purchasing license.
Military persons on active status stationed at a military base in Georgia and their immediate family members may purchase a resident fishing license. This includes full-time military personnel on active duty who list Georgia as their home of record in their official military file (with documented proof).Acurrent military I.D. & verifiable proof of being stationed at a Georgia military installation must be shown when purchasing a resident fishing license.
A free hunting and fishing license may be issued once for military veterans discharged on or after July, 1 2005. Valid for 12 months from date of issue. Details at www.gofishgeorgia.com under Fishing License Information
PUBLIC FISHING AREAS see pg 14

2006-2007 RECREATIONAL FISHING

LICENSE FEES

Licenses are valid for one full year from date of purchase

RESIDENT LICENSES:

NONRESIDENT LICENSES:

Sportsman's.......................$60.00 Fishing....................................9.00 One-Day Fishing ...................3.50 Trout ......................................5.00 Combination Hunting and Fishing ........................17.00

Annual Fishing ..................$24.00 One-Day Fishing ...................3.50 7-Day Fishing ........................7.00 Trout ....................................13.00

Wildlife Management Area...19.00 Wildlife Management Area ....73.00

See page 2 for information on Lifetime License prices.

LIFETIME & ANNUAL SPORTSMAN'S LICENSES Lifetime licenses are available for anglers of all ages. See pg 2 for details. The Lifetime license satisfies all state license requirements for the life of the purchaser. Senior (age 65+) lifetime licenses are free ($10 for a plastic, permanent card). Annual Sportsman's license is a single license that covers all sport hunting & fishing licenses (except Federal Duck Stamp). Includes: Regular Hunting Lic., Primitive Weapons Lic., Big Game Lic., AEllirgraotorr Lic.,WMA Lic., GA Waterfowl Lic., Fishing Lic., Trout Lic. and H.I.P. permit.
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS for BORDERING STATES
Georgia DNR has Agreements with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina allowing holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obtaining a fishing license from the bordering state. See Agreements with Bordering States on pages 17-18.
TROUT LICENSES
All resident anglers ages 16 to 64 must have a trout license & Georgia fishing license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or to possess trout.
Resident Senior (65+) lifetime & honorary license holders are not required to have a trout license.
Landowners & their immediate families may fish on their premises without a trout license.
All nonresident anglers, 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must possess a nonresident fishing license & nonresident trout license to fish for or possess trout or to fish in designated trout waters.
Florida residents, 16 or older, 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.
LOST YOUR LICENSE?
For licenses purchased at license
dealers or from the internet: log in & print out a replacement license at www.georgiawildlife.com.
For licenses purchased by telephone,
call 1-888-748-6887 for a replacement.
Call 770-414-3333 for assistance with
license replacement.

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

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Freshwater Game Species Daily Limits

It is unlawful to take in one day or to possess at any one time, except at a residence or commercial storage facility, more than the daily limit for each species. It is unlawful to possess more than a total of 50 individuals of all the game fish listed in this section, except channel and flathead catfish.
Once the daily limit for a particular species is taken, it is unlawful to continue to fish for that species.
Exception: Daily limits differ on certain waters shared by Georgia & South Carolina. See "Agreements w/ Bordering States Section" (pg 17).
BASS............................................. 10 Largemouth, Redeye (Coosa),
Shoal, Smallmouth, Spotted (Kentucky), and/or Suwanee bass
CATFISH..............................No Limit Channel and/or Flathead
CRAPPIE. ..................................... 30 Black and/or White
PICKEREL. ................................... 15 Chain, Grass and/or Redfin
SAUGER......................................... 8

SHAD.............................................. 8 American and/or Hickory
STRIPED BASS, WHITE BASS and/or HYBRID WHITE-STRIPED BASS (see Note & Exception #1)....15
Only two of which can be 22 inches or longer.
STURGEON may not be taken in fresh or saltwater in Georgia.
SUNFISH or BREAM (see exception #2).....................50
Bluegill, Flier, Redbreast, Redear, Rock bass, Spotted, Warmouth and/or Shadow bass
TROUT (see exception #3).............8 Brook, Rainbow, and/or Brown
trout
WALLEYE (see exception #4).........8
EXCEPTIONS:
#1: 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

River downstream 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.
NEW: Limit taken from the Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of J. Strom Thurman Dam is a two fish limit, both of which must be 27 inches in length or longer.
See South Carolina Agreement on page 17.
#2: BREAM: see South Carolina Agreement on page 17.
#3: TROUT: See Amicalola Creek, Chattahoochee River, Chattooga River, Smithgall Woods, Smith Creek, and Waters Creek on pages 9-10.
#4: WALLEYE: Limit on Blue Ridge Reservoir is 15.
PUBLIC FISHING AREAS See page 14 for special limits on
PFAs.

There is no closed season for fishing in freshwater in Georgia except for the following:
TROUT SEASON: Trout streams that are designated as seasonal trout streams are OPEN to fishing for any species from MARCH 25 OCTOBER 31, 2006 and MARCH 31 - OCTOBER 31, 2007 . Seasonal trout streams are CLOSED to fishing for all fish species at all other times. See pgs. 9-13 for trout stream designations.
FLINT, CHATTAHOOCHEE & SPRING CRK: The Flint River and its tributaries from the Georgia Power Co. dams at Albany to the US Hwy. 84 bridge; the Chattahoochee

Seasons
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 1 - October 31 each year.
LAKES SEMINOLE and BLACKSHEAR: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 each yr.
COOSA RIVER: The season for taking lake sturgeon from the Coosa

River and its tributaries is CLOSED. See page 4 for more information on this closure and how to identify this fish.
NOODLING or GRABBLING: The season is open March 1- July 15 statewide in freshwater.
Creel and Possession Note to Anglers:
Creel and possession limits are per person. In order for Conservation Rangers to correctly determine compliance with these limits, each individual should keep trout or other fish on separate stringers or in separate creels. It is unlawful for one individual to possess more than the legal limit of any fish species.

FISHING WITHOUT PERMISSION
It is unlawful to fish on someone else's property without permission. Conservation Rangers and other law enforcement officers are charged with enforcing this law. Fishing rights are often privately held on
non-navigable streams. Always ask permission before entering private land. Permission is not required to fish in the Chattahoochee or Oconee National Forests, on Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) or Wildlife Management Areas
(WMAs) of the Wildlife Resources Division, or in Georgia State Parks.

Page

1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Length Limits

NOTE: There are no minimum length limits on freshwater game fish unless they are listed below. All lengths are Total Length (see below for "How to Measure Fish"). You must release all fish shorter than the minimum length indicated for that species.

Largemouth bass 12 inches statewide except: Bear Creek Reservoir (Jackson
County) - bass between 16 and 22 inches must be released immediately. All others may be kept. Lake Blackshear-14 inches Lake Blue Ridge-no minimum (0 in.) Lake Burton-no minimum (0 in.) Lake Juliette-no minimum (0 in.) Lake Lanier-14 inches Lake Oconeebass between 11 and 14 inches must be released immediately. All others may be kept. Ocmulgee River from the Spring Street bridge crossing in Macon downstream to the confluence of the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River-14 inches.

Lake Walter F. George-14 inches
West Point Reservoir-14 inches
Public Fishing Area lakes operated by the Department of Natural Resources-14 inches. This limit will not apply to lakes which have been posted as having a different length limit for largemouth bass.
Shoal bass:
Lake Lanier-14 inches
Flint River and its tributaries12 inches
Spotted bass: Lake Lanier-14 inches
Striped bass, White bass, Hybrid white-striped bass: You may only keep two fish that are 22 inches or longer, except the minimum length is 22 inches on the North Newport River, Medway River

including Mount Hope Creek, Little Ogeechee River, Ogeechee River; Oconee River downstream of GA Hwy 22 in Milledgeville; Ocmulgee River downstream of GA Hwy 96 bridge between Houston and Twiggs counties; Altamaha River, Saint Mary's River, Satilla River, and the tributaries to these river sections; and from saltwater. New: The minimum length is 27 inches on the Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of J. Strom Thurman Dam (2 fish limit).
Trout: No minimum length limit for trout other than: Waters Creek-brown and rainbow
trout-22 inches; brook trout-18 inches Noontootla Creek and its tributaries on Blue Ridge WMA-16 inches for all trout.

Georgia Angler Recognition / State Record Catches

Catching a big fish is always a thrill products by weight) in the presence If you think you, or someone you know,

and usually requires exceptional fish- of two witnesses over the age of 18. have caught a new state freshwater

ing skill. Each year DNR recognizes Witnesses cannot be members of the record, follow these steps:

the achievement of anglers who catch immediate family. The fish must meet do not clean or freeze the fish.

"trophy" fish by presenting them with the minimum weight requirements for keep the fish cool, preferably on ice.

an Angler Award. Fish do not have to that species.

weigh the fish to the nearest ounce

be a new state record to qualify. An- Take the fish to a DNR Fisheries Of- as soon as possible (see left for

gler Award applications and minimum fice and have it positively identified. In weighing details). Estimated weights

weights for species are available at some cases a clear side view photo are not accepted.

any Fisheries Section office and at of the fish can be used for identifica- take the fish to a DNR Fisheries

www.gofishgeorgia.com. To qualify tion (check with DNR office before Office as soon as possible and have it

you must:
Catch your fish by legal sport fishing methods in Georgia (see page 8).
Weigh the fish as soon as possible on scales certified accurate by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (at Fisheries Section offices & businesses that sell

submitting application). Please call before you come to an office to make sure that someone will be available to identify your fish
Complete application & submit it with a clear side view photo of the whole fish to the address listed on the form.

positively identified by a DNR fisheries biologist or technician. Please call the office before you come.
complete an application and submit with a clear side view photo of the whole fish within 90 days of the catch.

How to Measure a Fish: Freshwater fish are measured as Total Length
(TL). Minimum sizes for saltwater finfish are measured in two ways: Total Length (TL) and

Freshwater Fish Records see page 15 Saltwater Fish Records see page 28

Fork Length (FL). Methods for measuring fish are described below:

Freshwater and saltwater finfish TOTAL LENGTH (see diagram at right): 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 Saltwater fish FORK LENGTH (see diagram at lower right): 1. Fork Length (FL) is used to measure fish with deeply forked tails.
2. Measure the straight line distance from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.
For either method, you must release all fish shorter than the minimum length indicated for that species.

Total Length Fork Length

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

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Fishing Methods

The following are legal methods for freshwater fishing:

HOOK AND LINE

freshwater and are not to be sold or is required to bow fish in Georgia.

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.
Anglers using more than two poles and lines to fish for shad must abide by commercial shad regulations.
Landing nets may be used to land fish legally caught.
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.

used for commercial purposes. It is illegal to spear game fish and
all species of catfish, except as described below. The taking of flathead and channel catfish by spear may be done any time day or at night by light in the Savannah River and its tributaries and impoundments in the Savannah River Basin only. All spears must have barbs or other devices to recover fish and must have be attached to a line secured to the person using the weapon. A sport fishing license is required to spear 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 or exploding arrowheads are illegal.
Arrows cannot be discharged into the water closer than 150 feet to anyone engaged in any other means of recreation.
Legal hours for fishing with bow and arrow are from sunrise to sunset, except that fish (nongame) may be taken at night while using a light in

SPORT TROTLINES and JUGS A "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 DNR. It is unlawful to use any sport trotline within onehalf 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,

The person spearing fish must be completely submerged. NOTE: See SEASONS on page 6
SEINES, CAST NETS, BOW 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 unharmed into the water. A minnow seine must be less than 20 feet in length and have a 3/8 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 nets are considered sport shad fishing gear and shall have a minimum legal size of 31/2 inches stretched mesh.

reservoirs over 500 acres in size. Any game fish with an open wound
possessed by a person bow fishing will be considered evidence of taking fish illegally. Catfish (channel & flathead): Fish may be taken in the Savannah Riv. and its tributaries and impoundments in the Savannah Riv. basin by bow and arrow any time during the day or at night by the use of a light.
NOODLING or GRABBLING
Flathead, channel and blue catfish may
be taken by hand, without the aid of any device, hook, snare, net or other artificial element and without the use of any scuba equipment, air hose or other artificial breathing apparatus. Noodlingislegalinthefreshwatersofthe state from March 1 - July 15 each year. A sport fishing license is required to noodle (grabble) in Georgia. It is illegal to take game fish (other than the catfish species listed above) and all other species of fish by hand. It is not legal to alter any natural

which propels the spear to which a

BOW FISHING

or man-made features in order to

wire, rope, line, etc. is attached and Nongame fish and catfish in Savannah attract or capture fish by hand. It

secured to the weapon or the person system (see below) may be taken by is not legal to raise any part of a

using the weapon.

bow and arrow from freshwater under natural or artificial device out of the

Only nongame fish, and catfish as the following conditions:

water to aid in the hand capture of

described below, may be speared in Possession of a sport fishing license enclosed fish.

IN GEORGIA IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: Possess or use live blueback herring for bait in all fresh waters except the following: Lakes Chatuge, Juliette,
Lanier, and Nottely; and the Altamaha River watershed downstream of the following: Juliette dam on the Ocmulgee River, Lake Juliette dam on Rum Creek, Lake Tobesofkee dam on Tobesofkee Creek, Lake Sinclair dam on the Oconee River; and watersheds of all other streams that flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean. For maps of restricted waters go to www.gofishgeorgia.com & see "Freshwater Regulations" section. 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 except the water from which it was taken.

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1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Trout Fishing in Georgia and Trout Streams Regulations

WRD uses special regulations (see below) and stocking to provide quality trout fishing in Georgia. More than one million rainbow trout and brown trout are stocked each year from March through mid-September. 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 stocking and the Trout Streams of Georgia Map are available from WRD offices and at www.gofishgeorgia.com. The map 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.
Note: While fishing any 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 fish was caught.

TROUT SEASON Trout season on seasonal streams is from March 25 - October 31, 2006 and from March 31 - October 31, 2007. Many trout streams are open to fishing year-round (see pages 11-13 for stream listings).
TROUT FISHING HOURS Fishing hours on seasonal trout
streams, except Waters Creek (page 10), are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night fishing is not allowed. Fishing 24 hours a day is allowed on year-round trout streams, except those in next paragraph, and on all impoundments on trout streams, except Dockery and Rock Creek lakes. Fishing hours on the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek, the Conasauga River watershed upstream of the GeorgiaTennessee state line and Smith Creek downstream of Unicoi dam are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night fishing is not allowed.
TROUT FISHING RULES Trout anglers are restricted to the use
of one pole and line which must be hand held. No other type of gear may be used in trout streams. Live bait-fish may not be used in any trout stream, except live bait-fish may be used on the Chattahoochee River downstream of the Roswell Road bridge (GA Hwy 9). Seining bait-fish is not allowed in any trout stream. It is unlawful to fish for any fish species in a seasonal trout stream when the season is closed.
IMPOUNDMENTS ON TROUT STREAMS
ANGLERS CAN: Fish for fish species other than trout
without a trout license, except on Dockery and Rock Creek lakes. Fish year-round, except on Dockery Lake.

Fish at night, except on Dockery and Rock Creek lakes.
Impoundment Notes: If you fish for or possess trout, you
must possess a trout license. If you catch a trout and do not possess a trout license you must release the trout immediately. Visitors fishing impoundments on State Parks can fish for & possess trout without a trout license. State Park visitors fishing trout streams must possess a trout license.
DELAYED HARVEST STREAMS Anglers fishing delayed harvest streams must release all trout immediately and use and possess only artificial lures with one single hook per lure from Nov. 1-May 14 annually. The use of additional "dropper" lures on one line is permitted as long as each lure contains one single hook. These restrictions do not apply from May 15-Oct. 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). CHATTOOGA RIVER from GA Hwy 28 bridge upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek. SMITH CREEK on Unicoi State Park from Unicoi Dam downstream to the Unicoi State Park property boundary.
Visit www.gofishgeorgia.com to see maps of Delayed Harvest Streams.
ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY In streams listed here only artificial lures
may be used. It is unlawful to possess
any other type bait on an "artificial
lures only" stream (see definitions on page 18). CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER from GA Hwy 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 its junction with the Tallulah

River upstream to Forest Service Bridge No. 54. CONASAUGA RIVER and its tributaries (except Jacks River watershed) upstream of the Georgia-Tennessee state line are restricted to using only artificial lures from Nov. 1 through the last Saturday in March of each year. Natural baits may be used during trout season. HOODS CREEK and its tributaries on the Warwoman WMA. JONES CREEK and its tributaries on the Blue Ridge WMA. MOUNTAINTOWN CREEK and its tributaries upstream of Mountaintown Creek Watershed Structure No. 2 (Hills Lake). NOONTOOTLA CREEK and its tributaries on Blue Ridge WMA. NOTE: All trout less than 16 inches in length caught from this section of Noontootla Creek must be released immediately. STANLEY CREEK and its tributaries on the Rich Mountain WMA. WALNUT FORK CREEK and its tributaries on the Warwoman WMA.
OTHER REGULATIONS MOCCASIN CREEK. That portion of Moccasin Creek between Lake Burton Hatchery water intake and a sign marking the approximate normal pool level of Lake Burton is restricted to anglers under 12 years of age and holders of Honorary Licenses.
SMITHGALL WOODS-DUKES CREEK CONSERVATION AREA. Dukes Creek and its tributaries within the Dukes Creek Conservation Area are open to fishing year round by reservation only.
To make a reservation call 706-878-
3087.
Only artificial lures with barbless hooks
may be used or possessed on the
("Other Regulations" cont. next pg.)

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

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Trout Stream Regulations (cont.)
portion of Dukes Creek and its tributaries in White County on the Conservation Area, including the GAHwy 75Alternate 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 Hwy 75 Alternate right-of-way, must be immediately released where caught.
No trout may be possessed while fishing on any stream on the Conservation Area or the GA Hwy 75 Alternate right-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. Eastern Standard Time (7:30 p.m. Eastern 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. 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: Residents: Georgia resident fishing
license, trout license, and WMAlicense. Senior (65+) Lifetime, Honorary and Sportsman's 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 and Possession Limits: 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.

Handling & Releasing Fish
When releasing a fish, you can give the fish a better chance of survival by following these guidelines:
Play and release the fish as rapidly as possible.
Try not take the fish out of water.
Handle the fish gently with bare, wet hands. Do not squeeze the fish, put your fingers in the gills or cause scale loss.
Remove the hook quickly using needlenose pliers. If the fish is hooked in the stomach or throat, cut the line and leave the hook. The hook will dissolve without harming the fish.
Wet your measuring board before measuring the fish.
Hold the fish in an upright position and move it gently back and forth so water runs over the gills. Release the fish when it is able to swim.
Operate live well aerators continuously when holding fish that you plan to release.

Help Stop The Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Don't release live bait fish, move live fish, aquatic plants, or mussels!
It is unlawful to stock or release fish into 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 and clean your boat and equipment thoroughly before launching into new waters.
Learn more about Aquatic Nuisance Species at www.gofishgeorgia.com

PROTECTED SPECIES MAY BE ENCOUNTERED WHILE FISHING
Many rare and protected species that live in or near water and may be encountered while fishing. There are currently 55 fish, 7 salamanders, 14 mussels, and 12 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.georgiawildlife.com.
up to 29" in length, 11-20" typical

EASTERN HELLBENDER Large, harmless salamander found in clear, rocky mountain streams such as
trout streams.

MAP TURTLE

ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE

Aquatic turtle with prominent spiny keel on midline Huge aquatic turtle that may weigh over 100 lbs. Occurs in

of shell. Found in large streams, rivers in Northwest large streams, rivers, reservoirs in the Southwest corner of

and Southwest portions of state.

the state. Jaws are powerfulkeep a safe distance!

Page 10 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

GEORGIA'S TROUT STREAMS BY COUNTY
Seasonal Trout Streams (S) are open March 25 - October 31, 2006 and March 31 - October 31, 2007 Year-round Streams (YR) are open to fishing throughout the year and are designated in dark blue type.
Watershed = the stream and all its tributaries (streams flowing into that stream). Abbreviations used throughout this section: Cr. = Creek and R. = River
NOTE: The following trout streams have special regulations (see pages 9-10 before fishing): Amicalola Cr., Chattahoochee R., Chattooga R., Coleman R., Conasauga R., Hoods Cr., Jones Cr., Moccasin Cr., Mountaintown Cr., Noontootla Cr., Smithgall Woods-Dukes Cr., Smith Cr., Stanley Cr., Walnut Fork Cr., and Waters Cr.

BARTOW COUNTY SBoston Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 20. YRConnesena Cr. watershed; Dykes Cr. watershed; PineLog Cr. watershed; Pyle Cr. watershed; Salacoa Cr. watershed; Spring Cr. watershed; Stamp Cr. watershed upstream from Bartow Co. Rd. 269; Toms Cr. watershed upstream from Bartow Co. Rd. 82; Two Run Cr. watershed; Ward Cr. watershed.
CARROLL COUNTY YRTallapoosa R. watershed north of I-20, not including Little Tallapoosa R. watershed.
CATOOSA COUNTY SHurricane Cr.. watershed upstream from Peters Branch. YRDry Cr. watershed (part of East Chickamauga Cr. watershed) upstream of Catoosa Co. Rd. 257; Little Chickamauga Cr. watershed upstream from Catoosa Co. Rd. 387; Tiger Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 2.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY YRAllgood Branch watershed; Chappel Cr. watershed; Chelsea Cr. watershed; East Fork Little R. watershed including Gilreath Cr.; Hinton Cr. watershed; Kings Cr. watershed; Little Armuchee Cr. watershed upstream from Co Rd 326; Mt. Hope Cr. (Coon Cr.) watershed; Perennial Spring watershed; Raccoon Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 48; Ruff Creek watershed; Storey Mill Cr. watershed; Taliaferro Cr. watershed.
CHEROKEE COUNTY SBoston Cr. watershed. YRBluff Cr. watershed upstream of Cherokee Co Rd 114; Pine Log Cr. watershed; Salacoa Cr. watershed; Soap Cr. watershed upstream of Cherokee Co Rd 116; Stamp Cr. watershed; Wiley Cr. watershed.
COBB COUNTY YRChattahoochee R. downstream to the mouth of Peachtree Cr. DADE COUNTY SEast Fork Little R. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed. YR- Allison Cr. watershed; Lookout Cr. watershed upstream from Dade Co Rd 197. DAWSON COUNTY SAmicalola Cr. watershed upstream from Dawson Co Rd 192 (Steele Bridge Rd) which is first bridge upstream from

GA Hwy 53; Amicalola Cr. tributaries from GA Hwy 53 upstream to Dawson Co Rd 192 (Steele Bridge Rd); Nimblewill Cr. watershed; Shoal Cr. watershed upstream from the mouth of Burt Cr.; Sweetwater Cr. watershed. YRAmicalola Cr. from Dawson Co Rd 192 (Steele Bridge Rd) downstream to GA Hwy 53; Anderson Cr. watershed, Long Swamp Cr. watershed. FANNIN COUNTY SCharlie Cr. watershed; Etowah R. watershed; Jacks R. watershed; Owenby Cr. watershed; Persimmon Cr. watershed; South Fork Rapier Mill Cr. watershed; Star Cr. watershed; Toccoa R. tributary watersheds entering the river downstream from Blue Ridge Reservoir to the GATennessee state line & upstream from the mouth of Stanley Cr. except those listed as year-round; Tumbling Cr. watershed; Wilscot Cr. watershed. YRConasauga R. watershed (except Jacks R. watershed); Ellijay R. watershed; Fightingtown Cr. watershed; Mountaintown Cr. watershed; Noontootla Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. Lake; Toccoa R. downstream from Lake Blue Ridge to the GA-Tennessee state line & upstream from the mouth of Stanley Cr. (does not include tributaries unless listed). FLOYD COUNTY SJohns Cr. watershed upstream from Floyd Co Rd 212. YRDykes Cr. watershed; Kings Cr. watershed; Lavender Cr. watershed upstream from Floyd Co Rd 893; Little Cedar Cr. watershed; Mt. Hope Cr. watershed; Silver Cr. watershed upstream of GA Hwy 1E (Floyd Co Rd 631); Spring Cr. watershed (flows into Etowah R.) Toms Cr. watershed. FORSYTH COUNTY YRChattahoochee R. FULTON COUNTY YRChattahoochee R. downstream to the mouth of Peachtree Cr. GILMER COUNTY SHarris Cr. watershed; Johnson Cr. watershed; Tails Cr. watershed; and all other streams or parts of streams not listed as year-round except: Coosawattee R. downstream from Old GA Hwy 5 (Gilmer Co Rd 239); Talking Rock Cr.; and tributaries to Carters Reservoir not listed as year-round (these may be fished year-round without a trout license).

YRBall Cr. watershed; Cartecay R. watershed; Conasauga R. watershed (except Jacks R. watershed); Coosawatee R. from confluence of Cartecay & Ellijay rivs. downstream to old GA Hwy 5 bridge (Gilmer Co Rd 239); Ellijay R. watershed; Fightingtown Cr. watershed; Mountaintown Cr. water shed; Noontootla Cr. watershed; Sevenmile Cr. watershed; Town Cr. watershed; Wildcat Cr. watershed.
GORDON COUNTY SJohns Cr. watershed; Pin Hook Cr. watershed upstream from Gordon Co Rd 275. YRPine Log Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 53; Rocky Cr. watershed upstream from Gordon Co Rd 210; Salacoa Cr. watershed upstream from US Hwy 411; Snake Cr. watershed.
GWINNETT COUNTY YRChattahoochee R.
HABERSHAM COUNTY SAmy's Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 17; Chattahoochee R. tributaries downstream to GA Hwy 255 (except Amy's Cr. downstream from GA Hwy 17 & Sautee Cr. downstream from GA Hwy 255 Alternate bridge); Left Fork Soque R. upstream of GA Hwy 356 & all tributaries to the entire Left Fork Soque R.; Nancytown Cr. watershed upstream from Nancytown Lake; Right Fork Soque R. upstream of Wilson Falls &tributaries to the entire Right Fork Soque R.; Soque R. tributaries that enter the river from the confluence of the Left Fork & Right Fork Soque rivs. downstream to the mouth of Deep Cr. YRChattahoochee R. downstream to GA Hwy 255; Left Fork Soque R. downstream of GA Hwy 356 except tributaries; Liberty Cr. watershed; Middle Fork Broad R. watershed; North Fork Broad R. watershed; Panther Cr. watershed; Right Fork Soque R. downstream of Wilson Falls except tributaries; Roberts Branch watershed; Sautee Cr. downstream from GA Hwy 255 Alternate bridge; Soque R., except tributaries downstream from the confluence of Left Fork & Right Fork Soque rivs., to the mouth of Deep Cr.; Toccoa Cr. watershed.
(Continues on next page)

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

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Page 11

S - seasonal streams; YR - year-round streams

HARALSON COUNTY YRFlatwood Cr. watershed; Lassetter Cr. watershed; Mann Cr. watershed upstream from Haralson Co Rd 162; Tallapoosa Cr. watershed; Tallapoosa R. watershed upstream from Co Rd 222.
HART COUNTY YRSavannah R. from Hartwell Dam downstream to Richard B. Russell Reservoir.
LUMPKIN COUNTY SAmicalola Cr. watershed; Bryant Cr. watershed; Cane Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 9-52 bridge; Cavender Cr. watershed; Chestatee R. tributaries upstream from the mouth of Tesnatee Cr., except for the Frogtown Cr. watershed; Dockery Lake; Etowah R. watershed upstream from Hightower Church Road (County Road 72) Bridge; Etowah R. tributaries from Castleberry Bridge upstream to Hightower Church Road (County Road 72) Bridge; Shoal Creek watershed; Yahoola Creek watershed upstream from the mouth of Bryant Cr. YRChestatee R. upstream from the mouth of Tesnatee Cr.; Etowah R. from Castleberry Bridge upstream to Hightower Church Road (County Road 72); Frogtown Cr. watershed; Yahoola Cr. watershed from the mouth of Bryant Cr. downstream to GA Hwy 52.
MURRAY COUNTY SJacks R. watershed upstream from Georgia-Tennessee state line; North Prong Sumac Cr. watershed; Rock Cr.
watershed upstream from Murray Co Rd
4 (most southern of two Rock Crks. which
are in the Holly Cr. watershed); Sugar Cr.
watershed upstream from Murray Co Rd
4; Sumac Cr. watershed upstream from
Coffey Lake.
YRConasauga R. watershed upstream
from the GA-Tennessee state line (except
Jacks R. watershed); Dill Cr. watershed;
Holly Cr. watershed upstream from Dill Cr.;
Mill Cr. watershed upstream from Murray
Co Rd 27; Mill Cr. (Hasslers Mill Cr.)
watershed that is in the Holly Cr. watershed;
Rock Cr. watershed (most northern of two
Rock Crks. within Holly Cr. watershed)
upstream from Murray Co Rd 301.
PAULDING COUNTY
SPumpkinvine Cr. watershed upstream
from Paulding Co Rd 231; Raccoon
Cr. watershed upstream from SR 2299
(Paulding Co Rd 471).
YRPossum Cr. watershed upstream
from Paulding Co Rd 64; Powder Cr.
watershed; Thompson Cr. watershed;
Ward Cr. watershed.
PICKENS COUNTY
SAmicalola Cr. watershed upstream from
Dawson Co Rd 192; Cove Cr. watershed

upstream from Pickens Co Rd 294; Fisher
Cr. watershed; Pin Hook Cr. watershed.
YR- Ball Cr. watershed; Bluff Cr. watershed;
Cartecay R. watershed; Darnell Cr.
watershed; Hobson Cr. watershed; Little Scarecorn Cr. watershed; Long Swamp Cr. watershed upstream from Cove Cr.; Mud Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed; Salacoa Cr. watershed; Scarecorn Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 53; Sevenmile Cr. watershed; Sharp Mountain Cr. watershed; Soap Cr. watershed; Talking Rock Cr. watershed upstream from S1011 (GAHwy 136);Town Cr. watershed; Wildcat Cr. watershed.
POLK COUNTY SLassetter Cr. watershed; Pumpkinpile Cr. watershed upstream from Polk Co Rd 437. YRCedar Cr. watershed upstream from Polk Co Rd 121; Little Cedar Cr. watershed; Silver Cr. watershed; Spring Cr. watershed; Swinney Cr. watershed; Thomasson Cr. watershed; Thompson Cr. watershed upstream of Polk Co Rd 441.
RABUN COUNTY SBad Branch watershed (flows into Lake Seed); Bad Cr. watershed (flows into Tugaloo); Bridge Cr. watershed; Crow Cr. watershed (flows into Seed); Dickenson Branch (flows into Burton); Dicks Cr. watershed (flows into Burton); Falls Branch watershed (flows into Rabun); Flat Cr. watershed; Joe Cr. watershed (flows into Rabun); LaCounts Cr. watershed (flows into Seed); Moccasin Cr. watershed, except Moccasin Cr. from the Lake Burton hatchery water intake downstream to the sign marking the approximate normal pool level of Lake Burton; Popcorn Cr. watershed; Seals Cr. watershed (flows into Seed); Slick Shoal Cr. (flows into Seed); Timpson Cr. watershed; Wildcat Cr. watershed; Worse Cr. watershed (flows into Tugaloo); and all other streams or parts of streams not listed as year-round except: Tallulah R. downstream from Lake Burton Dam & tributaries to Burton, Seed, Rabun, Tallulah Falls, Tugaloo & Yonah lakes not listed as year-round (may be fished yearround without a trout license). YRChattooga R. upstream from the mouth of Warwoman Cr.; Little Tennessee R. downstream from US Hwy 23-441 bridge; Moccasin Cr. from the Lake Burton hatchery water intake downstream to the sign marking the approximate normal pool level of Lake Burton; Overflow Cr. watershed; Stekoa Cr. watershed; Tallulah R. downstream to Lake Burton; Warwoman Cr.; West Fork Chattooga R.
STEPHENS COUNTY YR- Little Toccoa Cr. watershed; North Fork Broad R. watershed upstream from NRCS flood control structure No. 1; Middle Fork Broad R. watershed upstream from NRCS

flood control structure No. 44.; Panther Cr. watershed; Toccoa Cr. watershed upstream from Toccoa Falls.
TOWNS COUNTY SBearmeat Cr. watershed; Bell Cr. watershed; Bugshuffle Branch watershed (Allen Mill Cr.); Burch Branch watershed; Fodder Cr. watershed; Hog Cr. watershed; Shake Rag Branch watershed; and all other streams or parts of streams not listed as year-round except: Hightower Cr. downstream from Towns Co Rd 88; Hiwassee R. downstream from Towns Co Rd 87; and tributaries to Chatuge Reservoir not listed below as year-round (may be fished year-round without a trout license). YR- Brasstown Cr. watershed downstream from US Hwy 76 bridge; Charlies Cr. watershed; Hightower Cr. downstream from US Hwy 76 bridge to Towns Co Rd 88; Hiwassee R. downstream to Towns Co Rd 87; Tallulah R. UNION COUNTY SArkaqua Cr. watershed; Bracket Cr. watershed; Butler Cr. watershed; Camp Cr. watershed; Conley Cr. watershed; Kiutuestia Cr. watershed; Low Cr. watershed; and all other streams or parts of streams not listed below as year-round except: Butternut Cr. watershed; Nottely R. downstream from Nottely Dam & tributaries to Nottely Reservoir not listed as yearround (these may be fished year-round without a trout license). YRBrasstown Cr. watershed downstream from US Hwy 76 bridge; Coosa Cr. watershed; Ivylog Cr. watershed; Noontootla Cr. watershed; Nottely R. from US Hwy 129-19 bridge downstream to Nottely Reservoir; Rock Cr. watershed; Toccoa R. (does not include tributaries unless listed); Youngcane Cr. watershed.
WALKER COUNTY SFurnace Cr. watershed; Johns Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed upstream from Sawmill Branch; Sawmill Branch; YRAllen Cr. watershed; Chappel Cr. watershed; Chattanooga Cr. watershed upstream from Walker Co Rd 235; Concord Cr. watershed; Dougherty Cr. watershed; Dry Cr. watershed (tributary to East Armuchee Cr.); Duck Cr. watershed; East Fork Little R. watershed (flows into Dade County); East Fork Little R. watershed (flows into Chattooga County); Gilreath Cr.; Gulf Cr. watershed; Harrisburg Cr. watershed upstream from Dougherty Cr.; Left Fork Coulter Branch watershed; Little Chickamauga Cr. watershed; Ruff Cr. watershed; Snake Cr. watershed; West Armuchee Cr. watershed; West Chickamauga Cr. watershed upstream from Walker Co Rd 107.
(Continues on next page)

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

S - seasonal streams; YR - year-round streams

WHITE COUNTY SChattahoochee R. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge; Chattahoochee R. tributaries from GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge downstream to GA Hwy 255 bridge except Dukes Cr. watershed downstream from the US Forest Service property boundary, Sautee Cr., and Smith Cr. watershed downstream from Unicoi dam; Town Cr. watershed upstream from the mouth of Jenny Cr. YRChattahoochee R. downstream from the GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge to the GA Hwy 255 bridge; Dukes Cr. watershed downstream from the US Forest Service property boundary; Little Tesnatee Cr. watershed upstream from the mouth of Turner Cr.; Sautee Cr.; Smith Cr. downstream of Unicoi dam; Turner Cr. watershed (one nearest to Cleveland City limits). WHITFIELD COUNTY YRCoahulla Cr. watershed upstream from Whitfield Co Rd 183; Dry Cr. watershed (part of East Chickamauga Cr. watershed); Spring Cr. (Deep Spring Cr.) watershed; Swamp Cr. watershed upstream from Whitfield Co Rd 9; Tiger Cr. watershed.
End of "Trout Streams by County" list

Sale of Fish/Aquaculture

Game Fish
It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase any game fish except under the following conditions:
Game fish may be sold by properly licensed commercial fish hatcheries, wholesale and retail fish dealers, and pond owners (see following paragraph) who conform to the Game and Fish Code.
Game fish may be sold from a pond when the owner has obtained a valid permit from DNR Law Enforcement Section (2 weeks required to process). NOTE: the permit must be displayed at the pond & the fish must be packaged & labeled for transport from the pond with the permit number and the number and pounds of each species contained in the package. Fish must remain so packaged until processed or released into another pond.

said game fish has an authentic bill of sale or lading which details the source of the fish and the species, number and pounds of the fish.
Domestic Fish
Aquaculturists (fish farmers) must register with the Department of Natural Resources in order to sell domestic fish.
Registration applications are available from any Fisheries Section office, at www. georgiawildlife.com, or by calling 770761-3044. Find Aqaculture information under the General Information section of the website.
Domesticfisharelawfullyobtainedfarmed fish which are held in confinement in private ponds, but only if they are fish species which are either indigenous to Georgia or have been recognized prior to 1992 as having an established population in public waters in Georgia. The White Perch is not recognized as a domestic

NOTE: A permit will be issued only once annually and limits the time for taking fish from the pond to 15 days.
Game fish shipped into Georgia may be lawfully transported, sold, and resold provided each person in possession of

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

Find fishing events at www.gofishgeorgia.com

COMMERCIAL FISHING
American shad, hickory shad, channel catfish, and flathead catfish taken while commercial fishing may be sold as described in the Game and Fish Code.
For a complete copy of the freshwater commercial fishing regulations, contact the nearest Fisheries Section office or see the website www.gofishgeorgia. com
For saltwater commercial fishing information contact the Coastal Resources Division or visit http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us

TURN IN POACHERS

TIP Hotline:
1-800-241-4113
or *DNR (Cellular for BellSouth Mobility Customers)

(7 days a week / 24 hours a day)

A poacher is a thief who steals fish and wildlife that belongs to all Georgians. Poachers rob you of recreational opportunities that you pay for through license fees. You can be paid for turning in a poacher! If your tip leads to an arrest, you will receive reward money - even if you wish to remain anonymous. If you see or learn of a violation, try to write down: a description of the violator and their vehicle; the location and type of violation.

Turn In Poacher, Inc. (TIP) is a non-profit Georgia conservation organization whose mission is to protect wildlife by increasing public support for wildlife law enforcement. Contributions to the TIP reward program are greatly needed and appreciated.
Donations (made payable to TIP) are tax deductible and can be sent to: Turn In Poachers, Inc., 3423 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 110, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

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Page 13

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. Please call each PFA for details.

On Public Fishing Areas IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:
Operate boats on ponds or lakes posted as closed to boats.
Operate gas outboard motors unless lake is posted as being open to the use of outboard motors. NOTE: Gas motors, if allowed, must be operated at idle speed only.
Consume alcoholic beverages except at campsites on the area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Rocky Mountain PFA.
Fish at night.
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 or possess live fish (minnows) for bait, unless otherwise posted.
Operate personal watercraft (jet skis), sailboats, or sailboards.
Drive on any closed road or block any gate.
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.
To allow children under 14 years of age to be on PFA without adult supervision.
To ride horses in restricted areas or areas not designated as open to equestrian use.

Please Read Before Fishing a PFA Licenses:
Anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license and a current fishing license to fish, except a WMA license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain Recreation & Public Fishing Area.
If you have a Sportsman's license, One-Day Fishing license, Senior Lifetime license or Honorary license you are not required to have a WMA license to fish a PFA.
Length and Daily Limits: Unless a pond or lake has been posted as having a different length limit or daily limit, the following apply:
Length limit:
Largemouth bass -14 inches minimum
Daily Limits: Largemouth bass....................5 Bream or sunfish (of any one species or a combination).................15 Channel catfish.....................5 All other species... see page 6
Grass carp must be released
immediately.

Hours of Operation: PFAs are open year-round, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
PFA LISTINGS
To find a PFA location refer to the map on page 3. Find each of the following PFAs by the numbers indicated in parentheses (#).
BIG LAZER CREEK (#11) (Talbot County) (706-845-4180) 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 mi.; left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 mi.; left on Bunkham Road; left into area. CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE CENTER/MARBEN PFA (Jasper & Newton Counties) (#12) (770-784-3059) Fish Species: Largemouth bass,

Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Crappie, Channel catfish. Water: 22 ponds, totaling 295 acres, ranging 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. NOTE: Sign in at information board and check for lakes that are open for fishing when you visit. DIRECTIONS FROM MANSFIELD: South on GA Hwy 11 for 2.7 mi.; left on Marben Farm Rd. Follow signs.

DODGE COUNTY (#20) (478-374-6765 or 229-426-5272)
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie. Water: 104 acre lake. Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, nature trail, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. DIRECTIONS FROM EASTMAN: South on US Hwy 23/341 for 3 mi.; left on County Road 49 for 0.6 mi. to lake.

EVANS COUNTY (#21) (912-739-1139 or 912-685-6424) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown bullhead. Water: three ponds encompassing 122 acres (8, 30, 84 acres). Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities DIRECTIONS FROM CLAXTON: East on US Hwy 280 for 8.5 miles; right on Old Reidsville-Savannah Road for 1 mile; left on Old Sunbury Road (dirt), PFA 0.3 miles on right marked by Wildlife Resources sign.

HUGH M. GILLIS

(Laurens County) (#22) (478-296-6192 or 912-685-6424)

Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Blue-

gill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish,

Crappie. Water: 109-acre lake and two

one-acre KFE ponds.

Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing

pier, restrooms, picnic tables, some

facilities accessible to persons with

disabilities.

(cont. next page)

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

DIRECTIONS FROM EAST DUBLIN: East on US Hwy 80 for 10 mi.; left on Keens Crossing Rd. for 1.4 mi., PFA entrance on right.
McDUFFIE (McDuffie County) (#8) (706-595-1684) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish. Water: 4 ponds varying in size from 7 to 30 acres, with 2 more ponds (8 & 37 acres) opening summer 2006. Facilities: concrete boat ramps, courtesy docks, restrooms, picnic tables, tent and RV camping in designated areas (fee is $15-25 per site per night), some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. DIRECTIONS FROM THOMSON: South on Hwy 17 to US Hwy 278; left (east) for 5.6 mi.; right on Ellington Airline Road for 2.8 mi.; right on Fish Hatchery Road for 0.8 mi. OCMULGEE NEW (Houston County) (#15) (478-783-2557) Opening summer 2006 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Crappie, Channel catfish Water: 106-acre lake and one special event pond Facilities: Concrete two-lane boat ramp, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic areas, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities DIRECTIONS FROM HAWKINSVILLE: Travel north on Upper River Rd. for approximately 7 mi.; Left on Magnolia Rd. (PFA sign located at turn); travel approx. 2 mi. PFA entrance on right. PARADISE (Berrien County) (#24) (229-533-4792 or 912-285-6094) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown bullhead. Water: 68 lakes encompassing 525 acres of water. Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area, concrete boat ramps, primitive camping, fishing pier, boat dock, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. DIRECTIONS FROM TIFTON: East on US Hwy 82 for 8 mi. to Whitley Road near Brookfield; follow signs from US Hwy 82 to the area.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECREATION & PUBLIC FISHING AREA (Floyd County) (#2) (706-802-5087) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie, Hybrid whitestriped bass Water: two lakes (202 & 357 acres). Heath Lake is open the 1st - 10th of

each month ONLY. Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing jetties, restrooms, picnic shelters, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, tent & RV camping, 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 license not required. Restrictions: It is illegal to possess alcoholic beverages. No one may rappel, rock climb or hang glide. DIRECTIONS FROM ROME: North on US Hwy 27 for 10.4 mi.; left on Sike Storey Road 0.4 mi.; left on Big Texas Valley Road 5.4 mi. to entrance.

HUNTING ON PFAs There are hunting opportunities available at several PFAs located around the state. Refer to the Hunting Regulations Guide for a complete list of PFA hunting opportunities and regulations or visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com.
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.

Georgia's Freshwater Fish Records

Species

Weight Angler

Location

Date

Bass, Hybrid........... 25 lbs. 8 oz..... David Hobby........... Lake Chatuge................... 5/95

Bass, Largemouth.... 22 lbs. 4 oz... George Perry......... Montgomery Lake........... 6/32

Bass, Redeye......... 3 lbs. 7 oz..... Steve Williams....... Lake Hartwell.................. 4/04

Bass, Shoal........... 8 lbs. 3 oz..... David Hubbard...... Flint River........................ 10/77

Bass, Smallmouth.. 7 lbs. 2 oz..... Jack Hall................ Lake Chatuge.................. 3/73

Bass, Spotted........ 8 lbs. 2 oz..... Wayne Holland...... Lake Burton..................... 2/05

Bass, Striped......... 63 lbs............ Kelly Ward............. Oconee River.................. 5/67

Bass, Suwanee..... 3 lbs. 9 oz..... Laverne Norton..... Ochlocknee River............ 10/84

Bass, White........... 5 lbs. 1 oz..... J.M. Hobbins......... Lake Lanier..................... 6/71

Bowfin................... 16 lbs............ Charles Conley...... Stephen Foster State Pk..5/76

Bullhead, Brown.... 5 lbs. 8 oz..... James Andrews..... O.F. Veal Pond............... 5/78

Bullhead, Yellow.... 4 lbs. 15 oz. Glenn Settles..... Ogeechee River......... 10/03

Carp, Common...... 35 lbs. 12 oz. Donald Clark......... Lake Jackson.................. 1972

Catfish, Blue.......... 62 lbs............ Ralph Barbee Jr... . Clarks Hill Reservoir........ 9/79

Catfish, Channel.... 44 lbs. 12 oz. Bobby Smithwick... Altamaha River................ 5/72

Catfish, Flathead... 67 lbs. 8 oz... Gene Middleton..... Altamaha River................ 5/00

Catfish, White........ 8 lbs. 10 oz... James Sanders..... Savannah River............... 6/96

Crappie, Black (tie)..4 lbs. 4 oz..... Shirley Lavender... Acree's Lake................... 6/71

Crappie, Black (tie)..4 lbs. 4 oz..... Steve Cheek.......... Lake Spivey..................... 3/75

Crappie, White...... 5 lbs.............. Theresa Kemp....... Bibb Co. pond................. 4/84

Gar, Longnose....... 28 lbs. 6 oz... Richard Johnson... Flint River........................ 1/95

Muskellunge.......... 38 lbs............ Rube Golden......... Blue Ridge Lake.............. 6/57

Perch, Yellow......... 2 lbs. 8 oz..... Charles Poole........ Lake Burton..................... 2/80

Pickerel, Chain...... 9 lbs. 6 oz..... Baxley McQuaig Jr..H. omerville....................... 2/61

Pickerel, Redfin..... 2 lbs. 10 oz... Gene Brantley....... Lewis' Pond..................... 7/82

Pike, Northern....... 18 lbs. 2 oz... Keith Gragg........... Lake Rabun..................... 6/82

Sauger................... 4 lbs. 3 oz..... Stuart Bowers........ Clarks Hill Reservoir........ 4/86

Shad, American..... 8 lbs. 3 oz..... Henry Baxley......... Savannah River............... 4/86

Shad, Hickory........ 1 lb. 15 oz..... Mark Bowers......... Ogeechee River.............. 4/95

Sunfish, Bluegill..... 3 lbs. 5 oz..... P.F. Gumm............. Shamrock Lake............... 7/77

Sunfish, Flier......... 1 lb. 4 oz....... Curt Brooks........... Lowndes Co. pond.......... 2/96

Sunfish, Green...... 1 lb. 4 oz....... James Beals.......... Private pond.................... 4/04

Sunfish, Redbreast..1 lb. 11 oz..... Emory Walden....... Coweta Co. pond............ 4/98

Sunfish, Redear.... 4 lbs. 2 oz..... Pat Lawrence........ Richmond Co. pond........ 6/95

Sunfish, Warmouth..2 lbs.............. Carlton Robbins.... Private pond.................... 5/74

Sunfish, Spotted... 10 oz............ Mike Markovcic..... Brier Creek.......................9/03

Trout, Brook.......... 5 lbs. 10 oz... Russell Braden........ Waters Creek.................... 3/86

Trout, Brown.......... 18 lbs. 6 oz. Charles Ford......... Chattahoochee River....... 11/01

Trout, Rainbow...... 17 lbs. 8 oz. Mark Cochran........ Soque River.................... 5/04

Walleye................. 11 lbs. 6 oz... Neal Watson............Richard B. Russell Lk...... 9/95

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Boating

Boat Registration
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 Dept. of Natural Resources, License & Boat Registration Unit, 2189 Northlake Parkway, Building 10, Suite 108, Tucker, Georgia 30084. You may also register your boat online at www.goboatgeorgia.com.
For more information, call the Boat Registration Unit at 770-414-3337.
Georgia honors all other states' registrations, provided the boat is not used in excess of 60 consecutive days in Georgia.
Personal Flotation Devices 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 all vessels except Class A vessels (which includes personal-watercraft, canoes and kayaks). 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".

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 fulltime 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 unlawful to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To learn requirements for operating your boat obtain the Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws from any WRD Law Enforcement Office.
To learn about a boating safety course, contact the Boating Safety Coordinator at 770-784-3068 or any WRD Law Enforcement Office (see page 3 for contact information).
See www.goboatgeorgia.com for complete boating regulations.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources
Division proudly honors the 2005 Forestry for
Wildlife Partners for their outstanding
accomplishments in incorporating fish and wildlife conservation practices as an integral
part of their overall land management goals.

Outboard Motor Restrictions No motor in excess of 9.9 hp may
be operated on the Ogeechee River upstream of State Hwy 119.
No motor in excess of 25 hp may be operated on Lake Juliette or Lake Tugalo.
Georgia State Park lakes often have boat & motor restrictions. Check with the Park Office at each park for details.

The Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources receives Federal Aid in Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration funds. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, & 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 disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information please write:
Office for Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 300 Arlington, VA 22203.

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Agreements with Bordering States

Agreements with bordering states allow holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obtaining a fishing license from the bordering state. NOTE: 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

The banks and waters of only reservoir. The waters covered by

that portion of the Chattahoochee this agreement do not include other

River forming the boundary streams or tributaries which flow

between Georgia and Alabama into the Chattahoochee River or its

and Lakes Bartletts Ferry (Harding), impoundments or the portion of Lake

George W. Andrews, Goat Rock, Seminole covered by the agreement

Oliver, Seminole, Walter F. with Florida or Lake Weiss.

George (Eufaula) and West Point; Creel and Possession Limits:

however, this agreement does not include that portion of West Point



All creel and possession limits on waters covered by this agreement

Reservoir lying upstream (north) are the same as Georgia's statewide

of Georgia Hwy. 109 bridge on the limits.

Minimum Length Limits:
Largemouth bass:
Lake West Point - 14 inches Lake Walter F. George - 14 inches
All other fishing laws and regulations of the State of Georgia apply in Georgia waters covered by this agreement.
Licenses:
All persons meeting the sport fishing requirements of Georgia or Alabama may fish from the banks and in the waters covered without having to obtain any other license.

AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH CAROLINA

This agreement does not apply to commercial fishing or saltwater sport fishing.
A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required when fishing from a boat on the SC side of the Savannah River downstream of where the CSX Railroad trestle crosses the Back River.
Any person using baskets, jugs, minnow seines, or trot lines in the waters covered must comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the state in which the baskets, jugs, minnow seines, or trot lines are fished, regardless of their residence.
No person may carry to either state
or possess in such state more fish than the laws of that state or those of this agreement permit, even though the fish were caught in the waters of the other state.
No person may have a rifle in their
possession or in a boat on South Carolina waters.
Waters Covered:
On the banks and in the waters of all channels of the Savannah River from its mouth to the junction of the Tugaloo (Toogaloo) and Seneca Rivers; the Tugaloo River from its mouth to the junction of the Tugaloo and Chattooga Rivers; and

the Chattooga River to the North Carolina state line (35th parallel of North latitude at Ellicott's Rock). This agreement also applies to all the waters and banks of Clarks Hill Reservoir (Strom Thurmond), Richard B. Russell Reservoir, Hartwell Reservoir, Yonah Lake, Tugaloo (Toogaloo) Lake, the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (see NOTE), and Stevens Creek Lake (except that portion on the Stevens Creek arm upstream of South Carolina Hwy 53). The agreement does not apply to any flowing portions of tributary streams to these impoundments nor to tributary streams of the Savannah, Tugaloo and Chattooga Rivers.
Licenses:
All persons meeting the freshwater license requirements of Georgia or South Carolina may fish from the banks and in the waters covered without having to obtain any other license.
Length Limits:
Largemouth bass caught in the Georgia portion of the waters covered by this agreement that are shorter than 12 inches in length must

be released immediately.
All other laws and regulations of Georgia apply in the Georgia portion of waters covered by this agreement.
NOTE: Effective Oct. 1, 2005 there is now a length limit for striped bass, white bass and hybrid white-striped bass taken from some of the waters covered by this agreement.
Creel and Possession Limits:
Limits for taking fish from the waters covered by this agreement are:
Largemouth bass, Spotted bass, and/or Redeye (Coosa) bass........10
Trout................................................ 8
Bream (all species).......................30
Walleye. .......................................... 8
Sauger............................................. 8
Crappie (Black and/or White)........30
White bass.................................. 30*
Striped bass and/or
Hybrid white-striped bass............ 10*
*Except: Limit taken from the Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of J. Strom Thurman Dam is a (2) two fish limit, both of which must be 27 inches in length or longer. This applies to striped bass, white bass, and hybrid white-striped bass.
It is unlawful to possess a total of more than forty (40) of all species listed above.

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

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AGREEMENT WITH FLORIDA

Waters covered:

Seminole.

The waters and the banks of the Licenses:

St. Marys River, not including its Any person who has a valid fishing

tributaries.

license and properly issued permits

The waters and banks of Lake Seminole, bounded on the west by

or licenses, or both, required by Georgia or Florida in their possession may sport fish for freshwater fish in

Florida State Road No. 271; on the the waters covered.

south by the Jim Woodruff Dam; on A Florida saltwater fishing license

the east by the line immediately east is required to fish for or to possess

of the Chattahoochee Marina (also saltwater fish on the Florida side of

Definitions
Artificial lure - any lure which is made completely of natural or colored 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.

known as the Booster Club) running the St. Marys River.

northwest across the reservoir to the The Georgia Honorary Disability tip of land at the junction of the Flint License is not recognized by Florida and Chattahoochee Rivers, west of under this agreement.

Spring Creek; and on the north by Georgia Senior Citizens:

the Herman Talmadge Bridge across Georgia Senior (65+) Lifetime

the Chattahoochee River.

License holders may fish in the fresh waters in Florida without charge.

Creel and Possession Limits:

A Florida saltwater fishing license

The limit for striped bass, white bass, is required to fish for or to possess

and hybrid white-striped bass on the saltwater fish on the Florida side of

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 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.

St. Mary's River is two fish which the St. Marys River.

Game fish - fish that are listed under

must be 22 inches or longer.

Florida Senior Citizens:

Daily Limits. (page 6)

For all other species in the waters Florida residents more than 65

covered, Georgia's statewide creel years of age (proof of age required)

and possession limits (page 6) apply.
All other fishing regulations of the State of Georgia apply on the Georgia side of the St. Mary's River and the

may fish in fresh waters in Georgia without charge, except a nonresident trout license is required to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess mountain trout. A nonresident WMA license is also

Georgia portion of Lake Seminole. required in Waters Creek.

Florida laws and regulations apply A nonresident fishing license is

on the Florida side of the St. Mary's required to fish, castnet, seine, crab,

River and the Florida portion of Lake gig, sport bait trawl, or harvest shell

fish in saltwater in Georgia.

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

AGREEMENT WITH NORTH CAROLINA

Section for the primary purpose of

Waters covered: Lake Chatuge and all tributary
branches lying in Georgia or North Carolina which are accessible by boat from the main body of the reservoir.
Licenses:
Holders of a valid Georgia or North

All other laws and regulations of Georgia apply to the Georgia portion of Lake Chatuge. All other laws and regulations of North Carolina apply to the North Carolina portion of Lake Chatuge

fishing and are open to the public. These are listed on pages 14-15.
Resident - any citizen of the United States who has maintained a legal residence in Georgia for a period of at least three months prior to purchasing a fishing license.

Carolina fishing license may fish with hook and line in Lake Chatuge only from boats. Boats may not be anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting to the shore.
Senior citizen and youth license exemptions authorized by either

TAGGED FISH
The Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) periodically tags fish for research purposes. Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to return the tag to DNR. In past years, some individuals have placed their own personal tags on fish which were then released. This activity has 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

state are honored by both states on fish. For these reasons, DNR urges anglers not to tag fish in public waters

Lake Chatuge.

unless they are cooperating in a recognized scientific tagging program. Visit www.gofishgeorgia.com for more information about DNR-sponsored

tagging studies.

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

FRESHWATER FISH

LARGEMOUTH BASS

WHITE BASS (seldom exceeds 3 pounds)

upper jaw extends beyond eye

spiny & soft dorsal fin separate or nearly so

tongue with one tooth patch

stripes often faint

tongue normally smooth, tooth patch rare

SMALLMOUTH BASS usually has vertical

upper jaw extends to

stripes along body

about middle of eye

2nd anal spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd anal spine

HYBRID WHITE STRIPED BASS

back arched body deep

stripes distinct & usually broken

3 short spines on anal fin

SPOTTED BASS
upper jaw not past rear of eye

spiny & soft dorsal fin clearly connected

tongue with two tooth patches

2nd anal spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd anal spine

STRIPED BASS
body slender

stripes distinct occasionally broken

tooth patch on tongue
SHOAL BASS - found in
Chattahoochee, Flint, and Ocmulgee Rivers vertical bars on fish of all sizes

tongue with two tooth patches

2nd anal spine 1/2 or less the length of 3rd anal spine

FLATHEAD CATFISH

head wide & flat

body dark in color

no tooth patch on tongue

light golden color

CHAIN PICKEREL (JACKFISH)
elongated body with chain-like markings

large mouth; lower jaw extends past upper jaw

tail not forked

WALLEYE
no spots on dorsal fin
eyes with milky cornea

dark area at base of dorsal fin

sharp needle like teeth
2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

sharp teeth

white spot at bottom of tail

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Page 19

BLACK CRAPPIE
7-8 dorsal spines

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

body color pattern irregular arranged spots
BLUEGILL

red stripe along side on silvery body

black spot on soft dorsal fin

BROWN TROUT

black & red-orange spots inside light circles on brown body

vertical bars on body
REDEAR SUNFISH (SHELLCRACKER)
red edge on operculum ear flap

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

REDBREAST SUNFISH
long, dark ear flap

spotted body white leading edge on lower fins (pectoral, pelvic & anal)

GIZZARD SHAD
mouth below end of snout

elongated dorsal fin ray

blue lines on head
ear flap (operculum) not wider than eye
BLUEBACK HERRING
small dorsal fin pointed snout

blunt snout

deep body

THREADFIN SHAD elongated dorsal fin ray

mouth at end of snout

lower jaw sloped upward

body not as deep as gizzard shad

Page 20 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

pointed snout

yellow tail fin

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Black Drum (young) SALTWATER FISH

Notch

large flat incisor teeth

Sheepshead

Barbels 2 Spines
Loses vertical bars with age
Weakfish (Summer Trout)
no spots on fins

no barbels

3 spines keeps vertical bars
throughout life
Spotted Seatrout
spots on fins

lacks black patch

indistinct dark freckles on upper body
King Mackerel

black patch

distinct dark spots on upper body
Spanish Mackerel

up to 60 lbs.

dull gold spots in small fish

lateral line drops sharply

Atlantic Sharpnose
scattered white spots on body

averages 2-4 lbs.

bright gold spots

gradually sloping lateral line

Spiny Dogfish

spine

spine

white on rear edge

second dorsal fin begins above middle of anal fin

white spots

no anal fin

well developed folds underside of head

can reach lengths up to 48" TL.

Bonnethead Shark
shovel or bonnetshaped head

can reach lengths up to 48" TL.

offshore in winter

Sand Tiger Shark

pointed snout

similar in size

can reach lengths up to 48" TL.

evenly rounded edge with no indentations
underside of head

young often with yellow-brown spots

sharp, pointed irregular teeth

underside of head

up to 10' TL.

Fish identification pictures credits: Duane Raver and Joseph Tomelleri

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

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Page 21

Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters

The Health Benefits

"One meal per week" means that eating a

of Eating Fish
Sport fish caught in Georgia are generally
good quality and safe 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
source of protein in the diet.
What are the Guidelines? Georgia DNR samples fish from water bodies each year to test for contaminants such as PCBs, chlordane, and mercury. Many of the fish tested have few or no contaminants and are safe to eat. Waters where fish have been tested and found to be clean are listed at the bottom of this page. Fish from waters listed in the tables had some level of contaminants so you should restrict the amount of fish you eat from these waters. Recommendations are made to limit how often you eat a meal of fish to either once per week or month. A meal of fish is about 4 to 8 ounces. These guidelines are based on eating fish from a listed area for at least 30 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.

4- to 8-ounce serving no more than once per week should cause no significant health risks.
Special Notice for Pregnant Women, Nursing
Mothers, and Children If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, or plan to become pregnant soon, you and children under 6 years of age are sensitive to the effects of some contaminants. Women and children in these categories may wish to eat fish less often than recommended in the tables.
How to Reduce Your Health Risk Eat smaller fish and vary the kind of fish you eat. Contaminants build up in top predators (bass), bottom feeders (catfish), and older (larger) fish to a greater extent than panfish, such as bream and crappie. Clean and Cook Fish Properly. Some chemicals have a tendency to concentrate in the fatty tissues of fish. By removing the fish's skin and trimming the fat, you can substantially reduce contaminants.

Cook fish so fat drips away. Broil, bake, or grill fish and do not use the drippings. Deepfat 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 rivers in Georgia. Please note: Lakes and rivers listed at the bottom of this page 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 following tables (on pages 23 -25, 27), it is safe to eat the amount listed for a given species from that body of water. Water bodies are listed alphabetically.
More details on fish contaminant testing are available in the publication "Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters" available at:
www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ/
Call for a copy or more information:

"These guidelines are non-binding recommendations EPD determines based on Environmental Protection Division

the body of water a fish comes from, the species of fish and the amount of fish a

404-656-4713

person consumes. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide detailed information in an understandable format for people who eat fish. Waters listed in the fish

Coastal Resources Division 912-264-7218

consumption guidelines are not necessarily assessed as impaired using USEPA guidelines for Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act."

Wildlife Resources Division 770-918-6418

Fish tested from the following water bodies have no restrictions recommended: LAKES: City of Adairsville pond, Allen Creek WMA Ponds A & B, Brasstown Valley Kid Fish Pond, Bowles C. Ford Lake (Savannah), Carters, Clayton
Co. Water Auth. lakes, Dodge Co. PFA, Fort Yargo State Park, Hard Labor Cr. State Park (Rutledge), High Falls Lake,
Juliette, Mayer, McDuffie PFA (East), Nancy Town Lake, Lake Oconee, Olmstead, Paradise PFA (Patrick & Horseshoe
4), Payton Park Pond (Valdosta), Seed, Shepherd (CEWC), Sinclair, Varner, and Walter F. George.
RIVERS AND CREEKS: 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.), Chickasawhatchee Creek, Coleman River,
Conasauga River in Cohutta Forest, Dukes Creek, Flint River (Dougherty, Baker & Mitchell Cos.), Daniels Creek
(Cloudland Canyon State Park), East/South Chickamauga Creek, Goldmine Branch, Jacks River, Jones Creek, Little
Dry Creek (Floyd Co.), Little Tallapoosa River, Little Tennessee River, Mill Creek (Whitfield Co.), Moccasin Creek (Lake
Burton Trout Hatchery), Mud Creek (Cobb Co.), Nickajack Creek, Noonday Creek (Cobb Co.), Ocmulgee River (Butts,
Monroe, Houston & Pulaski Cos.), Oconee River (below Barnett Shoals to Lake Oconee, Laurens Co. & Milledgeville
to Dublin), North & Middle Oconee Rivers, Ogeechee River (Ft. McAllister), Olley Creek, Ponder Branch (Walker Co.),
Proctor Creek (Cobb Co.), Slab Camp Creek (Oconee Co.), South River (Hwy. 36, Butts Co.), Spirit Creek, Stamp
Creek (Pine Log WMA), Stekoa Creek, Yahoola Creek, Yellow River, Sewell Mill Creek (Cobb Co), Tallulah River,
Upatoi Creek, Tributary to Cedar Creek (Hart County WMA), Headwaters of Chestatee River (Turner's Corner), and
Hayner's Creek (Savannah).
Fish from the following areas have special advisories - SPECIAL STRIPED BASS (notes refer to tables on pgs 24-25): Note A - This striped bass population migrates annually between West Point Lake and Morgan Falls Dam. DNR recommends the general public restrict consumption to one meal per month. Note B - This population migrates annually between Weiss Lake & the Coosa River system. DNR recommends the general public restrict consumption of fish less than 20 in. to one meal per month, and
to not eat any striped bass 20 in. or greater in length. Note C - For a section of the Savannah River, DNR recommends the general public restrict consumption of legal size striped bass 27 in. and larger to one meal per month. Women who are pregnant or nursing
and young children may wish to further restrict their consumption due to the variable mercury levels in these striped bass.

Page 22 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Guidelines for Limiting the Fish You Eat from Lakes

LAKES

NO RESTRICTIONS

1 MEAL PER WEEK

1 MEAL PER MONTH

Albany By-Pass Pond

Redear

LMB, Catfish

Carp

Acworth

Bluegill, LMB < 16"

LMB > 16"

Allatoona

Carp, Crappie, SPB < 16", LMB 12-16", CCF, White bass < 12", G. redhorse

SPB > 16", LMB > 16", HB >16"

Andrews

CCF

LMB > 12"

Banks Bartlett's Ferry Bear Cr. Reservoir Bennett CEWC PFA

Bluegill Blk crappie <12", LMB <16", SPB <12"
Sunfish

HB & Striped bass & LMB > 16", CCF, Blk crappie & SPB >12"
LMB < 12", CCF >12"
LMB > 12"

LMB > 12"

Black Shoals (Randy Poynter) Blackshear Big Lazer PFA

CCF < 12", Redear CCF < 12"
LMB 12-16", CCF

LMB 12-16", CCF >12", Blk crappie CCF > 12", LMB > 12" LMB > 16"

Blue Ridge Burton Pond N. Bush Field, Augusta

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

White bass & LMB 12-16", CCF > 16" LMB > 16", SPB 12-16" LMB 12-16"

Chatuge Clarks Hill Evans County PFA Goat Rock

LMB >12", CCF >12" CCF, Blk crappie, Redear, White perch, Striped
bass, Spotted sucker, HB, LMB <16" CCF, LMB 12-16"
Blk crappie, LMB 12-16", Spotted sucker, Bluegill

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

CCF & LMB > 16", HB >12", White bass

Hartwell (Tugaloo Arm)
Hartwell - main body of lake Hugh M. Gillis PFA

Blk crappie, Hybrid/Striped bass < 12", CCF < 16"

LMB < 16", Carp > 16"

DO NOT EAT Hybrid and Striped bass > 16 inches in length

DO NOT EAT Hybrid and Striped bass (S C Dept. Health and Environmental Control 1-888-849-7241)

CCF, Bluegill

LMB 12-16"

HB/Striped bass 12-16"CCF & LMB > 16"
LMB, CCF

Jackson Ken Gardens Lanier L. Ocmulgee St. Pk.

Blk crappie, Redear sunfish, Catfish < 16"

Catfish > 16", LMB

CCF < 16", Brown bullhead, Bluegill

LMB > 12"

CCF & Striped bass < 16", Bluegill, Blk crappie, White catfish

Striped bass, Carp & CCF > 16", LMB, SPB

Brown bullhead 12-16"

LMB > 16"

McDuffie PFA, West Nottely Oliver

CCF CCF, Blk crappie Hybrid bass < 12", CCF < 16", Redear, Bluegill

LMB LMB > 12", Striped bass > 16"
LMB > 12"

CCF > 16"

Rabun Reed Bingham S.P. Richard B. Russell

LMB 12-16", Bluegill, White catfish < 16" Crappie, Bluegill, White perch, Catfish

White catfish & LMB > 16" LMB > 12"

LMB > 12", Catfish > 16"

Seminole So. Slappy Blvd. Off-ramp (Albany)

CCF, Spotted sucker, Blk crappie, Redear Bluegill

LMB > 12" LMB 12-16"

LMB > 16"

Stone Mountain Tobesofkee Tugalo

Catfish CCF, LMB 12-16" White catfish 12-16", Bluegill

LMB > 16" LMB > 16"

LMB > 12"

Tribble Mill Park Pond (Gwinnett Co.) West Point Worth (Chehaw Reservoir)

Blk Crappie, Bluegill, LMB < 12" LMB, Carp, SPB, Crappie, CCF & HB < 16"
Redear sunfish, Spotted sucker

LMB 12-16" CCF & HB > 16" LMB 12-16", CCF > 16"

Striped bass

Worth (Flint Reservoir)

CCF > 12"

LMB > 12"

Yonah

Bluegill

LMB 12-16", catfish 12-16"

Abbreviations used in table: < means "less than", > means "more than", Blk = Black, CCF = Channel catfish, HB = Hybrid bass, LMB = Largemouth bass, SPB = Spotted bass

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 23

Guidelines for Limiting the Fish You Eat from Rivers and Creeks

RIVERS / CREEKS

NO RESTRICTIONS

1 MEAL PER WEEK

1 MEAL PER MONTH

Alapaha Riv. Alapahoochee Riv. Allatoona Crk., Cobb Co. Altamaha Riv. Apalachee Riv. Beaver Crk. (Taylor Co.) Brier Crk. (Burke Co.) Canoochee Riv. Casey Canal Chattooga Riv. (NE Ga., Rabun Co.)

Redbreast sunfish Bluegill (US 1), CCF (below US 25)
CCF
LMB, Bluegill

Spotted sucker Bullhead
SPB, Alabama Hog Sucker Flathead catfish, LMB, CCF
LMB
Spotted sucker
Striped mullet Northern Hog Sucker, Silver Redhorse

LMB, Bullhead
Yellow bullhead LMB
LMB, Catfish, Redbreast

Chattahoochee Riv. (Helen to Lk. Lanier)

CCF

Redeye bass, Bullhead, Redhorse

LMB

"

(Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam)

Carp,Brown&Rainbowtrout, Yelowperch

LMB

"

(Morgan Falls Dam to Peachtree Crk.)

Brown & Rainbow trout, LMB, Bluegill

Jumprock sucker

Carp

"

(Peachtree Crk. to Pea Crk.)

CCF, White sucker

Bluegill, Black bass species

Carp

"

(Pea Crk. to West Point Lk., below Franklin)

CCF

LMB, SPB

" Special Striped Bass (Morgan Falls Dam - West Pt. Lk.)

see "Note A on page 22"

"

(Oliver Dam to Upatoi Crk.)

Bullhead catfish

LMB

"

(West Point dam to I-85)

LMB, Bullheads

SPB

Chickamauga Crk. (West)

Redbreast sunfish

SPB

Cohulla Crk. (Whitfield Co.)

Blacktail redhorse

Conasauga Riv. (below Stateline)

SPB

White bass, Buffalo

Coosa Riv. (Rome to Hwy 100, Floyd Co.)

SPB DO NOT EAT SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

Coosa Riv. (Hwy 100 to State line, Floyd Co.)

SPB

LMB

Coosa Riv. System Special Striped Bass (Coosa, Etowah below Thompson-Weinman dam, Oostanaula) see "Note B on page 22"

Etowah Riv. (Dawson Co.)

Blacktail Redhorse

Etowah Riv. (above Lake Allatoona)

Golden redhorse

SPB

Etowah Riv. (below Lake Allatoona dam)

CCF, Bluegill, Striped bass (above Thompson Weinman dam)

SPB, LMB

Flint Riv. (Spalding/Fayette Cos.)

Spotted sucker

LMB

Flint Riv. (Meriwether/Upson/Pike Cos.)

CCF, Flathead catfish

Shoal bass

Flint Riv. (Taylor co.)

CCF, Shoal bass

LMB

Flint Riv. (Macow/Dooly/Worth/Lee Cos.)

CCF

LMB

Gum Crk. (Crisp Co.)

Carp

LMB

Holly Crk. (Murray Co.)

Blacktail redhorse

Ichawaynochaway Crk.

Spotted Sucker

LMB

Kinchafoonee Crk. (above Albany)

LMB, Spotted sucker

Little Riv. (above Clarks Hill Lake)

Spotted sucker, Silver Redhorse

LMB

Little Riv., (above Ga. Hwy 133, Valdosta)

Spotted sucker

LMB

Mill Crk. (Murray Co.)

Golden redhorse

Muckalee Crk. (above Albany)

LMB, Spotted sucker

Ochlockonee Riv. (near Thomasville)

Redbreast sunfish

Spotted sucker, White catfish

Ocmulgee Riv. (below Macon, Bibb Co.)

CCF

LMB

Ocmulgee Riv. (Telfair/Wheeler Cos.)

CCF

Flathead catfish, LMB

Oconee Riv. (above Barnett Shoals)

Silver redhorse, LMB

LMB, Blue catfish CCF, Buffalo
Smallmouth buffalo
LMB Flathead catfish

Page 24 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

RIVERS / CREEKS (cont.)

NO RESTRICTIONS

Ogeechee Riv. (all to Ft. McAllister)

Ohoopee Riv. (Emanuel/Toombs Cos.)

Okefenokee Swamp (Billy's Lake)

Oostanaula Riv., Hwy. 156, Calhoun

Bluegill

Oostanaula Riv., Hwy 140, to Coosa Riv.

Bluegill

Patsiliga Crk. (Taylor Co.)

Pipemaker Canal

Satilla Riv. (Waycross, Ware/Pierce Cos.)

Satilla Riv. (near Folkston, Camden Co.)

Savannah Riv. (above & below New Sav. Bluff Lock & Dam) Redear, Redbreast, Striped mullet

"

(Chatham/Screven Cos.)

CCF, Redear sunfish

"

(Effingham Co.)

CCF

"

(Tidal Gate)

Red drum, Striped mullet

Savannah Riv. Special Striped Bass (New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam to Savannah Estuary)

Short Crk. (Warren Co.)

South Riv. (Panola Shoals, Rockdale Co.)

South Riv. (Henry Co., Snapping Shoals)

Silver redhorse, CCF

Spring Crk. (Seminole/Decatur/Miller Cos.)

St. Marys Riv. (Camden Co.)

Redbreast, Striped mullet

St. Marys Riv. (Charlton Co.)

Redbreast sunfish

Sugar Crk. (Murray Co.)

Sumac Crk. (Murray Co.)

Suwannee Riv.

Swamp Crk. (Redwine Cove Road)

Talking Rock Crk.

Tallapoosa Riv.

Bluegill

Trib. To Hudson Riv., Alto, Banks Co.

Brown bullhead

Withlacoochee Riv. (Berrien/Lowndes Cos.)

1 MEAL PER WEEK Redbreast, CCF, Spotted sucker, Snail bullhead
Spotted sucker, Redbreast Flier
Smallmouth buffalo LMB, CCF, SPB, Buffalo Suckers, Chain Pickerel
LMB Redbreast sunfish, CCF
Spotted sucker, LMB LMB, Bluegill
White catfish, Redbreast White catfish
see "Note C on page 22" Sunfish
Snail bullhead, Bluegill LMB
LMB, Spotted sucker, Redear
Golden redhorse Golden redhorse Bullhead, Chain pickerel
Redeye bass Redeye bass Blacktail Redhorse Redeye bass Redbreast sunfish

1 MEAL PER MONTH LMB LMB Bowfin Bass LMB
LMB, Redbreast LMB, Bowfin
LMB LMB LMB
LMB

COASTAL RIVERS & CREEKS

NO RESTRICTIONS

1 MEAL PER WEEK

1 MEAL PER MONTH

DO NOT EAT

Turtle Riv. System (Purvis, Gibson Crks.)

BDR, RDR, Flounder

Shrimp, Blue crab, SST, SKF, SHH, Spot STM, ACR, Bivalves*

Turtle & Buffalo Rivs. (upriver Hwy 303) Turtle Riv.(Hwy 303 - Channel Marker 9)

White Shrimp White Shrimp

RDR, Blue crab, Flounder, SST Red drum, Flounder

SKF, BDR, ACR, Spot, SHH Blue crab, ACR, BDR, SST, SKF, SHH

STM, Bivalves * Spot, STM, Bivalves *

Turtle Riv. (C. Marker 9 & So. Brunswick Riv. to Dubignons & Parsons Crks.)

White Shrimp, Flounder

Blue crab, BDR, RDR, SST, SHH

ACR, STM,SKF, Spot

Bivalves *

Terry Crk. South of Torras Causeway to Lanier Basin

Spot, STM, Shrimp, ACR, SST, SKF, Blue crab

Yellowtail (Silver perch)

Bivalves *

Terry & Dupree Crks. N. of Torras Causeway to Confluence w/ Back Riv.

Blue crab, Shrimp

STM, ACR, SST, SKF

Spot, Bivalves *

Back River 1 mi. above Terry Creek to Confluence with Torras Causeway

STM, Shrimp, ACR, SST, SKF, Blue crab

Spot

Bivalves *

Bk. Riv. S. of Torras Cswy. to St. Simons Sound Spot,STM,Shrimp,ACR,SST,SKF,Bluecrab

Bivalves *

Floyd Creek

Blue crab, SKF

Academy Creek

Blue crab

Altamaha Estuary

STM

Hayner's Creek (Savannah)

Blue crab

Savannah Estuary

STM

Striped bass >=27"

* Bivalves are all clams, mussels and oysters; Shellfish ban under National Shellfish Sanitation Program; Species codes used above are: SST = Spotted Seatrout; ACR = Atlantic Croaker; SKF = Southern Kingfish (whiting); STM = Striped Mullet; BDR = Black Drum; RDR = Red Drum; SHH = Sheepshead

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 25

Georgia Recreational Saltwater Fishing
Fishing Licenses: See page 5 for information on license requirements.
Licenses are 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.

Saltwater Fishing Information
Information and updates on licenses, regulations, and fishing in Georgia's inshore and offshore saltwaters may be obtained by contacting:
Georgia DNR Coastal Law Enforcement One Conservation Way, Suite 201 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 912-264-7237 or fax 912-262-3166
Coastal Resources Division Marine Fisheries Section One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 912-264-7218 or fax 912-262-2318 http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/
Federal Saltwater Fishing Regulations For information and updates on recreational fishing regulations in federal waters (3-200 miles offshore), contact:
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council One Southpark Circle, Suite 306, Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-4366 or 866-SAMFC-10 www.safmc.net
For information and updates on federal regulations and required permitting for tunas, billfish, and sharks, contact:
National Marine Fisheries Service HMS Management Division 1315 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 713-2347 www.nmfspermits.com 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 www.graysreef.nos.noaa.gov

Wanton Waste
Sort or cull your catch on the water. Return undersized or unwanted wildlife to the water alive. When you throw away wildlife, you are not only wasting valuable resources, but you are also breaking the law!
Offshore Artificial Reefs
Georgia has 22 artificial reefs located from 3-80 miles offshore. Most are designated as Special Management Zones (SMZ) by the Federal government. Within these zones, only handheld hook-and-line and spear-fishing gear may be used. For further information, coordinates, and updates on Georgia's offshore artificial reefs, contact the
Coastal Resources Division.
Boating Safety Zones
Boating safety zones have been established off Jekyll, Tybee, St. Simons, and Sea islands. These zones extend from the northernmost point to the southernmost point of each of these islands and from the highwater mark to a distance 1,000 feet seaward. From May 1 through September 30, power boats, jet skis, and other motorized craft are prohibited in these zones.
SALTWATER FINFISH Landing Requirements/
Transfer Prohibition All saltwater finfish (including sharks) under state or federal regulation must be landed with head and fins intact. Anglers must make catches available for inspection by government officials. Saltwater finfish subject to size and bag limits cannot be transferred to another person or vessel on the water. Commercial licenses are required to sell recreationally caught finfish.
Gear
A seine may not be used as a gill net (a net constructed of single webbing attached to a float line and lead line and fished in a stationary manner to ensnare or entangle fish in the meshes).Amodified castnet or castnet

with greater than 8 feet radius is allowed for taking fish for bait. Only flounder may be taken with a gig (any handheld shaft with single or multiple points, barbed or barbless). All seasons, hours, creel limits, minimum size limits, and other regulations applicable to saltwater finfish apply regardless of the gear used.
Related Definitions
Minimum Size: the specific size in length below which it is unlawful to take that finfish species. Open Season: that specified period of time during which one may take certain finfish species from any waters of the state. Daily Creel Limit: the lawful amount of a species of finfish that a person may take in one day. Possession Limit: the lawful amount of a species of finfish that a person can legally have at any one time.
Sea Turtles and Marine Mammals
It is unlawful to harm, harass, or disturb any sea turtle adult, hatchling, eggs, nest, carcass, or skeletal remains under both State and Federal law. It is also unlawful to offer for sale, sell, or possess any sea turtle, or sea turtle parts. If any accidental capture occurs, release immediately either by direct release or by cutting any hook and line as close to the turtle as possible. Report any dead or injured sea turtle to the Georgia DNR, Nongame Wildlife/Natural Heritage Section,
Endangered Wildlife Program 1-800-2-SAVE-ME.
It is unlawful for any person to display, feed, net, trap, harpoon, molest or otherwise interfere with the well-being or normal activity of marine mammals including bottlenose & spotted dolphin, manatee, and any species of whale. Report sightings of dead or injured marine mammals to 1-800-2-SAVE-ME.

Page 26 1-888-748-6887 for licenses

Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Note: Pending 2006 regulation and law changes will impact some of the species below. See note C at bottom of table.

Saltwater Finfish
Per Person Unless Specified

Species

Open Season

Daily Limit

Possession Limit

Minimum Size (in.)

Blue marlin

Catch and Release Only

White marlin

Catch and Release Only

Sailfish

Catch and Release Only

Tarpon*.......................... 3/16-11/30.................................. 1............................... 1....................................... 68 FL

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

(No Sale April 1 - April 30)

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

Dolphin.......................... All year..................................... 10a............................10a........................................20 FL

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

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

Sheepshead.................. All year...................................... 15............................. 15........................................10 FL

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

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

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

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

(No Sale March 1 - April 30)

Red drumc..................... All year....................................... 5............................... 5....................................... 14 TL

(spottail bass, redfish, or channel bass)

(None longer than 23 in.)

Black drum.................... All year...................................... 15............................. 15.................................... 10 TL

Weakfish....................... All year....................................... 6............................... 6..................................... 13 TL

Flounder........................ All year...................................... 15............................. 15.................................... 12 TL

Whiting.......................... All year.................... no possession limit....... no possession limit................. 10 TL

Spot............................... All year...................................... 25............................. 25.................................... 8 TL

Atlantic croaker............. All year...................................... 25............................. 25.................................... 8 TL

Tripletailc........................ All year....................................... 5............................... 5..................................... 18 TL

Red snapper.................. All year....................................... 2............................... 2..................................... 20 TL

Spotted seatrout............ All year...................................... 15............................. 15.................................... 13 TL

Striped bassb................. 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 Porgyc.................... All year....................................... 1............................... 1......................................14 TL

(No sale Jan. 1 - April 30)

* Gamefish or no sale status ** Consists of Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, & spiny dogfish

*** 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.

a Not to exceed 60 per boat, except for headboats which are allowed 10 dolphin per paying customer.

b See recent changes for Savannah River on page 6.

c At the time of printing, legislative and/or regulations changes were pending that may impact these species.

Contact CRD (912-264-7218) for the most up-to-date length and possession limit information. Changes will

also be posted online at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us.

King Mackerel Special Joint State Guidance Issued by Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida For South Atlantic Ocean

Size Range (Fork Length, Inches)

Recommendations for Meal Consumption of King Mackerel Caught Offshore Georgia Coast

24 To Less Than 33 Inches

No Restrictions

33 To 39 Inches

1 meal per month for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children age 12 and younger meal per week for other
adults

Over 39 Inches

Do Not Eat

REPORTING VIOLATIONS
To report violations, contact DNR Law Enforcement in Brunswick 912-264-7237 or call the Toll-Free 24-hour Hot Line 800-241-4113. To report violations in Federal waters contact U.S. Coast Guard stations in Brunswick 912-267-7999 and Tybee Island 912-786-5440, NOAA's toll-free, 24-hour Fisheries Enforcement hotline 800-853-1964, or DNR LE 800-241-4113.

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 27

Georgia's Saltwater Gamefish Records

Species

Weight

Angler

Location

Date

Amberjack................ 92lbs, 1oz................Ben Key, Jr........................ Artificial Reef J...............................6/75

Barracuda................. 54lbs, 8oz................Wayne Hall........................ East of R2 Tower...........................6/99

Black Sea Bass........ 5lbs, 11oz................J. C. Hadden, Jr................ Navy Tower R2............................. 4/94

Bluefish .................... 17lbs, 12oz..............Gary Altman...................... Artificial Reef G..............................4/80

Cobia........................ 88lbs, 12oz..............Jeff Clark........................... A Buoy...........................................5/85

Croaker .................... 5lbs, 12oz................David Flynt........................ Lanier Bridge.................................3/77

Dolphinfish................ 67lbs, 6oz................Michael Sheppard............. East of Navy Tower R8.................. 5/97

Drum, Black.............. 86lbs, 8oz................Timothy Belcher................ Cumberland Sound........................4/98

Drum, Red ............... 47lbs, 7oz................Richard Price.................... Artificial Reef KC ......................... 11/86

Flounder .................. 15lbs, 10oz..............Janice Youmans ............... Jekyll Pier.................................... 11/90

Grouper, Gag............ 38lbs .......................David Sapp....................... E of Navy Tower R2.......................7/02

Grouper, Goliath....... 124lbs......................James Chumley................ Savannah Snapper Banks............. 8/76

Grouper, Scamp....... 26lbs........................Wayne Hall........................ 50 mi E of Sapelo Sound............. 11/95

Grouper, Warsaw..... 252lbs......................Gene Whitehurst............... 62 mi off Savannah........................2/81

Jack, Crevalle........... 38lbs, 8oz................Lex Bazemore................... Off Little Tybee Is...........................8/01

Ladyfish.................... 5lbs..........................Marjorie Nighbert.............. Cumberland Island.........................8/78

Mackerel, King.......... 75lbs, 12oz .............Joe Bell............................. Grays Reef.....................................6/04

Mackerel, Spanish.... 8lbs, 4oz..................James Geiger.................... 5mi E of Buoy YS...........................5/91

Marlin, Blue.............. 491lbs, 8oz..............John Howard, Jr................ Gulfstream, off Brunswick.............. 6/85

Marlin, White............ 49lbs, 12oz..............Thomas Hester................. Gulfstream east of St. Catherines... 6/86

Mullet, Striped ......... 9lbs, 3oz..................Steve Middleton................ Darien River.................................12/94

Pompano, Florida .... 5lbs, 4oz..................Bill Knight.......................... 2 mi E of Sapelo Sound................. 8/02

Porgies..................... 15lbs, 14 oz.............Louis Jiran......................... Savannah Snapper Banks........... 10/84

Porgy, Red................ 5lbs, 6oz..................Jimmy Ginn....................... Triple Ledges.................................5/80

Runner, Rainbow...... 17lbs, 12oz..............Tyler Bond......................... Savannah Snapper Banks........... 10/84

Sailfish...................... 65lbs........................Vann Downs...................... NOAA Buoy....................................6/81

Scamp...................... 26lbs........................Wayne Hall........................ East of R2 Tower......................... 11/95

Spotted Seatrout...... 9lbs, 7oz..................Tommy Hall....................... Christmas Creek............................7/76

Shark, Black Tip....... 131lbs......................Albert Boyd....................... Wassaw Channel...........................5/78

Shark, Bull................ 455lbs......................Mark Noble........................ STS Buoy.......................................7/78

Shark, Dusky............ 272lbs, 8oz..............Bill Hunter......................... STS Buoy.....................................10/78

Shark, Hammerhead... 770lbs......................Charlie Marshall................ Little Cumberland...........................8/73

Shark, Lemon........... 375lbs......................Thomas Winslow............... St. Andrew Sound..........................7/74

Shark, Mako............. 228lbs, 8oz..............Harry Woolley................... Off Savannah.................................5/75

Shark, Nurse............ 244lbs .....................Bill Watson ....................... Sapelo Channel.............................8/81

Shark, Sandbar........ 158lbs, 8oz..............Chet Lee Kirby.................. Jekyll Pier......................................4/79

Shark, Sand Tiger..... 290lbs......................Billy Castle........................ Ossabaw Island.............................5/77

Shark, Thresher........ 116lbs......................Mark Noble........................ Artificial Reef C..............................3/76

Shark, Tiger.............. 794lbs......................Chuck Hall......................... STS Buoy.......................................9/75

Sheepshead............. 14lbs, 14oz..............Ralph V. White.................. Delegal Creek................................3/02

Snapper, Red........... 37lbs, 8oz................Bill Shearin, Jr................... Savannah Snapper Banks............. 9/88

Snook....................... 10lbs, 2oz................Lester Rooks..................... Kings Creek...................................3/90

Spadefish................. 13lbs, 2oz................Shahram Zare................... Artificial Reef KC............................7/04

Swordfish ................. 86lbs........................W.H. Lippitt ....................... Gulfstream, E. of Savannah........... 5/80

Tarpon...................... 161lbs......................Christopher Edwards........ Buttermilk Sound...........................7/95

Triggerfish................ 11lbs, 5oz................Elizabeth Zeagler.............. Savannah Snapper Banks........... 11/87

Tripletail................... 38lbs, 14oz.............Kyle Thigpen................... Hampton River.............................6/05

Tuna, Blackfin......... 38lbs, 10oz.............Teddy Elrod..................... South Ledges...............................5/05

Tuna, Yellowfin......... 249lbs, 2oz..............Ken Cooper....................... Gulfstream.....................................5/80

Tunny, Little.............. 20lbs........................Sister Mary Clarice............ East of St. Catherines....................7/73

Wahoo...................... 123lbs, 3oz .............Michael Stefanick.............. Triple Ledges.................................6/00

Weakfish................... 6lbs, 8oz..................Frank Taylor...................... Troupe Creek.................................3/76

Whiting..................... 2lbs, 12oz................Harold Guinn..................... Mackay River.................................2/75

Bold = New Record(s) For more information on Saltwater Records contact the Coastal Resources Division.

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division

Shrimp and Crabs

Baiting Shrimp It is unlawful to place, deposit, distribute, 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. Information on the specific net dimensions is available from 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 DNR. Charts of established "Bait Zones" are available at DNR offices in Brunswick and Demeries Creek (Richmond Hill). Unless otherwise designated, bait zones are open year-round for sport bait shrimping. Sport bait shrimping is legal only between the hours of 1/2 hour 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 1/2 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 more than four (4) quarts of shrimp on board the boat at any time, no more than one pint of which may be dead, and no more than eight (8) quarts of shrimp may be taken within a 24-hour period.
SEINES A Georgia Fishing license is required to use a seine for non-commercial purposes in the state's saltwaters. The shrimping season for seines is the same as that established for other food shrimping season. The Commissioner of DNR can open the food shrimping

season from May 15 through the end of February. During the 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 100 feet long and with a minimum stretch mesh of 11/4 inches may be used on sand beaches of any barrier island in Georgia. Seines from 100-300 feet long and with a minimum mesh size of 21/2 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 person taking shrimp solely by means of a seine, whether such 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-hour period. If any person or group of persons occupying the same boat are in possession of a castnet and a seine, such person or persons shall be subject to the limits imposed for shrimp taken by castnet.
CASTNETTING FOR FOOD SHRIMP A Georgia Fishing license is required to use castnets non-commercially to take shrimp for personal consumption. The season for castnetting for food shrimp is the same as that established for other commercial shrimping seasons. The Commissioner of DNR can open the season from May 15 through the end of February. During the open season, castnetting 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 maximum net size of eight feet in radius with a minimum 1/2 inch bar-mesh webbing and shall be constructed of uniform material from horn (thimble) to the lead line. All modifications, including duct tape, lawn chair webbing, and bubble

wrap are prohibited. The lead line must have a minimum of 3/4 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 castnetting for bait. Castnetting for bait may be conducted at any time of day in all of Georgia's saltwaters.
Castnet Construction Bait shrimp castnets must be constructed of a minimum of 3/8 inch mesh webbing with a radius not greater than 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. However, at no time shall there be both a bait shrimp castnet and a food shrimp castnet 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 a maximum of four quarts of bait shrimp per day. When two or more persons occupy the same boat, there may be no more than four quarts of bait on board the boat at any time, and the persons occupying the boat may take no more than eight quarts of bait shrimp per day. Bait shrimp taken with a castnet may be live or dead.
CRABS Contact Coastal Resources Division for current blue crab information. A Georgia Fishing license is required to harvest crabs for non-commercial purposes. Unless otherwise designated, saltwaters are open year-round for recreational crabbing. Recreationally caught crabs may not be sold.

2006-2007 Sport Fishing Regulations

www.gofishgeorgia.com

Page 29

Crabs (cont.)

Shellfish and Bait Minnows

Gear Traps- Up to six standard size crab traps (2X2 feet or smaller) may be used recreationally. Two unobstructed escapement rings (23/8 in. inside diameter) must be installed on an outside vertical wall. Each trap must be marked with a fluorescent or lime green float bearing the owner's name and address. Traps should be sufficiently weighted to prevent loss in strong tidal currents. It is unlawful to place or set crab traps in the channel of any stream with a lawfully established system of waterway markers. Disposal of crab traps in public waters is a violation of State and Federal laws. Other Gear - Subject to specific gear design criteria, sizes, time-of-day, and area restrictions outlined in these regulations, legal crabs may be taken recreationally year-round in seines and castnets.
Crab Catch Limits It is unlawful to take or possess any crab less than 5 inches from spike to spike across the back (other than a "peeler" or a "mature adult female" crab). Peelers must measure at least 3 inches from spike to spike across the back. No sponge crabs allowed. Other than licensed commercial crabbers, no person may take or possess more than one bushel of crabs during any 24-hour period. No more than two bushels may be taken recreationally or possessed during a 24-hour period on a boat with more than one person aboard.

SHELLFISH A Georgia Fishing license is required to take shellfish (oysters, clams) for non-commercial purposes. Saltwaters may be opened for taking oysters or clams between January 1 and December 31. Shellfish must be harvested between the hours of 1/2 hour before official sunrise and 1/2 hour after official sunset. Shellfish may only be taken with handheld implements. Recreationally harvested shellfish may not be sold.
Areas Updated charts of approved public picking areas for shellfish should be obtained from Coastal Resources Division's Ecological Services Section. It is illegal to recreationally harvest shellfish except in designated public picking areas, unless authorized in writing by a private property owner with legal harvest rights to an area. Private property owners wishing to harvest recreational quantities of shellfish or to issue permission to others must notify and provide DNR with specific information. It is unlawful to give permission to take shellfish from a closed area. Harvesters taking shellfish from private property must have on their person proof of ownership or permission.
Shellfish Limits Oysters must measure no less than three inches from hinge to mouth, unless the oyster cannot be removed from a legal-sized oyster without destroying it. For clams, the maximum depth from one shell half to the other must be at least one inch thick. Recreational quantity limits are up to two bushels of oysters and one bushel

of clams per person per day, with a maximum limit of six bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per boat per day.
Bait Minnows A Georgia Fishing license is required to harvest bait minnows for non-commercial purposes. Bait minnows may be harvested year-round. Recreationally harvested bait minnows may not be sold. Bait minnows may not be trapped in freshwater.
Gear No more than two traps may be used recreationally, except that a United States Coast Guard licensed captain may use a maximum of four traps. Maximum dimensions for rectangular traps may not exceed 24"x18"x9". Cylindrical traps may not exceed 24" in length and 30" in circumference. Recreational bait minnow traps shall have a mesh size of no smaller than 1/4" bar mesh. The throat opening of the funnel shall not exceed 3/4" in diameter. Each trap must have attached a tag or float bearing the name and address of the person using the trap. Subject to specific gear design criteria, sizes, time of day, and area restrictions outlined in these regulations, bait minnows may also be taken recreationally year-round in seines and castnets.
Possession Limits No individual recreationally harvesting bait minnows may possess more than two quarts of bait minnows at any given time. A United States Coast Guard licensed captain may possess not more than 10 quarts at any given time.

Swim Bladder

Deflating Your Fish

Everted Stomach

Underneath a Scale

credit: Florida Sea Grant, 1995

Distended Intestines

Deflated Stomach

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. 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 cavity. If released in this buoyant condition, the fish cannot descend and

may float away and die. Swim bladder over-expansion can cause everted 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 escape, 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. Insert the needle only as far as needed to allow the gas to escape. Squeeze gently to help push the gas out. 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.

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Wildlife Resources Division & Coastal Resources Division