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GEORGIA SPORT FISHING 2014 REGULATIONS

››Celebrate Georgia’s Free Fishing Days – Page 6 ››Happy Birthday Boater Bonus – Page 17

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SPORTFISHING GEORGIA COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE SPORT FISHING Support Wildlife — 2014 REGULATIONS New Tags Available! eorgia’s anglers once again have the opportunity Gto support wildlife by purchasing one of our new license plates. Your votes decided the top designs and these eye-catching tags are now available! Wildlife license plates have provided vital funding for the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife › Celebrate Georgia’s Resources Division since 1997. The trout tag supports Free Fishing Days – Page 6 › Happy Birthday Boater Bonus – Page 17 trout conservation and management programs. These BUY YOUR LICENSE efforts include trout management, stocking, and trout NOW! habitat restoration in streams throughout North Georgia. The quail plate supports the Bobwhite Quail Initiative which restores habitat for bobwhites which also benefits other game species such as rabbits, deer and turkeys as well as nongame species. About this Guide The eagle plate supports Georgia’s Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is responsible This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you for conserving the more than 1,000 plant and animal species of concern in Georgia—research by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and management that also helps game and fish species. through its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. Here is how we have put your tag dollars to work: • Trout management and stocking J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house • Trout habitat conservation that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife • Enhanced habitat for game and non-game wildlife regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the Georgia • Bald eagle recovery efforts Department of Natural Resources' staff in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They also It’s the support of anglers like you that help make this work possible. If you’re an avid manage the marketing and sales of advertising to outdoorsman, like me, then know that when you buy or renew a wildlife plate your investment appropriate businesses within the book. in our natural resources is a small way to give back to nature, and ensure it will be there for your enjoyment and for future generations. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly lowers production costs and Thank you for your support and I hope you will join me in purchasing one of these three generates savings. These savings translate into bumper billboards for wildlife conservation. additional funds for other important fisheries and habitat programs! Mark Williams Commissioner, Georgia Department of Natural Resources If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or For more information: online at www.JFGriffin.com www.georgiawildlife.com/conservation/support#License_Plate Designers: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, Evelyn Haddad, Erin Murphy, Chris Sobolowski

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Fully searchable Live hyperlinks to expanded content Show Your Support! Email pages Georgia residents who buy or renew a wildlife license plate for their One-click printing vehicle help support the conservation of many plant and animal species in the state. Tags are available at any county tag office, mail-in registration form and online registration. Learn more about the conservation programs these tags support at www.georgiawildlife.com/conservation/support

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STATEWIDE OR GENERAL OFFICES 1 4 Wildlife Resources Division State Headquarters 3 2070 US Highway 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025 Main Number...... 770-918-6400 6 Fisheries Management...... 770-918-6406 Law Enforcement...... 770-918-6408 1 Game Management...... 770-918-6404 Nongame Conservation...... 770-761-3035 Wildlife Resources Conservation Center 2065 US Highway 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025 Boating Registration...... 800-366-2661 5 License Unit...... 800-366-2661 Boating Education...... 770-761-3010 2 Coastal Resources Division Headquarters 9 One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520 Main Number...... 912-264-7218 7 Coastal Law Enforcement...... 912-264-7237 8 2 Report a Fish Kill...... 800-241-4113 Turn in Poachers (T.I.P) Statewide...... 800-241-4113 WRD FISHERIES REGIONAL OFFICES AND FACILITIES Thomson District Office District Office...... 706-595-1619 3 Northeast Office Law Enforcement Office...... 706-595-4211 2150 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501 Augusta Number...... 706-737-1480 Gainesville...... 770-535-5498 McDuffie PFA & Hatchery Law Enforcement (Gainesville)...... 770-535-5499 Go Fish Education Center...... 478-988-6701 Buford Trout Hatchery 1255 Perry Pkwy., Perry, GA 31069 Burton Hatchery 7 Southwest Office 4 Northwest Office 2024 Newton Road, Albany, GA 31701 312 North River St. NW, PO Box 519, Calhoun, GA 30703 Albany...... 229-430-4256 Calhoun...... 706-624-1161 Albany Law Enforcement...... 229-430-4252 Atlanta number...... 770-387-4821 Steve Cocke Hatchery Law Enforcement (Calhoun)...... 706-624-1367 Law Enforcement (Atlanta)...... 770-769-9680 Cordele Hatchery R ocky Mountain Recreation & Public Fishing Area 8 South Central Office 108 Darling Ave., PO Box 2089, Waycross, GA 31502 Summerville Hatchery Waycross...... 912-285-6094 5 West Central Office Metter Law Enforcement...... 912-685-2145 1014 MLK Blvd., Fort Valley, GA 31030 Ocmulgee PFA Fort Valley...... 478-825-6151 Macon Law Enforcement...... 478-751-6415 Hugh M. Gillis PFA C harlie Elliot Wildlife Center/ Dodge County PFA Marben PFA ...... 478-825-6151 or 770-784-3063 Paradise PFA Big Lazer Creek Public Fishing Area 9 Coastal Office West Point District Office 22814 Highway 144, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 Richmond Hill...... 912-727-2112 Flat Creek PFA Coastal Law Enforcement...... 912-264-7237 6 East Central Office Evans County PFA 2123 US Highway 278, SE Social Circle, GA 30025 Atlanta number...... 770-918-6418 Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery Walton Fish Hatchery >> See page 21 for a map of Public Fishing Areas.

4 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM

SPORTFISHING 2014 CHANGES National Freshwater Regulation Changes Hunting & Anglers please note the Fishing Regulation change for Lake Grace (Wayne Co.). See pages 14–15 for details. Fishing Day! Saltwater Regulation Changes Saturday • Anglers please note changes on Seasons, Sizes and Limits page 46. Sept. 27, 2014 • Year round fishing for amberjack, bluefish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and tarpon. • Atlantic croaker and spot minimum size removed. The U.S. Congress and • American eel minimum size increased to nine inches total length and a 25 eel limit imposed. President Nixon established Non-green float required on traps. National Hunting & Fishing • Hammerhead sharks minimum size increased to 78 inches fork length. (NHF) Day 38 years ago to recognize hunters and anglers for the time and money—more than $1 billion each year—they donate to wildlife conservation Discover Fishing on Georgia’s programs. Free Fishing Days! NHF Day events provide FREE opportunities for everyone June 7, 2014; June 14, 2014; to learn more about outdoor Sept. 27, 2014 skills and activities. • No fishing or trout license required To learn more, visit • All waters of the state www.gofishgeorgia.com • Must be a Georgia resident • Does not include fees at private lakes • No WMA license required to fish on a Public Fishing Area or Waters Creek trophy trout stream • All other Fishing Regulations apply

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SPORTFISHING 2014 DEFINITIONS Artificial Lure Public Fishing Area Any lure which is made completely of natural Designated areas owned and/or operated by Protected or colored wood, cork, feathers, hair, rubber, the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife metal, plastic, tinsel, styrofoam, sponge, string, Resources Division, Fisheries Section for the Species May Be or any combination of such materials, in imita- primary purpose of fishing and are open to the Encountered tion of or as a substitute for natural bait. This public. These are listed on pages 21–23. does not include any item sprayed with or While Fishing containing scented or chemical attractants. Resident Many rare and protected species Resident means any person who has been domi- live in or near water and may Daily Limit ciled within the state of Georgia for a period be encountered while fishing. The number of fish that may be taken, caught, of at least three (3) months (declared Georgia There are 57 fish, eight salaman- or killed during any one day. their state of legal residence as shown by a GA ders, one frog, 28 snails and/ driver’s license or GA ID with a Georgia address). or mussels, 20 crayfish and 13 Fishing Residents include full-time military personnel Catching, capturing, taking, or killing fish, on active duty who list Georgia as their home of turtles on Georgia's protected mussels and all seafood and includes all lesser record in their official military files or who are species list. It is unlawful acts such as attempting to catch, capture, or kill stationed at a military base located in Georgia to capture, kill, or harm any by any device or method and directly assisting and the dependents of such military personnel. protected species. However, any person in catching or attempting to catch Residents also include out-of-state college any crayfish can be used for fish or seafood. students living in Georgia. Students may use a fishing bait as long as they are current Georgia student ID as documentation. not collected from crayfish Game Fish burrows or exported from the Fish that are listed under Daily Limits state of Georgia. (see pages 15 and 46). Report Fish Kills If you accidentally capture a Immediate Family protected species while fishing Help protect our valuable fish All persons living in one household under release it unharmed immediately. one head of household and bearing a blood resources. Report fish kills as quickly as possible. For more information contact or dependent relationship to the head of DNR’s Nongame Conservation household. CALL TOLL FREE: Section at 770-918-6411 or visit Non-game Fish 1-800-241-4113 www.georgiawildlife.com. Any fish not designated as game fish under (24 hours a day, seven days a week) Daily Limits (see pages 15 and 46).

Help Stop the Spread of MAP TURTLE Aquatic Nuisance Species Aquatic turtle with prominent spiny keel on midline of shell. Found in large Don’t release live bait fish, or move live streams, rivers in northwest and south- fish, aquatic plants, or mussels! west portions of state. • 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 ALLIGATOR into our waters. SNAPPING TURTLE • Dispose of bait fish after fishing Huge aquatic turtle that may weigh so that they cannot enter a lake, river, or stream. more than 100 lbs. Occurs in large • Remove all plant fragments streams, rivers, reservoirs in the and mussels from your boat, southwest corner of the state. Jaws are motor, trailer, live well, and powerful—keep­ a safe distance! nets before leaving the launch site and clean your boat and Up to 29" in length, equipment thoroughly before 11–20" typical launching into new waters. • Learn more about Aquatic Nuisance Species at EASTERN HELLBENDER www.gofishgeorgia.com Large, harmless salamander found in clear, rocky mountain streams such as trout streams.

8 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM

FRESHWATER & SALTWATER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Buying Licenses and Trout License Requirements at allowing holders of Georgia fishing licenses to You can purchase Georgia fishing license: www.gofishgeorgia.com. fish in the waters covered without obtaining • In person at license dealers statewide • Residents 65 years of age or older may a fishing license from the bordering state. including most WRD/CRD regional offices; fish with the Senior (65+) Lifetime License. See Agreements with Bordering States state parks; marinas; major retailers; and This license can be obtained free online at on pages 18–19. sporting goods, bait and tackle, and hard- gofishgeorgia.com or from license dealers ware stores. A complete list of license agents by furnishing proof of age (driver’s lic., birth Mountain Trout Licenses can be found at gofishgeorgia.com. certificate, etc.) and residency (driver’s license). • All resident anglers ages 16 and older must • Online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Permanently and totally disabled: have a trout license and Georgia fishing at www.gofishgeorgia.com or Residents may obtain a Disability Honorary license to fish in designated trout waters www.wildlifelicense.com. Combination Hunting and Fishing License by and to fish for or to possess trout. A WMA or • By telephone at 800-366-2661, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. applying to the License Unit (800-366-2661). GORP License is required to fish for trout in M–F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. S–S. Proof of disability must accompany the appli- Dawson Forest (North of GA Hwy 53), & Rich Notes: Social Security Number is required cation. Proof of disability may come from the Mountain (Cartecay Tract). See page 25 for for the purchase of all licenses to meet U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Waters Creek special regulations. For a full requirements for Georgia Code 19-11-9.1(a.). Security Admin., Railroad Retirement System list of properties requiring a GORP please or other government agency. Applications are visit www.gofishgeorgia.com. Who Needs a online at www.gofishgeorgia.com. • Resident Senior (65+) Lifetime, Lifetime Fishing License • Any resident who is totally blind may Sportman’s, Sportman’s and honorary license Anglers age 16 and older must have a current apply for a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License holders include the trout fishing privilege. Georgia fishing license in their possession and must provide a Physician’s Certification • Landowners and their immediate families may while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. of Blindness with the application. fish on their premises without a trout license. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in • All nonresident anglers, 16 or older, regard- saltwater. A temporary authorization number NONRESIDENTS less of physical condition, must possess a obtained by telephone or internet sale may be • Nonresidents 16 or older, regardless of phys- nonresident fishing license and nonresident used for seven days until the paper copy is ical condition, must have a valid nonresident trout license to fish for or possess trout or to received or printed. Conservation Rangers may Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia fish in designated trout waters. require photo identification when checking freshwater and saltwater, except in private • State park visitors are not required to fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license ponds. See also Agreements for Bordering have a trout license to fish in the impounded is not required to fish in private ponds (does States on pages 18–19. waters of the Park. However, those visitors not include ponds owned by governments— • Nonresidents under 16 do not require a wishing to harvest trout will need to have a city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident fishing license or trout license. trout license in their possession. and their immediate family when fishing on • See Public Fishing Areas on pages 21–23. their land. See definition of immediate family Georgia Outdoor on page 8. Recreational Pass (GORP) RESIDENTS Any person, age 16–64, entering any designated fee area on state-managed WMAs and PFAs • Proof of residence, such as a Georgia driver's Combo must possess a valid GORP. Persons who license, is required to purchase a resident possess a valid 3-day hunting & fishing, fishing license. Licenses WMA, Lifetime, Sportsman's, or Honorary • For purposes of buying a fishing license, Convenient, new 2-year and license are exempt from this requirement. residents are persons domiciled in Georgia 3-day Hunting & Fishing Combo Designated fee areas are marked with the (declared Georgia only state of legal resi- Licenses save money. posting of a sign at the site or area entrance. dence) for a least three months and includes • 2-year Hunting & Fishing out-of-state college students living in Georgia. Combo License—$31 Students may use a current Georgia student Reciprocal Agreements (An annual combo license is $17.) I.D. as documentation. Residents also include for Bordering States • Resident 3-day Hunting & full-time, active duty military personnel who Georgia DNR has Agreements with Alabama, Fishing Combo License—$3.50 are stationed in Georgia or who list Georgia Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina (3-day combo includes fishing as their home of record, and their dependents. privileges on WMAs and PFAs.) • A free hunting and fishing license may be issued once for Georgia resident military veterans discharged from active duty on or after July 1, 2005 who were on ordered Early Renewal Federal duty for a period of 90 days or longer. Stacking Valid for 12 months from date of issue. More Discount details may be found under Freshwater An easy way to save! The Licenses majority of hunting and fishing Anglers can purchase multiple licenses offer sportsmen an early annual or multi-year licenses renewal option with a savings and “stack” them into one Multi-Year of $2.75 when a same privilege transaction which will save license is purchased before expi- money and eliminate multiple License ration of the old license. * service charges. Note: Not Offers anglers an opportunity * Enter your email address all licenses can be stacked, to fish longer and save money. when buying a license to if you have questions, visit 2-year Fishing License—$16 receive a renewal reminder. www.gofishgeorgia.com or (An annual fishing license is$9 ) Renew early and save $2.75! call 1-800-366-2661.

10 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM

FRESHWATER & SALTWATER 2014 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE FEES

Annual licenses are valid for one full year from date of purchase. A Lifetime of Fishing LICENSE TERM RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT and Hunting! Annual $9.00 $45.00 Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses are available Fishing license Two-year $16.00 n/a for anglers of all ages. The license satisfies all Annual $5.00 $20.00 paid state license requirements for the life of Trout license Two-year $10.00 n/a the purchaser. This license application is avail- Three-day $3.50 $10.00 able online at www.gofishgeorgia.com. An Annual $19.00 $73.00 application must be completed in order to Wildlife Management Area Two -year $38.00 n/a purchase this license. Annual $17.00 $100.00 • Under 2 years old: $200 Hunting & Fishing Combination Two-year $31.00 n/a • Ages 2–15: $350 Three-day* $3.50 $20.00 Annual $55.00 n/a • Ages 16–59: $500 Sportsman Two-year $105.00 n/a • Ages 60–64: $95 One-Day Saltwater Shore-Based Fishing One-day $5.00 $5.00 SIP Permit (requirement for fishing in salt water) Annual** FREE FREE • Ages 65 and older: $0* TRANSACTION FEES • Veterans: $400 Internet Transactions $2.50 • Shooting Preserve: $75 Telephone Transactions $5.00 Walk-In Transactions $3.00 • Under 16 years old non-resident grandchild of resident lifetime license holder: $1000 GEORGIA OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL PASS (GORP) (See pages 10, 21.) Annual $19.00 *  $10 for a durable, plastic card. Also available Individual Three-day $3.50 online. Annual $35.00 Small Group (less than 8 people) For a one-time price, you can enjoy a lifetime of Three-day $10.00 great Georgia fishing and hunting opportunities! GORP Plus (Includes fish/hunt license) Three-day $3.50 $20.00 * Residents and non-residents may purchase the 3-day Combination License, Apprentice 3-day TIP GIVE A LIFETIME LICENSE License or a GORP Plus License. The perfect gift for graduation, milestone ** Expires at the end of February each year. birthdays, and even the birth of a child! Visit >> Reprint for FREE! Go to www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.wildlifelicense.com and follow the links gofishgeorgia.com or call 800-366-2661 for to print out a replacement for any recreational license. information on purchasing a Lifetime License.

Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP) The Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP) is required to use on 32 designated properties owned by Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. This includes all Public Fishing Areas except for Rocky Mountain PFA. If you are ages 16 to 64, you must have a GORP or one of the following to access the PFA’s for non-fishing purposes: • 3-Day Fishing/Hunting License • Sportsmen’s License • Lifetime or Honorary License • Wildlife Management Area License Traditionally, these properties—Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas—have been supported financially by revenue from hunting and fishing licenses as well as federal funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. While WMAs and PFAs are managed primarily for wildlife habitat, uses such as hiking, horseback riding and other activities are also allowed. The GORP offers these users a way to contribute to the upkeep of the properties. • GORP 3-Day: $3.50, GORP Annual: $19 • GORP Plus Fishing 3-Day (residents only): $3.50, non-residents: $20.00 • Small Group 3-Day: $10, Small Group, Annual: $35 For a complete list of GORP User Fee Areas, visit georgiawildlife.com. Transaction fees apply. 12

FRESHWATER GENERAL REGULATIONS

Freshwater Game • Coosa River: The season for taking lake stur- SHOAL BASS Species Daily Limits geon from the Coosa River and its tributaries • Lake Lanier: 14 inches • It is unlawful to take in one day or to possess is CLOSED. See www.gofishgeorgia.com • Flint River and its tributaries: 12 inches at any one time, except at a residence or for more information on this closure and commercial storage facility, more than the how to identify this fish. SPOTTED BASS daily limit for each species. It is unlawful to • Noodling or Grabbling: The season is open • Lake Lanier: 14 inches possess more than a total of 50 individuals of March 1–July 15 statewide in freshwater. all the game fish listed in this section, except STRIPED BASS, WHITE BASS, & channel and flathead catfish. Length Limits HYBRID WHITE-STRIPED BASS • Once the daily limit for a particular species Note: There are no minimum length limits on You may only keep two fish of the total limit is taken, it is unlawful to continue to fish freshwater game fish unless they are listed that are 22 inches or longer, except: for that species. below. All lengths are Total Length (see “How • See agreement with South Carolina Exception: Daily limits differ on certain to Measure Fish,” page 52). You must release (page 18) waters shared by Georgia and South Carolina. all fish shorter than the minimum length indi- • The minimum length for all fish is 22 inches See Agreements with Bordering States cated for that species. on the North Newport River, Medway River (pages 18–19). including Mount Hope Creek, Little Ogeechee LARGEMOUTH BASS River, Ogeechee River; Oconee River down- Seasons 12 inches statewide except: stream of GA Hwy 22 in Milledgeville; There is no closed season for fishing in fresh- • Lake Blackshear: 14 inches Ocmulgee River downstream of GA Hwy water in Georgia except for the following: • Lake Blue Ridge: no minimum (0 inches) 96 bridge between Houston and Twiggs coun- • Trout Season: Trout streams that are desig- • Lake Burton: no minimum (0 inches) ties; Altamaha River, Saint Mary's River, nated as seasonal trout streams are OPEN • Lake Juliette: no minimum (0 inches) Satilla River, and the tributaries to these river to fishing for any species fromMarch 29 • Lake Lanier: 14 inches sections; and from saltwater. - October 31, 2014 and from March 28 • Lake Oconee: bass between 11 and 14 inches • The minimum length is 27 inches on the - October 31, 2015. Seasonal trout streams must be released immediately. All others Savannah River and its tributaries downstream are CLOSED to fishing for all fish species may be kept. of J. Strom Thurmond Dam (2 fish limit). at all other times. See pages 25–27 for • Ocmulgee River from the Spring Street bridge trout stream designations. crossing in Macon downstream to the conflu- TROUT • Flint, Chattahoochee and Spring Creeks: ence of the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee No minimum length limit for trout except: The Flint River and its tributaries from the River: 14 inches • Waters Creek: Georgia Power Co. dams at Albany to the US • Lake Lindsey Grace: bass between 15 and –– Brown and rainbow trout: 22 inches Hwy 84 bridge; the Chattahoochee River and its 22 inches must be released immediately. All –– Brook trout: 18 inches tributaries from the Columbia Lock and Dam others may be kept. In addition, only one bass • Noontootla Creek and its tributaries on Blue to the GA Hwy 91 bridge; and Spring Creek may be greater than 22 inches. Ridge WMA and its tributaries downstream to GA Hwy • Lake Walter F. George: 14 inches –– All trout: 16 inches 253 are CLOSED to striped bass fishing and • West Point Reservoir: 14 inches spear fishing from May 1–October 31 each year. • Public Fishing Area lakes operated by the Fishing Gear Must Be • Lakes Seminole: All fishing, including spear Department of Natural Resources: 14 inches. Regularly Checked fishing, for any species in the marked areas This limit will not apply to lakes which have • Attend to gear such as limb lines. (Anglers are around five fish refuges in Lake Seminole is been posted as having a different length limit encouraged to check all gear within 24 hours) prohibited from May 1–October 31 each year. for largemouth bass. • Make every reasonable effort to retrieve lost gear (including hooks, line and lead sinkers). • Recycle used fishing line. • For more information, contact: DON’T FORGET Fisheries Section – (770) 918-6406 TO CHECK OUT THE Creel and Possession Note to Anglers Creel and possession limits are per person. For Conservation Rangers to correctly determine BRAGGING BOARD compliance with these limits, each individual should keep trout or other fish on separate stringers or in separate creels. It is unlawful for ON PAGE 34!! one individual to possess more than the legal limit of any fish species.

FRESHWATER TURTLES • No more than 10 freshwater turtles (any combi- WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM nation of species) may be possessed without a commercial turtle permit (contact the Special Facebook.com/WildlifeResourcesDivisionGADNR Permit Unit — 770-761-3044). There is no closed season for the harvest of freshwater Twitter.com/GeorgiaWild turtles, however, taking of species protected YouTube.com/GeorgiaWildlife by federal or state law is prohibited (for a list of species access: www.georgiawild- GeorgiaWildlife.wordpress.com life.com/node/2626#Common_Name). Public.GovDelivery.com/accounts/GADNR/subscriber For more information www.georgiawild- life.com/turtling.

14 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM FRESHWATER GAME SPECIES DAILY LIMITS (See page 21 for special limits on Public Fishing Areas.)

SPECIES DAILY LIMIT EXCEPTIONS Largemouth, Redeye (Coosa), Bass Shoal, Smallmouth, Spotted, and/or 10 Lake Grace (Wayne Co.)- Only one bass may be greater than 22 inches. Suwannee bass Catfish Channel and/or Flathead No limit — Crappie Black and/or White 30 — Pickerel Chain, Grass and/or Redfin 15 — Shad American and/or Hickory 8 — • 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 and Twiggs counties, Altamaha River, St. Mary’s River, Satilla River, and the tribu- taries to these river sections; and from saltwater is a two fish limit, both 15, only two of Striped Bass, of which must be 22 inches in length or longer. which can be White Bass • Limit taken from the Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of — 22 inches or and/or Hybrid J. Strom Thurmond Dam is a two fish limit, both of which must be 27 longer. White-Striped Bass inches in length or longer. • Limit taken from Lake Richard B. Russell from the Russell Dam to Lake Hartwell Dam and Lake Secession Dam, all tributaries to Lake Richard B. Russell is two (2) striped bass per day, only one (1) of which can exceed 34 inches in length. • See the Fishing Regulations for shared waters for Georgia and South Carolina on page 18. Bluegill, Flier, Redbreast, Redear, Sunfish or Bream Rock bass, Spotted sunfish, 50 Bream: See South Carolina Agreement on page 18. Warmouth and/or Shadow bass See Amicalola Creek, Chattahoochee River, Chattooga River, Smith- gall Woods, Smith Creek, Toccoa River, and Waters Creek on pages Trout Brook, Rainbow, and/or Brown trout 8 25–27. See the new limits for shared waters of Georgia and South Carolina on page 18. Walleye — 8 Limit on Blue Ridge Reservoir is 15. Sturgeon - May not be taken in fresh or saltwater in Georgia.

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 15 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER FISHING METHODS

Hook & Line • Use of 51 or more hooks is considered • A minnow seine must be less than 20 feet in 3 • There is no restriction on the number of poles Commercial Fishing (see page 31). length and have a ⁄8 inch or less mesh (square and lines used to fish for game fish except: or diameter). –– Fishing for trout in designated trout Spear Fishing • Minnow seines may not be used in desig- waters: 1 pole • “Spearing” is the use of a handheld spear or nated trout waters. –– Fishing on Public Fishing Areas: 2 poles similar device and the use of a weapon, other • Minnow traps are illegal in freshwater. –– Sport shad fishing: 2 poles than a firearm, which propels the spear to • Dip nets and cast nets may be used to take • Anglers using more than two poles and lines which a wire, rope, line, etc. is attached and threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and blueback to fish for shad must abide by commercial secured to the weapon or the person using herring for bait except cast nets may not be shad regulations. the weapon. used in State Park Lakes. • Landing nets may be used to land fish legally • Only nongame fish, and catfish as described • Bow nets are considered sport shad fishing caught. below, may be speared in freshwater and gear and shall have a minimum legal size of • Game fish may be used as live bait (where are not to be sold or used for commercial 3½ inches stretched mesh. live bait is legal) if they are taken legally and purposes. you do not exceed daily creel and posses- • The taking of flathead and channel catfish by Bow Fishing sion limits. spear may be done any time day or at night Nongame fish (does not include channel or by light in the Savannah River and its tribu- flathead catfish, see note below) may be taken Sport Trotlines & Jugs taries and impoundments in the Savannah by bow and arrow from freshwater under the • A sport trotline is one line or a combina- River Basin only. following conditions: tion of lines using less than 51 hooks. Sport • All spears must have barbs or other devices • Possession of a sport fishing license is trotlines must be: to recover fish and must be attached to a line required to bow fish in Georgia. 1. Marked with the owner’s name and secured to the person using the weapon. • Arrows must be equipped with barbs or address and with visible buoys • A sport fishing license is required to spear similar devices for recovering fish and must 2. Submerged at least three feet below the fish in Georgia. be attached to the person or bow by a line surface of the water • The person spearing fish must be completely sufficient for recovering the arrow and fish. 3. Attended regularly and removed after submerged. • Poisonous or exploding arrowheads are the completed fishing trip. illegal. Note: See Seasons on page 14. • Unmarked or unattended trotlines will be • Arrows cannot be discharged into the water confiscated by DNR. It is unlawful to use Seines, Cast Nets, Bow Nets closer than 150 feet to anyone engaged in any any sport trotline within one-half mile below other means of recreation. • Only nongame fish less than 5 inches in any lock or dam. • Legal hours for fishing with bow and arrow length may be taken using a minnow seine • Only catfish and nongame fish (year-round) are from sunrise to sunset, except that fish and are not to be sold or used for commercial and American and Hickory shad during shad (nongame) may be taken at night while using purposes. season may be taken with trotlines and jugs. a light in reservoirs over 500 acres in size. • All other fish and eels taken in minnow seines • Trotlines and jugs are not permitted on Lake • Any game fish with an open wound must be released immediately unharmed into Tobesofkee or any State Park Lake. possessed by a person bow fishing will be the water. considered evidence of taking fish illegally. • Note: Channel and flathead catfish are game fish, and may not be taken by bow and arrow, except in the Savannah River and its tribu- taries and impoundments in the Savannah In Georgia It Is Unlawful To: River basin by bow and arrow any time • Possess or use live blueback herring for bait in all fresh waters except during the day or at night by the use of a light. the following: Lakes Bartlett's Ferry, Blue Ridge, Chatuge, Goat Rock, Juliette, Lanier, Nottely, Oliver, and West Point; and the Altamaha Noodling River watershed downstream of the following: Juliette dam on the • Flathead, channel and blue catfish may be Ocmulgee River, Lake Juliette dam on Rum Creek, Lake Tobesofkee taken by hand, without the aid of any device, dam on Tobesofkee Creek, Lake Sinclair dam on the Oconee River; hook, snare, net or other artificial element and and watersheds of all other streams that flow directly into the Atlantic without the use of any scuba equipment, air Ocean (this drainage includes Lakes Hartwell, Russell, Clarks Hill, hose or other artificial breathing apparatus. Burton, Tugaloo, and Raburn). For maps of restricted waters go to • Noodling is legal in the fresh waters of the state from March 1–July 15 each year. www.gofishgeorgia.com and see “Freshwater Regulations” section. • A sport fishing license is required to noodle • It is illegal to possess and fish with live blueback herring in Alabama in Georgia. waters. • It is illegal to take game fish (other than the catfish species listed above) or any other • Fish for game fish, except American shad, hickory shad, channel catfish, species of fish by hand. blue catfish, or flathead catfish, by any means other than pole and line. • It is not legal to alter any natural or man- made features in order to attract or capture • Take any fish from public freshwater by any method other than the fish by hand. It is not legal to raise any part of methods listed on this page. Snagging fish is illegal. a natural or artificial device out of the water to aid in the hand capture of enclosed fish. • 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. • Discard fish caught in public waters.

16 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM FRESHWATER BOATING

BOAT REGISTRATION • All boats that carry any means of mechanical propulsion (electric trolling motor and/or gas New Georgia Boating Law! motor) and all sailboats 12 feet and longer Residents who have a boat registered with the state can fish for free on must be registered. their birthday and for two days after as part of their boat registration fee. • A Boat Registration Application can be down- loaded from www.goboatgeorgia.com It’s a three-day bonus for boat owners. This offer also covers use of some • You may also renew your boat registration DNR shooting ranges, plus other sporting privileges. To take advantage of online at www.goboatgeorgia.com it, simply get outdoors and enjoy. • Register or renew by phone at 800-366-2661. The license is good for the primary boat owner’s birthday during • Georgia honors all other states’ registrations, the three years the boat registration is valid. Find out more at provided the boat is not used in excess of 60 consecutive days in Georgia. www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes

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 occu- pants. One Type IV throwable device must also be on board all vessels except Class A vessels (boats less than 15' 11" which also includes personal-watercraft, canoes and kayaks). • Children under age 13 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.”

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 Over 26,000 items for on Lake Juliette or Lake Tugalo. • Georgia State Park lakes often have boat and Farm, Shop and Home motor restrictions. Check with the Park Office Visit us today or shop online for all at each park for details. your outdoor supplies at unbeatable prices. we have something for everyone! 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, Fishing or persons in the water, or shoreline next to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area. • Recreation boaters in coastal waters please note: Tybee, Sea Island, St. Simons, and Jekyll Islands have temporal (May 1 – Sept. 30) 1,000 ft. safety zones. • Booze and boats do not mix! It is unlawful to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Hunting • To learn requirements for operating your boat, obtain the Handbook of Georgia Boating Cooking Laws from any WRD Law Enforcement Office. • To learn about a boating safety course contact the Boating Education Coordinator at 770-918-6414 or any WRD Law Enforcement Office (see page 4). 3327 Hwy. 41 South • Tifton, GA • 229-386-1972 See www.goboatgeorgia.com for complete 1122 Coley Boyd Rd. • Statesboro, GA • 912-681-2509 boating regulations. 2825 US Hwy. 84W • Valdosta, GA • 229-316-2710 Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 • Sat 7:30-5:00 • www.AgriSupply.com Visit our website to order a free catalog

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 17 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER AGREEMENTS WITH BORDERING STATES

CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS LICENSES • All creel and possession limits on waters • All persons meeting the freshwater license covered by this agreement are the same as requirements of Georgia or South Carolina may Georgia’s statewide limits. fish from the banks and in the waters covered • Note: Anglers fishing in waters covered by without having to obtain any other license. reciprocal agreement may fish for and possess • This agreement does not apply to commercial shoal bass for tournament weigh-in purposes fishing or saltwater sport fishing. in Alabama, however the harvest of shoal bass • A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is prohibited in Alabama. is required when fishing from a boat on the • Note: It is illegal to possess and fish with SC side of the Savannah River downstream live blueback herring in Alabama waters of where the CSX Railroad trestle crosses covered by this agreement. the Back River.

SOUTH CAROLINA LENGTH, CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS WATERS COVERED See GA-SC chart below for the length, creel and possession limits for the border waters On the banks and in the waters of all channels covered by this agreement. of the Savannah River from its mouth to the GENERAL NOTES junction of the Tugaloo (Toogaloo) and Seneca • Any person using baskets, jugs, minnow Rivers; the Tugaloo River from its mouth to seines, or trot lines in the waters covered the junction of the Tugaloo and Chattooga must comply with the laws, rules and regula- Rivers; and the Chattooga River to the North Agreements with bordering states allow tions of the state in which the baskets, jugs, Carolina state line (35th parallel of North lati- holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish minnow seines, or trot lines are fished, tude at Ellicott’s Rock). This agreement also in the waters covered without obtaining regardless of their residence. applies to all the waters and banks of Clarks a fishing license from the bordering state. • No person may carry to either state or possess Hill Reservoir (Strom Thurmond), Richard B. Note: Regulations under these agreements in such state more fish than the laws of that Russell Reservoir, Hartwell Reservoir, Yonah may differ from Georgia’s general laws and state or those of this agreement permit, even Lake, Tugaloo (Toogaloo) Lake, the New regulations. If this is the case, the laws and though the fish were caught in the waters of Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, and Stevens regulations of the agreement explained in this the other state. Creek Lake (except that portion on the Stevens section are to be followed. Creek arm upstream of South Carolina Hwy FLORIDA ALABAMA 53). The agreement does not apply to any flowing portions of tributary streams to these WATERS COVERED WATERS COVERED impoundments nor to tributary streams of • The waters and the banks of the St. Mary's The banks and waters of only that portion of the Savannah, Tugaloo and Chattooga Rivers. River, not including its tributaries. the Chattahoochee River forming the boundary between Georgia and Alabama and Lakes Bartletts Ferry (Harding), George W. Andrews, GEORGIA - SOUTH CAROLINA BORDER WATERS - RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT Goat Rock, Oliver, Seminole, Walter F. George (Eufaula) and West Point; however, this agree- Species Water Body Possession Size Limit ment does not include that portion of West Point Limit Reservoir lying upstream (north) of Georgia Striped bass or hybrid bass only 3 may be over 26 Hwy 109 bridge on the Chattahoochee River Lakes Hartwell and Clarks Hill 10 or combination inches arm of the reservoir. The waters covered by this agreement do not include other streams or Striped bass or hybrid bass only 1 may be over 34 Lake Russell 2 tributaries which flow into the Chattahoochee or combination inches River or its impoundments or the portion of Lake Seminole covered by the agreement with Striped bass, hybrid bass, Savannah River downstream of 27-inch minimum 2 Florida or Lake Weiss. white bass or combination Clarks Hill dam length limit

All border waters covered LICENSES except for Savannah River White bass 10 no size limit All persons meeting the sport fishing require- downstream of Clarks Hill dam ments of Georgia or Alabama may fish from (see above for size limit). the banks and in the waters covered without having to obtain any other license. Trout All border waters covered 5 no size limit

Bass (largemouth, spotted, 12-inch minimum MINIMUM LENGTH LIMITS redeye, smallmouth or All border waters covered 10 length for largemouth • Largemouth bass: combination) bass –– Lake West Point: 14 inches –– Lake Walter F. George: 14 inches Walleye or Sauger or All border waters covered 8 no size limit • All other fishing laws and regulations of combination the State of Georgia apply in Georgia waters aggregate of all game fish covered by this agreement. All border waters covered 40 (does not include catfish)

All other laws and regulations of Georgia apply in the Georgia portion of waters covered by this agreement. Note: South Carolina regulations differ for crappie and bream.

18 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM • The waters and banks of Lake Seminole, • For all other species in the waters covered, bounded on the west by Florida State Road Georgia's statewide creel and possession No. 271; on the south by the Jim Woodruff limits (page 14) apply. Dam; on the east by the line immediately east • All other fishing regulations of the State of of the Chattahoochee Marina (also known as Georgia apply on the Georgia side of the St. the Booster Club) running northwest across Mary's River and the Georgia portion of Lake the reservoir to the tip of land at the junc- Seminole. Florida laws and regulations apply tion of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, on the Florida side of the St. Mary's River west of Spring Creek; and on the north by and the Florida portion of Lake Seminole. the Herman Talmadge Bridge across the Chattahoochee River. NORTH CAROLINA Bass • Crappie • Blue Gill • Stripe WATERS COVERED In Your Local Stores or Contact Us LICENSES 800-762-4701; www.sliderfishing.com Lake Chatuge and all tributary branches • Any person who has a valid fishing license “Finessee Fishing Began Here” lying in Georgia or North Carolina which are and properly issued permits or licenses, or ***Free Catalog*** accessible by boat from the main body of the both, required by Georgia or Florida in their reservoir. possession may sport fish for freshwater fish in the waters covered. LICENSES Make Hunting & Fishing • Georgia Honorary Disability License is not • Holders of a valid Georgia or North Carolina recognized by Florida under this agreement. Dreams Come True! fishing license may fish with hook and line • A nonresident fishing license is required to in Lake Chatuge only from boats. Boats may fish, castnet, seine, crab, gig, sport bait trawl, Hunt of a Lifetime is a not be anchored to the shore or to a pier or nonprofi t organization or harvest shell fish in saltwater in Georgia. boat dock connecting to the shore. that grants hunting and • A Florida saltwater fishing license is required • Senior citizen and youth license exemptions fi shing dreams to children, to fish for or to possess saltwater fish on the authorized by either state are honored by age 21 and under, who Florida side of the St. Mary's River. both states on Lake Chatuge. have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS • All other laws and regulations of Georgia apply to the Georgia portion of Lake Chatuge. If you are interested in helping a child live their • The limit for striped bass, white bass, and All other laws and regulations of North dream, please contact us for more information. hybrid white-striped bass on the St. Mary's Carolina apply to the North Carolina portion River is two fish which must be 22 inches of Lake Chatuge. Toll Free 866.345.4455 HuntofaLifetime.org or longer.

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 19 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com Sport Fish Restoration Program Successful Angler-funded Partnership to Improve Fishing

Better fishing, boating, Anglers, hunters, SPORT FISH RESTORATION hunting & wildlife- boaters purchase fishing/ AT WORK IN GEORGIA associated recreation. hunting equipment & • Georgia’s sport fish funds are approximately motor boat fuels. $6 million annually. • SFR and your license fees have funded: State agencies management of public waters, production implement of sport fish for stocking in public waters, programs & Manufacturers development and management of Public projects. pay excise tax on Fishing Areas, aquatic education programs, that equipment development and maintenance of boating and boaters pay access facilities and more. States receive fuel taxes. • SFR and license fees pay for freshwater and grants. saltwater programs and activities to benefit these resources. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service allocates funds to state fish & wildlife agencies.

To learn more about Sport Fish Restoration in Georgia, visit www.fws.gov and www.gofishgeorgia.com

20 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM FRESHWATER PUBLIC FISHING AREAS

Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are great places for • Not all PFAs have the ability to sell licenses on Fishing on Wildlife family outings! You can fish from the bank or a site. Please call each PFA for details. Licenses Management Areas boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, and enjoy the can also be obtained online or by phone. Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed on outdoors. Good bank fishing opportunities are WMAs according to statewide regulations. Alcohol available at all PFAs and many of them have LENGTH AND DAILY LIMITS: use is prohibited on WMAs except in designated special kids fishing areas for young anglers. Unless a pond or lake has been posted as camping areas. Refer to the Hunting Regulations having a different length limit or daily limit, Guide for a complete list of WMA regulations. Please Read Before the following apply: A GORP Pass may be required on some areas. Fishing a PFA LENGTH LIMIT: LICENSES: Fishing Without Permission Largemouth bass: 14 inches minimum It is unlawful to fish on someone else's property • Anglers 16 years of age and older must possess without permission. Conservation Rangers and a valid fishing license and a valid Wildlife DAILY LIMITS: other law enforcement officers are charged with Management Area (WMA) license to fish, except Largemouth bass (unless otherwise posted)..... 5 enforcing this law. Always ask permission before a WMA license is not required to fish at Rocky Bream or sunfish entering private land. Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area. (of any one species or a combination)...... 15 • If you have a Sportsman's, Lifetime license, Permission is not required to fish in the Chatta- Channel catfish...... 5 3-Day Hunting/Fishing License, 3-Day GORP hoochee or Oconee National Forests, on Wildlife All other species...... see page 15 Plus, Senior Lifetime license or Honorary Resources Division Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) license you are NOT required to have a WMA Grass carp must be released immediately. or Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), or in license to fish on a PFA. Georgia State Parks (gastateparks.org) as long • To access a PFA for non-fishing activities, visi- HOURS OF OPERATION as all applicable state regulations are followed. tors age 16–64 must have one of the following; Public Fishing Areas hours of operation are To find a PFA location refer to the map on page Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP), Wednesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset. 21 directly below. 3-day hunting/fishing license, WMA license, and Sportsman’s, Honorary (resident disability Hunting on Public BIG LAZER CREEK license or resident one-time veteran’s license) Fishing Areas Talbot County, 478-825-6151 or Lifetime license. Please see box on page 12 There are hunting opportunities available at Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill and for full details on (GORP). several PFAs located around the state. Refer to Red­ear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie. Live the Hunting Regulations Guide for a complete fish (minnows) are allowed for bait. list of PFA hunting opportunities and regulations or visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com. Water: 195 acre lake. PUBLIC FISHING AREAS Facilities: Concrete two-lane boat ramp, fishing pier, fish cleaning station, shooting range, rest- DNR ARCHERY AND SHOOTING RANGES rooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. McDuffie PFA Flat Creek Directions from Talbotton: East on US Hwy Marben PFA 80 for 4 mi.; left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 mi.; left Dodge PFA on Bunkham Road; left into area. Big Lazer Creek CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE CENTER/MARBEN PFA Jasper/Newton Counties, 478-825-6151 or 770-784-3063 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red- ear sunfish, Crappie, Channel catfish. Live fish (minnows) are allowed for bait. Water: 20 ponds, totaling 293 acres, ranging in size from 1 to 95 acres. Facilities: Kids only ponds, concrete boat ramps (6 lakes), boat docks, restrooms, fishing piers, fish cleaning station, picnic areas, primitive camping, shooting and archery ranges, and some fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Note: Check information board 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. Continued on page 22…

Downloadable PFA Guides available at: www.gofishgeorgia.com

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 21 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER PUBLIC FISHING AREAS

DODGE COUNTY Road for 1 mile; left on Old Sunbury Road (dirt), Facilities: Concrete boat ramps, fishing pier, fish 478-374-6765 or 912-285-6094 PFA 0.3 miles on right marked by Wildlife Re- cleaning station, restrooms, picnic tables, some Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red­ sources sign. facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. ear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie. Directions From East Dublin: East on US Water: 104 acre lake. FLAT CREEK Hwy 80 for 10 mi.; left on Keens Crossing Rd. for (HOUSTON COUNTY STATE PARK) 1.4 mi., PFA entrance on right. Facilities: Concrete boat ramps, fishing pier, Houston County, 478-825-6151 fish cleaning station, 3-D archery range, rest- Fish species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Red- rooms, picnic tables, nature trail, some facilities MCDUFFIE ear sunfish, Channel catfish. accessible to persons with disabilities. McDuffie County, 706-595-1619 Water: 102 acre lake and one special event pond. Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red­ Directions From Eastman: South on US Hwy ear sunfish, Channel catfish. 23/341 for 3 mi.; left on County Rd. 49 for 0.6 mi. Facilities: Concrete two-lane boat ramp, fish to lake. cleaning station, restroom, picnic tables, bank Water: 7 ponds varying in size from 5 to 37 fishing, archery range and some facilities acces- acres. Rodbender Lake is open the 1st through EVANS COUNTY sible to persons with disabilities. the 15th of each month. Evans County PFA has reopened: Directions from I-75: Take I-75 to exit 134 Facilities: Concrete boat ramps, courtesy 912-739-1139 or 912-727-2112 (South Perry Parkway), Turn west onto South docks, rest­rooms, picnic tables, tent and RV Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red- Perry Parkway, Travel approx. 0.25 miles and camping in designated areas (fee is $15–25 per ear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown turn left (South) on Georgia Highway 41, Drive site per night), archery range, and some facilities bullhead. about 3.5 miles and turn left into Flat Creek Pub- accessible to persons with disabilities. lic Fishing Area. Water: Three ponds encompassing 122 acres (8, Directions From Thomson: South on Hwy 30, 84 acres). 17 to US Hwy 278; left (east) for 5.6 mi.; right on HUGH M. GILLIS Ellington Airline Road for 2.8 mi.; right on Fish Facilities: Concrete boat ramps, fishing piers, Laurens County, Hatchery Road for 0.8 mi. fish cleaning station, restrooms, picnic tables, 478-296-6192 or 912-285-6094 primitive camping, some facilities accessible to Fish species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red­ persons with disabilities. OCMULGEE ear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie. Water: 109 Area temporarily closed for repairs. Directions From Claxton: East on US Hwy 280 acre lake and two 1 acre KFE ponds. For more, visit for 8.5 miles; right on Old Reidsville-Savannah georgiawildlife.com/PFA/Ocmulgee BL-14H 7x4.75C 11/12/13 8:03 PM Page 1

Paid Advertisement New electronic lure may catch too many fish; one state bans it. Blinks blood red A bass every seven minutes. lure caught three times as many fish. by Mike Butler Before reporting this, I NEWARK, DE– A new fishing technolo- asked a veteran fisherman gy that set a record for catching bass in in my office for his opin- Mexico is now showing its stuff in the ion. Monday morning he charged into my office U.S. and international U.S. It has out-fished shrimp bait in patents pending Washington State and beat top-selling yelling “I caught six mon- U.S. lures three to one in Florida. The new ster fish in an hour with technology is so effective one state, this thing! Where did you New Bite Light® lure uses a blinking red light to create Wyoming, has banned its use. get it?” appearance of a live, bleeding prey. Triggers strikes. The breakthrough is a tiny, battery-pow- Then I phoned an ered electrical system that flashes a blood- ichthyologist (fish expert). inside and last 300 hours in the water. red light down a lure’s tail when its moved “Predators - lions, sharks,” he said, One kit of three Bite Lights® costs in water. Fish think it’s an injured prey and “will always go for the most vulnerable $29.95, two or more kits cost $25.00 each. strike. Some fishing authorities, like those prey. Fish are predators, so if a fish sees a Each kit has the same three models, but in in Wyoming, think that gives fishermen smaller fish bleeding, it knows it’s weak- different colors: S/h is only $7.00 no mat- too much of an advantage. ened and will strike. ter how many kits you buy. They may be right. Three fishermen “If a lure could appear to be a live, To order, go to www.FishingTechTo using a flashing lure in Mexico caught 650 bleeding fish, a few fishermen could prob- day.com or call 1-800-873-4415 anytime large-mouth bass in just 25 hours. That’s a ably empty a lake with it.” or day and ask for the Bite Light® lure bass every seven minutes for each person, I told him three almost did. (Item #kbl). Or send your name, address and a record for the lake they were fishing. Fishes top, middle and deep and a check to Scientific Edge LLC (Dept. They said the bass struck with such feroci- There is a U.S. company that offers LL-112), 40 E. Main Street, Suite 1416, ty they hardly lost a strike. a kit of three blinking lures (one each Newark, DE 19711. In Florida two professionals fished for for shallow, middle and deep water) The company gives your money back, if four hours from the same boat. One used a called the Bite Light® Each lure is a you don’t catch more fish and return your flashing-red lure; the other used some top- different color. They work in fresh or purchase within 30-days. selling U. S. lures. The new, “bleeding” salt water, contain rattle attractants BL-14H © Scientific Edge LLC 2013 Dept. LL-121

22 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM On Public Fishing Areas It Is Unlawful To: • Operate boats on ponds or lakes • Use or possess live fish (minnows) • Drive on any closed road or block posted as closed to boats. for bait, unless otherwise posted. any gate. • Operate gas outboard motors • Consume alcoholic beverages • Camp any place other than unless lake is posted as being open except at campsites on the area. designated camping areas. NOTE: to the use of outboard motors. No alcoholic beverages are allowed Contact the PFA before visiting for NOTE: Gas motors, if allowed, must anywhere on Rocky Mountain PFA. regulations regarding camping. be operated at idle speed only. • Operate personal watercraft (jet • Swim, except at Rocky Mountain • Fish in a pond or lake that has been skis), sailboats, or sailboards. Recreation and PFA beach. posted “closed.” • Allow children under 14 years of • Ride horses in restricted areas or • Fish with any gear other than pole age to be on PFA without adult areas not designated as open to and line. supervision. equestrian use. • Fish with more than two poles • Fish at night, unless otherwise and lines. posted.

PARADISE Directions From Tifton: East on US Hwy 82 hiking trails, tent and RV camping, group prim- Berrien County, for 8 mi. to Whitley Road near Brookfield; follow itive camping, group picnic area, biking trails, 229-533-4792 or 912-285-6094 signs from US Hwy 82 to the area. swimming beach, some facilities accessible to Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Red- persons with disabilities. ear sunfish, Channel catfish, Crappie, Brown bullhead. ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECREATION Fee: Daily or annual Rocky Mtn. PFA parking & PUBLIC FISHING AREA permit required (one per vehicle) WMA license Water: 68 lakes encompassing 525 acres of water. Floyd County, 706-802-5087 not required. Facilities: Restrooms, fish cleaning station, pic- Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear Restrictions: nic area, concrete boat ramps, tent camping ($10 sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie, Walleye. • It is illegal to possess alcoholic beverages. per site per night; pay a drop box; no reservation Water: Two lakes (202 and 357 acres). Heath • No one may rappel, rock climb or hang glide. needed; first come first serve), group camp ($20 Lake is open the 1st–10th of each month only. Directions From Rome: North on US Hwy 27 per night; 20 person minimum; call for reserva- for 10.4 mi.; left on Sike Storey Road 0.4 mi.; left tions), fishing pier, boat dock, some facilities ac- Facilities: Concrete boat ramps, fishing jet- on Big Texas Valley Road 5.4 mi. to entrance. cessible to persons with disabilities. ties, restrooms, picnic shelters, scenic overlooks, For the Serious Gardener DR® ROTO-HOG™ POWER TILLER FAR FASTER & EASIER to use than hard- to-handle, walk-behind tillers. TILLS A 3-FOOT SWATH with each pass — twice the width of most walk-behind tillers! BIG ENGINE POWER is ideal for large gardens, landscape projects, and food plots. CREATE PERFECT SEEDBEDS with the smooth and deep-tilling action of 24 steel bolo tines.

(706) 542-2686

warnell.uga.edu 81539X © 2014

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WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 23 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER TROUT FISHING

WRD uses special regulations (see below) and Trout Season stocking to provide quality trout fishing in Trout season on seasonal streams is from • Amicalola Creek from County Road 192 Georgia. More than one million rainbow trout March 29 - October 31, 2014 and from (Steele Bridge Road) downstream to GA and brown trout are stocked each year from March 28 - October 31, 2015. Many trout Hwy 53. March through mid-September. The number streams are open to fishing year-round (see • Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek (off of trout stocked and the stocking frequency pages 26–27 for stream listings). Columns Drive) downstream to US Hwy 41 depend on a stream's fishing pressure, public (Cobb Parkway). access, and water conditions. Streams with Trout Fishing Hours • Chattooga River from GA Hwy 28 bridge greater public access are stocked more often • Fishing hours on seasonal trout streams, upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek. with more trout. General information about except Waters Creek (page 25), are 30 • Smith Creek on Unicoi State Park from trout stocking and the Trout Streams of Georgia minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after Unicoi Dam downstream to the Unicoi State Map are available from WRD offices and at sunset. Night fishing is not allowed. Park property boundary. www.gofishgeorgia.com. The map includes • Fishing 24 hours a day is allowed on year- • Toccoa River on U.S. Forest Service land Georgia's trout streams, roads, and a list of round trout streams, except those in next from 0.4 miles above the Shallowford Bridge recommended streams. paragraph, and on all impoundments on upstream to a point 450 feet upstream of the Trout need clean, cold water to survive. trout streams, except Dockery and Rock Sandy Bottom Canoe Access. Georgians can be good trout managers by Creek lakes. Visit www.gofishgeorgia.com to see maps using proper land use practices. Trees and other • Fishing hours on the Chattahoochee River of Delayed Harvest Streams and learn more vegetation left along stream banks provide from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek, the about this program. shade to keep water cold and help prevent soil Conasauga River watershed upstream of the from washing into the stream. Georgia-Tennessee state line and Smith Creek ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY Many trout streams are bounded by private downstream of Unicoi dam are 30 minutes In streams listed here only artificial lures may property. It is your responsibility to know when before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. be used. It is unlawful to possess any other you cross a property line. Obtain permission Night fishing is not allowed. type bait on an “artificial lures only” stream from the landowner before fishing on private (see definitions on page 8). property. Trout Fishing Rules • Chattahoochee River from GA Hwy 20 to • Trout anglers are restricted to the use of the boat ramp at the National Park Service Note: While fishing any specially regu- one pole and line which must be hand held. Medlock Bridge Park immediately upstream lated waters with a minimum size limit, No other type of gear may be used in trout of GA Hwy 141. it is unlawful to possess a trout which streams. • Coleman River and its tributaries from its is less than the specified minimum size • It is unlawful to use live fish for bait in trout junction with the Tallulah River upstream regardless of where the fish was caught. streams. Seining bait-fish is not allowed in to Forest Service Bridge No. 54. any trout stream. • Conasauga River and its tributaries (except • It is unlawful to fish for any fish species in Jacks River watershed) upstream of the a seasonal trout stream when the season is Georgia-Tennessee state line are restricted closed. to using only artificial lures from Nov. 1 through the last Saturday in March of each Impoundments On year. Natural baits may be used during trout Trout Streams season. We Provide Hunting ANGLERS CAN: • Hoods Creek and its tributaries on the Warwoman WMA. Opportunities to • Fish for fish species other than trout without • Jones Creek and its tributaries on US Forest a trout license, except on Dockery and Rock Law Enforcement Agents Service property. Creek lakes. Injured in the Line of Duty. • Mountaintown Creek and its tributaries • Fish year-round, except on Dockery Lake. upstream of Mountaintown Creek Watershed • Fish at night, except on Dockery and Rock To Volunteer Or Donate, Please Visit Our Website Structure No. 2 (Hills Lake). Creek lakes. HuntingForHeroes.org • Noontootla Creek and its tributaries IMPOUNDMENT NOTES: on Blue Ridge WMA. Note: All trout less than 16 inches in length caught from this • If you fish for or possess trout, you must section of Noontootla Creek must be released possess a trout license. If you catch a trout immediately. and do not possess a trout license you must • Stanley Creek and its tributaries on the Andy’s Trout Farm release the trout immediately. Rich Mountain WMA. Family Fun ~ Est. 1965 • State park visitors are not required to have 706-746-2550 • Walnut Fork Creek and its tributaries on a trout license to fish in the impounded waters the Warwoman WMA. Fishing, Cabins, Retreats, of the Park. However, those visitors wishing to Hiking & Gem Mining! harvest trout will need to have a trout license Turn in Dillard on Betty’s Creek Road in their possession. www.andystroutfarm.com Delayed Harvest Streams Anglers fishing delayed harvest streams must Available release all trout immediately and use and Online portmaster axidermy possess only artificial lures with one single S T hook per lure from Nov. 1–May 14 annually. Stocking lists, stream maps World Class The use of additional “dropper” lures on one by county, trout accessible Catch and All Species line is permitted as long as each lure contains sites, and NE and NW Georgia Release Replicas Freshwater one single hook. These restrictions do not apply Fishing Guides are available at and Saltwater from May 15–Oct. 31 of each year. The following GoFishGeorgia.com. sporttax.com 706-624-1515 streams are delayed harvest streams:

24 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM eather /lightasaf oto.com ockph ©iSt Other Trout Stream WATERS CREEK Regulations Waters Creek, located on the MOCCASIN CREEK Chestatee WMA, is managed for trophy trout. Waters Creek That portion of Moccasin Creek between and its tributaries are open Lake Burton Hatchery water intake and a sign during the trout season on marking the approximate normal pool level of Wednesdays, Saturdays, Lake Burton is restricted to anglers under 12 and Sundays only between years of age and holders of Honorary Licenses. 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. SMITHGALL WOODS-DUKES Eastern Standard Time CREEK CONSERVATION AREA (7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time) with the following Dukes Creek and its tributaries within the restrictions: Dukes Creek Conservation Area are open to • Artificial lures with a single barbless hook Sportsman’s license holders do not need a fishing year round by reservation only. For no larger than a #6 must be used. Only one WMA license. reservations call 706-878-3087. lure can be used at a time. You cannot possess • Nonresidents: Nonresident Georgia fishing • Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may lures that do not meet these criteria while license, nonresident trout license and nonres- be used or possessed on the portion of Dukes on the area. ident WMA license. Creek and its tributaries in White County on • Landing nets may not exceed two (2) feet the Conservation Area, including the GA in length. Size and possession limits: Hwy 75 Alternate right-of-way. Possession • Possession of any bait, lure, landing nets • Size limits: 22 inches for brown and rainbow of any bait, lure, or gear not legal for use on or gear not legal for use on the stream is trout and 18 inches for brook trout. It is a the stream is unlawful. unlawful. violation to possess a trout smaller than these • All fish caught from Dukes Creek and its trib- • No night fishing. limits while fishing on Waters creek. utaries in White County on the Conservation • Possession limit: One (1) trout may be Area, including the GA Hwy 75 Alternate License requirements possessed daily. No person may take more right-of-way, must be immediately released for Waters Creek: than three (3) trout per season. where caught. • Residents: Must have a Georgia resident • No trout may be possessed while fishing on fishing license, trout license, and WMA license. any stream on the Conservation Area or the Lifetime, Senior (65+) Lifetime, Honorary and GA Hwy 75 Alternate right-of-way.

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WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 25 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER TROUT STREAMS BY COUNTY

Seasonal Trout Streams (S) are open DADE COUNTY (YR) Ball Cr. watershed; Cartecay R. water- March 29–October 31, 2014 and from (S) Rock Cr. watershed. shed; Conasauga R. watershed (except Jacks R. March 28–October 31, 2015. (YR) Allison Cr. watershed; East Fork Little R. watershed); Coosawatee R. from confluence of Year-round Streams (YR) are open to watershed Lookout Cr. watershed upstream Cartecay and Ellijay rivs. downstream to old fishing throughout the year and are desig- from Dade Co Rd. 197. GA Hwy 5 bridge (Gilmer Co Rd. 239); Ellijay nated in blue type. R. watershed; Fightingtown Cr. watershed; Watershed: the stream and all its tribu- DAWSON COUNTY Mountaintown Cr. water shed; Noontootla Cr. taries (streams flowing into that stream). (S) Amicalola Cr. watershed upstream from watershed; Sevenmile Cr. watershed; Town Cr. Abbreviations used throughout this section: Dawson Co Rd. 192 (Steele Bridge Rd) which watershed; Wildcat Cr. watershed. Cr. = Creek and R. = River is first bridge upstream from GA Hwy 53; NOTE: The following trout streams have Amicalola Cr. tributaries from GA Hwy 53 GORDON COUNTY special regulations (see pages 24–25 upstream to Dawson Co Rd. 192 (Steele Bridge (S) Johns Cr. watershed; Pin Hook Cr. watershed before fishing): Amicalola Cr., Chattahoochee Rd); Nimblewill Cr. watershed; Shoal Cr. water- upstream from Gordon Co Rd. 275. R., Chattooga R., Coleman R., Conasauga shed upstream from the mouth of Burt Cr.; (YR) Pine Log Cr. watershed upstream from R., Hoods Cr., Jones Cr., Moccasin Cr., Sweetwater Cr. watershed. GA Hwy 53; Rocky Cr. watershed upstream Mountaintown Cr., Noontootla Cr., Smithgall (YR) Amicalola Cr. from Dawson Co Rd. 192 from Gordon Co Rd. 210; Salacoa Cr. water- Woods-Dukes Cr., Smith Cr., Stanley Cr., Toccoa (Steele Bridge Rd) downstream to GA Hwy shed upstream from US Hwy 411; Snake Cr. R., Walnut Fork Cr., and Waters Cr. 53; Anderson Cr. watershed, Long Swamp Cr. watershed. watershed. BARTOW COUNTY GWINNETT COUNTY (S) Boston Cr. watershed upstream from GA FANNIN COUNTY (YR) Chattahoochee R. Hwy 20. (S) Charlie Cr. watershed; Etowah R. water- (YR) Connesena Cr. watershed; Dykes Cr. shed; Jacks R. watershed; Owenby Cr. water- HABERSHAM COUNTY watershed; PineLog Cr. watershed; Pyle Cr. shed; Persimmon Cr. watershed; South Fork (S) Amy's Cr. watershed upstream from GA watershed; Salacoa Cr. watershed; Spring Cr. Rapier Mill Cr. watershed; Star Cr. watershed; Hwy 17; Chattahoochee R. tributaries down- watershed; Stamp Cr. watershed upstream Toccoa R. tributary watersheds entering the stream to GA Hwy 255 (except Amy's Cr. from Bartow Co. Rd. 269; Toms Cr. watershed river downstream from Blue Ridge Reservoir downstream from GA Hwy 17 and Sautee upstream from Bartow Co. Rd. 82; Two Run Cr. to the GA-Tennessee state line and upstream Cr. downstream from GA Hwy 255 Alternate watershed; Ward Cr. watershed. from the mouth of Stanley Cr. except those bridge); Left Fork Soque R. upstream of GA listed as year-round; Tumbling Cr. watershed; Hwy 356 and all tributaries to the entire Left CARROLL COUNTY Wilscot Cr. watershed. Fork Soque R.; Nancytown Cr. watershed (YR) Tallapoosa R. watershed north of I-20, (YR) Conasauga R. watershed (except Jacks R. upstream from Nancytown Lake; Right Fork not including Little Tallapoosa R. watershed. watershed); Ellijay R. watershed; Fightingtown Soque R. upstream of Wilson Falls and tribu- Cr. watershed; Mountaintown Cr. watershed; taries to the entire Right Fork Soque R.; Soque R. CATOOSA COUNTY Noontootla Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed; tributaries that enter the river from the conflu- (S) Hurricane Cr. watershed upstream from Rock Cr. Lake; Toccoa R. downstream from ence of the Left Fork and Right Fork Soque rivs. Peters Branch. Lake Blue Ridge to the GA-Tennessee state downstream to the mouth of Deep Cr. (YR) Dry Cr. watershed (part of East line and upstream from the mouth of Stanley (YR) Chattahoochee R. downstream to GA Chickamauga Cr. watershed) upstream of Cr. (does not include tributaries unless listed). Hwy 255; Left Fork Soque R. downstream of Catoosa Co. Rd. 257; Little Chickamauga Cr. GA Hwy 356 except tributaries; Liberty Cr. watershed upstream from Catoosa Co. Rd. 387; FLOYD COUNTY watershed; Middle Fork Broad R. watershed; Tiger Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 2. (S) Johns Cr. watershed upstream from Floyd North Fork Broad R. watershed; Panther Cr. Co Rd. 212. watershed; Right Fork Soque R. downstream of CHATTOOGA COUNTY (YR) Dykes Cr. watershed; Kings Cr. water- Wilson Falls except tributaries; Roberts Branch (YR) Allgood Branch watershed; Chappel Cr. shed; Lavender Cr. watershed upstream from watershed; Sautee Cr. downstream from GA watershed; Chelsea Cr. watershed; East Fork Floyd Co Rd. 893; Little Cedar Cr. watershed; Hwy 255 Alternate bridge; Soque R., except Little R. watershed including Gilreath Cr.; Mt. Hope Cr. watershed; Silver Cr. watershed tributaries downstream from the confluence Hinton Cr. watershed; Kings Cr. watershed; upstream of GA Hwy 1E (Floyd Co Rd. 631); of Left Fork and Right Fork Soque rivs., to the Little Armuchee Cr. watershed upstream from Spring Cr. watershed (flows into Etowah R.) mouth of Deep Cr.; Toccoa Cr. watershed. Co Rd. 326; Mt. Hope Cr. (Coon Cr.) water- Toms Cr. watershed. shed; Perennial Spring watershed; Raccoon Cr. HARALSON COUNTY watershed upstream from GA Hwy 48; Ruff FORSYTH COUNTY (YR) Flatwood Cr. watershed; Lassetter Cr. Creek watershed; Storey Mill Cr. watershed; (YR) Chattahoochee R. watershed; Mann Cr. watershed upstream from Taliaferro Cr. watershed. Haralson Co Rd. 162; Tallapoosa Cr. watershed; FULTON COUNTY Tallapoosa R. watershed upstream from Co CHEROKEE COUNTY (YR) Chattahoochee R. downstream to the Rd. 222. (S) Boston Cr. watershed. mouth of Peachtree Cr. (YR) Bluff Cr. watershed upstream of Cherokee HART COUNTY Co Rd. 114; Pine Log Cr. watershed; Salacoa GILMER COUNTY (YR) Savannah R. from Hartwell Dam down- Cr. watershed; Soap Cr. watershed upstream (S) Harris Cr. watershed; Johnson Cr. water- stream to Richard B. Russell Reservoir. of Cherokee Co Rd. 116; Stamp Cr. watershed; shed; Tails Cr. watershed; and all other streams Wiley Cr. watershed. or parts of streams not listed as year-round LUMPKIN COUNTY except: Coosawattee R. downstream from Old (S) Amicalola Cr. watershed; Bryant Cr. water- COBB COUNTY GA Hwy 5 (Gilmer Co Rd. 239); Talking Rock shed; Cane Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy (YR) Chattahoochee R. downstream to the Cr.; and tributaries to Carters Reservoir not 9-52 bridge; Cavender Cr. watershed; Chestatee R. mouth of Peachtree Cr. listed as year-round (these may be fished year- tributaries upstream from the mouth of Tesnatee round without a trout license). Cr., except for the Frogtown Cr. watershed; Dockery Lake; Etowah R. watershed upstream

26 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM from Hightower Church Road (County Road 72) RABUN COUNTY tributaries to Nottely Reservoir not listed as Bridge; Etowah R. tributaries from Castleberry (S) Bad Branch watershed (flows into Lake year-round (these may be fished year-round Bridge upstream to Hightower Church Road Seed); Bad Cr. watershed (flows into Tugaloo); without a trout license). (County Road 72) Bridge; Shoal Creek watershed; Bridge Cr. watershed; Crow Cr. watershed (YR) Brasstown Cr. watershed downstream Yahoola Creek watershed upstream from the (flows into Seed); Dickenson Branch (flows from US Hwy 76 bridge; Coosa Cr. watershed; mouth of Bryant Cr. into Burton); Dicks Cr. watershed (flows into Ivylog Cr. watershed; Noontootla Cr. water- (YR) Chestatee R. upstream from the mouth Burton); Falls Branch watershed (flows into shed; Nottely R. from US Hwy 129-19 bridge of Tesnatee Cr.; Etowah R. from Castleberry Rabun); Flat Cr. watershed; Joe Cr. watershed downstream to Nottely Reservoir; Rock Cr. Bridge upstream to Hightower Church Road (flows into Rabun); LaCounts Cr. watershed watershed; Toccoa R. (does not include tribu- (County Road 72); Frogtown Cr. watershed; (flows into Seed); Moccasin Cr. watershed, taries unless listed); Youngcane Cr. watershed. Yahoola Cr. watershed from the mouth of except Moccasin Cr. from the Lake Burton Bryant Cr. downstream to GA Hwy 52. hatchery water intake downstream to the sign WALKER COUNTY marking the approximate normal pool level (S) Furnace Cr. watershed; Johns Cr. watershed; MURRAY COUNTY of Lake Burton; Popcorn Cr. watershed; Seals Rock Cr. watershed upstream from Sawmill (S) Jacks R. watershed upstream from Georgia- Cr. watershed (flows into Seed); Slick Shoal Branch; Sawmill Branch; Tennessee state line; North Prong Sumac Cr. Cr. (flows into Seed); Timpson Cr. watershed; (YR) Allen Cr. watershed; Chappel Cr. water- watershed; Rock Cr. watershed upstream from Wildcat Cr. watershed; Worse Cr. watershed shed; Chattanooga Cr. watershed upstream Murray Co Rd. 4 (most southern of two Rock (flows into Tugaloo); and all other streams or from Walker Co Rd. 235; Concord Cr. water- Crks. which are in the Holly Cr. watershed); parts of streams not listed as year-round except: shed; Dougherty Cr. watershed; Dry Cr. water- Sugar Cr. watershed upstream from Murray Tallulah R. downstream from Lake Burton shed (tributary to East Armuchee Cr.); Duck Cr. Co Rd. 4; Sumac Cr. watershed upstream from Dam and tributaries to Burton, Seed, Rabun, watershed; East Fork Little R. watershed (flows Coffey Lake. Tallulah Falls, Tugaloo and Yonah lakes not into Dade County); East Fork Little R. water- (YR) Conasauga R. watershed upstream from listed as year-round (may be fished year-round shed (flows into Chattooga County); Gilreath the GA-Tennessee state line (except Jacks R. without a trout license). Cr.; Gulf Cr. watershed; Harrisburg Cr. water- watershed); Dill Cr. watershed; Holly Cr. water- (YR) Chattooga R. upstream from the mouth shed upstream from Dougherty Cr.; Left Fork shed upstream from Dill Cr.; Mill Cr. water- of Warwoman Cr.; Little Tennessee R. down- Coulter Branch watershed; Little Chickamauga shed upstream from Murray Co Rd. 27; Mill stream from US Hwy 23-441 bridge; Moccasin Cr. watershed; Ruff Cr. watershed; Snake Cr. Cr. (Hasslers Mill Cr.) watershed that is in the Cr. from the Lake Burton hatchery water watershed; West Armuchee Cr. watershed; Holly Cr. watershed; Rock Cr. watershed (most intake downstream to the sign marking West Chickamauga Cr. watershed upstream northern of two Rock Crks. within Holly Cr. the approximate normal pool level of Lake from Walker Co Rd. 107. watershed) upstream from Murray Co Rd. 301. Burton; Overflow Cr. watershed; Stekoa Cr. watershed; Tallulah R. downstream to Lake WHITE COUNTY PAULDING COUNTY Burton; Warwoman Cr.; West Fork Chattooga R. (S) Chattahoochee R. watershed upstream from (S) Pumpkinvine Cr. watershed upstream from GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge; Chattahoochee R. Pauld­ing Co Rd. 231; Raccoon Cr. watershed STEPHENS COUNTY tributaries from GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge upstream from SR 2299 (Paulding Co Rd. 471). (YR) Little Toccoa Cr. watershed; North Fork downstream to GA Hwy 255 bridge except (YR) Possum Cr. watershed upstream from Broad R. watershed upstream from NRCS flood Dukes Cr. watershed downstream from the US Paulding Co Rd. 64; Powder Cr. watershed; control structure No. 1; Middle Fork Broad R. Forest Service property boundary, Sautee Cr., Tallapoosa River; Thompson Cr. watershed; watershed upstream from NRCS flood control and Smith Cr. watershed upstream to Unicoi Ward Cr. watershed. structure No. 44.; Panther Cr. watershed; Toccoa dam; Town Cr. watershed upstream from the Cr. watershed upstream from Toccoa Falls. mouth of Jenny Cr. PICKENS COUNTY (YR) Chattahoochee R. downstream from the (S) Amicalola Cr. watershed upstream from TOWNS COUNTY GA Hwy 75 Alternate bridge to the GA Hwy Dawson Co Rd. 192; Cove Cr. watershed (S) Bearmeat Cr. watershed; Bell Cr. watershed; 255 bridge; Dukes Cr. watershed downstream upstream from Pickens Co Rd. 294; Fisher Cr. Bugshuffle Branch watershed (Allen Mill Cr.); from the US Forest Service property boundary; watershed; Pin Hook Cr. watershed. Burch Branch watershed; Fodder Cr. watershed; Little Tesnatee Cr. watershed upstream from (YR) Ball Cr. watershed; Bluff Cr. watershed; Hog Cr. watershed; Shake Rag Branch water- the mouth of Turner Cr.; Sautee Cr.; Smith Cr. Cartecay R. watershed; Darnell Cr. water- shed; and all other streams or parts of streams downstream of Unicoi dam; Turner Cr. water- shed; Hobson Cr. watershed; Little Scarecorn not listed as year-round except: Hightower Cr. shed (one nearest to Cleveland City limits). Cr. watershed; Long Swamp Cr. watershed downstream from Towns Co Rd. 88; Hiwassee upstream from Cove Cr.; Mud Cr. watershed; R. downstream from Towns Co Rd. 87; and WHITFIELD COUNTY Rock Cr. watershed; Salacoa Cr. watershed; tributaries to Chatuge Reservoir not listed (YR) Coahulla Cr. watershed upstream from Scarecorn Cr. watershed upstream from GA below as year-round (may be fished year-round Whitfield Co Rd. 183; Dry Cr. watershed (part Hwy 53; Sevenmile Cr. watershed; Sharp without a trout license). of East Chickamauga Cr. watershed); Spring Mountain Cr. watershed; Soap Cr. watershed; (YR) Brasstown Cr. watershed downstream Cr. (Deep Spring Cr.) watershed; Swamp Cr. Talking Rock Cr. watershed upstream from from US Hwy 76 bridge; Charlies Cr. watershed; watershed upstream from Whitfield Co Rd. 9; S1011 (GA Hwy 136); Town Cr. watershed; Hightower Cr. downstream from US Hwy 76 Tiger Cr. watershed. Wildcat Cr. watershed. bridge to Towns Co Rd. 88; Hiwassee R. down- stream to Towns Co Rd. 87; Tallulah R. POLK COUNTY (YR) Cedar Cr. watershed upstream from UNION COUNTY Polk Co Rd. 121; Lassetter Cr. watershed; (S) Arkaqua Cr. watershed; Bracket Cr. water- Little Cedar Cr. watershed; Pumpkinpile Cr. shed; Butler Cr. watershed; Camp Cr. water- watershed upstream from Polk Co Rd. 437; shed; Conley Cr. watershed; Kiutuestia Cr. Silver Cr. watershed; Spring Cr. watershed; watershed; Low Cr. watershed; and all other Swinney Cr. watershed; Thomasson Cr. water- streams or parts of streams not listed below as shed; Thompson Cr. watershed upstream of year-round except: Butternut Cr. watershed; Polk Co Rd. 441. Nottely R. downstream from Nottely Dam and

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 27 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER GEORGIA FRESHWATER FISH

WHITE BASS • Seldom exceeds 3 pounds • Tongue with one tooth patch LARGEMOUTH BASS • Stripes often faint 2 • Upper jaw extends beyond eye • 2nd anal spine ⁄3 or more the • Spiny and soft dorsal fin separate or nearly so length of 3rd anal spine • Tongue normally smooth, tooth patch rare • State Record 5 lb. 1 oz. • World Record 22 lb. 4 oz.

HYBRID WHITE-STRIPED BASS • Back arched, body deep SMALLMOUTH BASS • Stripes distinct and usually broken • Upper jaw extends to about middle of eye • Tongue with two tooth patches 2 • Usually has vertical stripes along body • 2nd anal spine ⁄3 or more the length of • 3 short spines on anal fin 3rd anal spine • State Record 7 lb. 2 oz. • State Record 25 lb. 8 oz.

STRIPED BASS • Body slender • Stripes distinct, occasionally broken • Tongue with two tooth patches SPOTTED BASS • 2nd anal spine ½ or less the length • Upper jaw not past rear of eye of 3rd anal spine • Spiny and soft dorsal fin clearly connected • State Record 63 lb. • Tooth patch on tongue • State Record 8 lb. 2 oz. REDEYE BASS • Small tooth patch found on tongue • Sides olive to brown in coloring; dark vertical bars; prominent dark spot on the gill cover • White margin on tail • State Record 3 lb. 7 oz. SHOAL BASS • Found in Chattahoochee, Flint, and Ocmulgee Rivers FLATHEAD CATFISH • Vertical bars on fish of all sizes • Head wide and flat • No tooth patch on tongue • Body dark in color • Light golden color • Tail not forked • World Record 8 lb. 3 oz. • State Record 83 lb.

CHAIN PICKEREL (JACKFISH) WALLEYE • Elongated body with chain-like markings • Sharp teeth • Sharp needle-like teeth • No spots on dorsal fin • World Record 9 lb. 6 oz. • Dark area at base of dorsal fin • White spot at bottom of tail • State Record 11 lb. 6 oz. 28 WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM RAINBOW TROUT BLACK CRAPPIE • Small black dots throughout the body that extend into the tail • 7–8 dorsal spines • Red stripe along side on silvery body • Body color pattern irregular arranged spots • State Record 17 lb. 8 oz. • State Record 4 lb. 4 oz.

BROWN TROUT • Black and red-orange spots inside light circles on brown body • Caudal fin (tail) square REDEAR SUNFISH • State Record 18 lb. 6 oz. (SHELLCRACKER) • Red edge on operculum ear flap • Spotted body • State Record 4 lb. 2 oz.

BROOK TROUT • Light, wormlike markings on dark upper body • White leading edge on lower fins (pectoral, pelvic and anal) REDBREAST SUNFISH • State Record 5 lb. 10 oz. • Long, dark ear flap • Blue lines on head • Ear flap (operculum) not wider than eye • State Record 1 lb. 11 oz.

CHANNEL CATFISH • Numerous small, black spots present • Deeply forked tail fin • State Record 44 lb. 12 oz.

BLUEBACK HERRING BLUEGILL • Pointed snout • Small dorsal fin • Black spot on soft dorsal fin • Lower jaw sloped upward • Vertical bars on body • Body not as deep as gizzard shad • State Record 3 lb. 5 oz.

GIZZARD SHAD • Mouth below end of snout THREADFIN SHAD • Elongated dorsal fin ray • Mouth at end of snout • Deep body • Elongated dorsal fin ray • Blunt snout • Pointed snout • Yellow tail fin 29 Fish identification pictures:Duane Raver and Joseph Tomelleri FRESHWATER FRESHWATER FISH RECORDS

SPECIES WEIGHT ANGLER LOCATION DATE Bass, Hybrid 25 lb. 8 oz. David Hobby Lake Chatuge May 1995 Bass, Largemouth 22 lb. 4 oz George Perry Montgomery Lake June 1932 Bass, Redeye 3 lb. 7 oz. Steve Williams Lake Hartwell April 2004 Bass, Shoal 8 lb. 3 oz. David Hubbard Flint River Oct 1977 Bass, Smallmouth 7 lb. 2 oz. Jack Hall Lake Chatuge March 1973 Bass, Spotted 8 lb. 2 oz. Wayne Holland Lake Burton Feb 2005 Kelly Ward Oconee River May 1967 Bass, Striped (tie) 63 lb. Lake Richard B. Terry McConnell April 2009 Russell Bass, Suwanee 3 lb. 9 oz. Laverne Norton Ochlocknee River Oct 1984 Bass, White 5 lb. 1 oz. J.M. Hobbins Lake Lanier June 1971 Stephen Foster Bowfin 16 lb. Charles Conley May 1976 State Pk. Bullhead, Brown 5 lb. 8 oz. James Andrews O.F. Veal Pond May 1978 Bullhead, Yellow 4 lb. 15 oz. Glenn Settles Ogeechee River Oct 2003 Carp, Common 35 lb. 12 oz. Rev. Donald Clark Lake Jackson 1972 Lake Walter F. Catfish, Blue 80 lb. 4 oz. Earnest Timpson Feb 2010 George Catfish, Channel 44 lb. 12 oz. Bobby Smithwick Altamaha River May 1972 Carl Sawyer Altamaha River June 2006 Catfish, Flathead 83 lb. Jim Dieveney Altamaha River July 2010 Catfish, White 8 lb. 10 oz. James Sanders Savannah River June 1996 Shirley Lavender Acree's Lake June 1971 Crappie, Black (tie) 4 lb. 4 oz. Steve Cheek Lake Spivey March 1975 Crappie, White 5 lb. Theresa Kemp Bibb Co. Pond April 1984 Gar, Longnose 30 lb. 13 oz. Gerald Kennedy Lake Lanier Sept 2013 Muskellunge 38 lb. Rube Golden Blue Ridge Lake June 1957 Perch, Yellow 2 lb. 9 oz. Thomas Lewis Savannah River Feb 2013 Pickerel, Chain 9 lb. 6 oz. Baxley McQuaig Jr. Homerville Feb 1961 Pickerel, Redfin 2 lb. 10 oz. Gene Brantley Lewis' Pond July 1982 Pike, Northern 18 lb. 2 oz. Keith Gragg Lake Rabun June 1982 Clarks Hill Sauger 4 lb. 3 oz. Stuart Bowers April 1986 Reservoir Shad, American 8 lb. 3 oz. Henry Baxley Savannah River April 1986 Shad, Hickory 1 lb. 15 oz. Mark Bowers Ogeechee River April 1995 Sunfish, Bluegill 3 lb. 5 oz. P.F. Gumm Shamrock Lake July 1977 SPORTSMANʼS Sunfish, Flier 1 lb. 4 oz. Curt Brooks Lowndes Co. Pond Feb 1996 Sunfish, Green 1 lb. 7 oz. Jeff Sumner Private Pond Feb 2006 CABINS Sunfish, Redbreast 1 lb. 11 oz. Emory Walden Coweta Co. Pond April 1998 Sunfish, Redear 4 lb. 2 oz. Pat Lawrence Richmond Co. Pond June 1995 Sunfish, Spotted 10 oz. Mike Markovcic Brier Creek Sept 2003 Sunfish, Warmouth 2 lb. Carlton Robbins Private Pond May 1974 Trout, Brook 5 lb. 10 oz. Russell Braden Waters Creek March 1986 Trout, Brown 18 lb. 6 oz. Charles Ford Chattahoochee River Nov 2001 Trout, Rainbow 17 lb. 8 oz. Mark Cochran Soque River May 2004 Richard B. Russell Walleye 11 lb. 6 oz. Neal Watson Sept 1995 Lake Blue type denotes a World Record Fish (either IGFA or NFFHF)

Someone’s Stealing Georgia’s Wildlife • Poaching is the illegal taking of wildlife. • Poachers rob you of hunting opportunities. • Poachers steal everyone’s wildlife. • Poachers give ethical hunters a bad name. • Rewards are paid if an arrest is made. • Anonymity is respected.

6 SIZES AVAILABLE Go Ahead and [email protected] Dealers Wanted Make Their Day— 1-800-241-4113 205-625-5473 Turn In Poachers WE ARE AVAILABLE 24–7–365 www.brockshuntincabins.com

30 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM FRESHWATER COMMERCIAL FISHING & SALE OF FISH

Commercial Fishing • See Commercial Fishing above. • It is unlawful to fish commercially except • Game fish may also be sold byproperly in waters opened for commercial fishing by licensed commercial fish hatcheries, whole- regulation of the DNR Board. sale and retail fish dealers, and pond owners • It shall be unlawful to engage in commercial (see following paragraph) who conform to the freshwater fishing without having a valid Game and Fish Code. commercial fishing license. • Game fish may be sold from a pond when • It is unlawful for any person to sell or the owner has obtained a valid permit from purchase any game fish, however American DNR Law Enforcement Section (2 weeks shad, hickory shad, channel catfish, and flat- required to process). Note: The permit head catfish taken while commercial fishing must be displayed at the pond and the fish may be sold as described in the Game and must be packaged and labeled for transport • Registration applications are avail- Fish Code. from the pond with the permit number and able from any Fisheries Section office, at • For information on fish baskets, including the number and pounds of each species www.gofishgeorgia.com, or by calling usage, construction, and licensing contact contained in the package. Fish must remain 770-761-3044. Find Aquaculture informa- the nearest Fisheries Section office or visit so packaged until processed or released into tion under the Fishing Regulation section our website at www.gofishgeorgia.com another pond. Note: A permit will be issued of the WRD website. • For a complete copy of the freshwater only once annually and limits the time for • Domestic fish are lawfully obtained farmed commercial fishing regulations contact taking fish from the pond to 15 days. fish which are held in confinement in private the nearest Fisheries Section office or visit • Game fish shipped into Georgia may be ponds, but only if they are fish species which www.gofishgeorgia.com lawfully transported, sold, and resold are either indigenous to Georgia or have been • For saltwater commercial fishing information provided each person in possession of said recognized prior to 1992 as having an estab- contact the Coastal Resources Division or game fish has an authentic bill of sale or lished population in public waters in Georgia. visit www.coastalGADNR.org lading which details the source of the fish and White perch is not recognized as a domestic the species, number and pounds of the fish. fish. Persons in possession of domestic fish Sale of Fish & Aquaculture from registered aquaculturists must have an DOMESTIC FISH GAME FISH authentic bill of sale or lading which identi- • Aquaculturists (fish farmers) must register fies the seller, the date of transaction and It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase with the Department of Natural Resources at least two of the following for each fish any game fish except under the following in order to sell domestic fish. species: number, weight, or average length. conditions:

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 31 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com HUGE AQUARIUMS: FISH & ALLIGATORS STOCKED OUTDOOR FISHING POND EXHIBITS AND SIMULATORS

HOURS

FRI–SAT 9AM–5PM

SUN 1–5PM

PRICING

KIDS $3

SENIORS $4

ADULTS $5

ON I-75 TAKE EXIT 134 THEN HEAD EAST ENTRANCE ON THE LEFT GPS: N 32.43340 W 83.74360

1255 PERRY PKWY, PERRY | GOFISHEDUCATIONCENTER.COM | (478) 988-6701 WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM GetKids Hooked! KIDS FISHING EVENTS An easy way to get kids hooked is by going to a kids fishing event. Georgia events are offered during the spring and summer throughout the state. It’s a great way for kids to have a fun experience and takes the pressure off of parents and grandparents to ensure they hook a fish. These events are often staffed by experienced volunteers and held at ponds and other spots that are stocked for kids. Georgia Wildlife Resources Division supports most events by providing channel catfish and trout to improve their chances and educational materials. To find an event, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/kids-fishing

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Ask about field trips at your child’s school. Wildlife Resources Division has seven regional wildlife educational centers throughout the state. The Go Fish Education Center in Perry offers programs for all grade levels on fishing and conservation. The Go Fish center offers educational programs that include on-site classroom programs, public workshops and seminars. Classroom programs are interactive, hands-on lessons that align to the Georgia Performance Standards. Live fish and wildlife exhibits, fishing simulators, educational displays and a theater offer several options for teaching conservation. For more information, visit gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/kids-fishing.

SUMMER CAMPS Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (hour east of Atlanta) offers numerous day and overnight summer camps on conservation and outdoor recreation for ages 6-15. Activities include fishing, canoeing, hiking, pond studies, orienteering and more. Visit gofishgeorgia.com/CharlieElliott/Camps.

MORE INFO ONLINE Visit www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/kids-fishing for links to: • Find a Kids’ Fishing Event • Places to Take Kids Fishing • Tips for Fishing with Kids • “My First Fish” Certificate - download

BEST GIFT FOR A YOUNG ANGLER It’s never too early! Buy a lifetime license for a child and save hundreds. Lifetime licenses are full privilege sportsman’s licenses ($55 annually), and include all state paid recreational hunting and fishing privileges. Lifetime licenses include hunting, big game, Wildlife Management Area (WMA), alligator, Georgia waterfowl conservation, salt and freshwater fishing and mountain trout licenses. Consider the savings: Age Lifetime License Cost Under 2 years old $200 Ages 2-15 $350 16 and older $500

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 33 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.active.com/outdoors BRAGGING BOARD

Angler Awards Program Catching a big fish is always a thrill and usually requires exceptional If you think you, or someone you know, caught a new state freshwater fishing skill. Each year DNR recognizes the achievement of anglers record, follow these steps: who catch “trophy” fish by presenting them with an Angler Award. Fish do not have to be a new state record to qualify. Applications, • Do not clean or freeze the fish. minimum weights/lengths for species, and full program details are • Keep the fish cool, preferably on ice. available at any Fisheries office and atwww.gofishgeorgia.com . • Weigh the fish to the nearest ounce as soon as possible on scales To qualify you must: certified accurate by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (at Fisheries Section offices and businesses that sell products by • Catch your fish on legal sport fishing tackle in Georgia weight) in the presence of two witnesses over the age of 18. (see page 16). Witnesses cannot be members of the immediate family. Estimated • Meet the minimum weight or length requirements for that species. weights are not accepted. • Take the fish to a DNR Fisheries Office and have it positively • Take the fish to a DNR Fisheries Office as soon as possible and identified. A clear side view photo of the fish can now be used have it positively identified by a DNR fisheries biologist or techni- for identification in the case of “catch-and-release.” Please call cian. Please call the office before you come (list on page 4). before coming to an office to make sure that someone will be • Complete an application and submit with a clear side view photo available to identify your fish (list on page 4). of the whole fish within 90 days of the catch. • Complete application and submit it with a clear side view photo of • Freshwater Records see page 30 the whole fish to the address listed on the form. • Saltwater Records see page 44

34 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM FRESHWATER FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES: GEORGIA WATERS

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING FISH Fish Have Been Tested From The Following Sport fish caught in Georgia are generally good quality and safe to eat. Fish provide a high Water Bodies and No Restrictions on protein, low fat diet which is low in saturated Consumption Are Recommended fats. Fish may have substantial health benefits when they replace a high fat source of protein Lakes in the diet. City of Adairsville pond; Allen Creek WMA Ponds A and B; Brasstown Valley Kid Fish Pond; Bowles C. Ford Lake (Savannah); Carters; Clayton WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES? Co. Water Auth. lakes; Dodge Co. PFA; Flat Creek (PFA); Fort Yargo State Georgia DNR samples fish from water bodies Park; Hard Labor Cr. State Park (Rutledge); High Falls Lake; Juliette; each year to test for contaminants such as PCBs, Mayer; McDuffie PFA (East); Nancy Town Lake; Lake Oconee; Olmstead; chlordane, and mercury. Many of the fish tested Paradise PFA (Patrick and Horseshoe 4); Payton Park Pond; (Valdosta); have few or no contaminants and are safe to eat. Reed Bingham State Park; Rocky Mountain PFA Lakes Antioch (East and Waters where fish have been tested and West) and Heath; Seed; Shepard, Margery, and Bennett (CEWC); Sinclair; found to be clean are listed to the right. and Walter F. George; Silver Lake WMA. 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. Rivers and Creeks Recommendations are made to limit how often Alcovy River; Boen Creek (Rabun Co.); Brasstown Creek (Towns Co.); you eat a meal of fish from these sources to Broad River; Buffalo Creek (Carroll Co.); Butternut Creek (Union Co.); either once per week or month. A meal of fish is Cane Creek (Lumpkin Co.); Chattahoochee River (Chattahoochee, Early about 4 to 8 ounces. These guidelines are based and Stewart Cos.); Chattanooga Creek; Chattooga River (NW Ga.); on eating fish from a listed area for at least 30 Chickasawhatchee Creek; Coleman River; Conasauga River in Cohutta years. That is because it would take months or Forest; Dukes Creek; Daniels Creek (Cloudland Canyon State Park); East/ years of regularly eating contaminated food South Chickamauga Creek; Goldmine Branch; Jacks River; Jones Creek; to accumulate levels in your body that would Little Dry Creek (Floyd Co.); Little Tallapoosa River; Little Tennessee River; affect your health. Mill Creek (Whitfield Co.); Moccasin Creek (Lake Burton Trout Hatchery); “One meal per week” means that eating Mud Creek (Cobb Co.); Nickajack Creek; Noonday Creek (Cobb Co.); a 4- to 8-ounce serving no more than once Ocmulgee River (Butts, Monroe, Houston and Pulaski Cos.); Oconee River per week should cause no significant (below Barnett Shoals to Lake Oconee, Laurens Co. and Milledgeville to health risks. Dublin); North and Middle Oconee Rivers; Ogeechee River (Ft. McAllister); Olley Creek; Ponder Branch (Walker Co.); Proctor Creek (Cobb Co.); Slab SPECIAL NOTICE FOR Camp Creek (Oconee Co.); South River (Hwy 36, Butts Co.); Spirit Creek; PREGNANT WOMEN, NURSING Stamp Creek (Pine Log WMA); Stekoa Creek; Yahoola Creek; Yellow MOTHERS AND CHILDREN River; Sewell Mill Creek (Cobb Co); Tallulah River; Upatoi Creek; Tribu- If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, or tary to Cedar Creek (Hart County WMA); Headwaters of Chestatee River plan to become pregnant soon, you and also children under 6 years of age are sensitive to (Turner’s Corner); and Hayner’s Creek (Savannah). 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 Cook fish so fat drips away.Broil, bake, GUIDELINES FOR GEORGIA HEALTH RISK or grill fish and do not use the drippings. The following tables list the current guidelines Eat smaller fish and vary the kind of fish Deep-fat frying removes some contaminants, for eating fish for lakes and rivers in Georgia. you eat. Contaminants build up in top preda- but discard the oil once you have cooked the Please note: Lakes and rivers listed on tors (bass), bottom feeders (catfish), and older fish. Pan frying removes few contaminants. this page (above) have been tested and (larger) fish to a greater extent than panfish, the fish found to contain little or no such as bream and crappie. contamination. If the lake or stream where Clean and cook fish properly.Some chemi- you fish is listed in the following tables (on cals have a tendency to concentrate in the fatty pages 36–39), it is safe to eat the amount tissues of fish. By removing the fish's skin and listed for a given species from that body of trimming the fat, you can substantially reduce water. Water bodies are listed alphabetically. contaminants.

“These guidelines are non-binding recommendations EPD determines based on the body of water a fish comes from, the species of fish and the amount of fish a 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 consumption guidelines are not necessarily assessed as impaired using USEPA guidelines for Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.” More details on fish contaminant testing are available in the publication “Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters” available at: www.gaepd.org Call for a copy or more information: Environmental Protection Division: 404-656-4713 Coastal Resources Division: 912-264-7218 Wildlife Resources Division: 770-918-6406

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 35 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES: RIVERS & CREEKS

NO RESTRICTIONS ONE MEAL PER WEEK ONE MEAL PER MONTH DO NOT EAT NO DATA Bass, LargemouthBass, Other Bass, Shoal Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Bluegill Bowfin Buffalo Bullhead Carp Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel FlatheadCatfish, Catfish, White Crappie StripedMullet, Chain Pickerel, Redbreast Redhorse Redear Sucker Sunfish, Other Alapaha River Alapahoochee River Allatoona Creek (Cobb Co.)

Altamaha River

Altamaha River (below US Route 25)

Apalachee River

Beaver Creek (Taylor Co.)

Brier Creek (Burke Co.)

Canoochee River

Casey Canal

Chattooga River (NE Ga., Rabun Co.)

Chattooga River (Helen to Lk. Lanier)

Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam)

Chattahoochee River (Morgan Falls Dam to Peachtree Crk.)

Chattahoochee River (Peachtree Crk. to Pea Crk.)

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

Chattahoochee River (Morgan Falls Dam to West Pt. Lk.) * Chattahoochee River (West Point dam to I-85) Chattahoochee River (Oliver Dam to Upatoi Crk.) Chestatee River (below Tesnatee Riv.)

Chickamauga Creek (West)

Cohulla Creek (Whitfield Co.)

Conasauga River (below Stateline) <18" Coosa River >20" 18 –32" (River Mile Zero to Hwy 100, Floyd Co.) <20" >32" <18" Coosa River (Hwy 100 to Stateline, Floyd Co.) 18 –32" >32" Coosa River (Coosa, Etowah below <20" Thompson-Weinman dam, Oostanaula) ≥20" Coosawattee River (below Carters)

Etowah River (Dawson Co.)

Etowah River (above Lake Allatoona)

Etowah River (below Lake Allatoona dam)

Flint River (Spalding/Fayette Cos.)

Flint River (Meriwether/Upson/Pike Cos.)

Flint River (Taylor Co.)

Flint River (Macow/Dooly/Worth/Lee Cos.) <16" Flint River (Doughterty/Baker Mitchell Cos.) 16–30" >30" Gum Creek (Crisp Co.)

36 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM NO RESTRICTIONS ONE MEAL PER WEEK ONE MEAL PER MONTH DO NOT EAT NO DATA Bass, LargemouthBass, Other Bass, Shoal Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Bluegill Bowfin Buffalo Bullhead Carp Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel FlatheadCatfish, Catfish, White Crappie StripedMullet, Chain Pickerel, Redbreast Redhorse Redear Sucker Sunfish, Other Holly Creek (Murray Co.) Ichawaynochaway Creek Kinchafoonee Creek (above Albany) Little River (above Clarks Hill Lake) Little River (above Ga. Hwy 133, Valdosta)

Mill Creek (Murray Co.)

Muckalee Creek (above Albany)

Ochlockonee River (near Thomasville)

Ocmulgee River (below Macon, Bibb Co.)

Ocmulgee River (Telfair/Wheeler Cos.)

Oconee River (above Barnett Shoals)

Oconee River (at I-16)

Ogeechee River (all to Ft. McAllister)

Ohoopee River (Emanuel/Toombs Cos.)

Okefenokee Swamp (Billy’s Lake) <20" Oostanaula River (Floyd/Gordon Counties) ≥20" Patsiliga Creek (Taylor Co.) Pipemaker Canal Satilla River (Waycross, Ware/Pierce Cos.) <30" Satilla River (near Folkston, Camden Co.) >30" †† Savannah River (above & below New Sav. Bluff Lock & Dam) Savannah River (Chatham/Screven Cos.) Savannah River (Effingham Co.)

Savannah River (Tidal Gate)

Savannah River (New Savannah Bluff Lock ≥27" †† & Dam to Savannah Estuary) Short Creek (Warren Co.) South River (Panola Shoals, Rockdale Co.) South River (Henry Co., Snapping Shoals)

Spring Creek (Seminole/Decatur/Miller Cos.)

St. Mary's River (Camden Co.)

St. Mary's River (Charlton Co.)

Sugar Creek (Murray Co.)

Sumac Creek (Murray Co.)

Suwannee River

Swamp Creek (Redwine Cove Road)

Talking Rock Creek

Tallapoosa River

Trib. To Hudson River (Alto, Banks Co.)

Withlacoochee River (Berrien/Lowndes Cos.)

* This striped bass population migrates annually between West Point Lake and Morgan Falls Dam. †† Women who are pregnant or nursing and young children may wish to further restrict their consumption due to the variable mercury levels in these fish.

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 37 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com FRESHWATER FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES: LAKES

NO RESTRICTIONS ONE MEAL PER WEEK ONE MEAL PER MONTH DO NOT EAT NO DATA Bass, Hybrid Bass, LargemouthBass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Other Bass, Bluegill Carp Crappie Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel FlatheadCatfish, Catfish, Other Suckers RedearSunfish, Walleye Albany By-Pass Pond Acworth >16" Allatoona >16" >16" >16" Andrews >12" Banks 12-16” Bartlett’s Ferry >16" >16" >12" >16" >12" Bear Cr. Reservoir <16" >12" Bennett CEWC PFA >12" Black Shoals (Randy Poynter) 12-16" >12" Blackshear >12" >12" >12" Big Lazer PFA >16" Blue Ridge 12-16" 12-16" >16" Burton >16" 12-16" >16" Pond N. Bush Field (Augusta) 12-16" Carters Lake >16" >16" Chatuge 12-16" Clarks Hill >16" Evans County PFA >16" <12" 12-16" Goat Rock >16" >12" >16" Hamburg 12-16" 12-16" >16" 12-16" Hartwell (Tugaloo Arm) >16" >16" >16" >16" >16" >16" Hartwell (main body of lake) Hugh M. Gillis PFA 12-16" Jackson Ken Gardens >12" Kolomoki Mounds S.P. – Kolomoki L. >12" Kolomoki Mounds S.P. – Yohola L. >12" Lanier >16" >16" >16" Little Ocmulgee S. P. >16" 12-16" McDuffie PFA, West Nottely >12" >16" Oliver >12" >16" Rabun >16" >16" Reed Bingham S.P. >12" >16" Richard B. Russell >12" Seminole >12" 12-16" So. Slappy Blvd. Off-ramp (Albany) >16" Stone Mountain >16" Tobesofkee >12" Tugalo >12" >16" Tribble Mill Pk. Pond (Gwinnett Co.) 12-16" Varner >12" West Point >16" >16" Worth (Chehaw Reservoir) 12-16" >16" Worth (Flint Reservoir) >12" Yonah 12-16" 12-16" 38 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM SALT WATER FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES: COASTAL RIVERS & CREEKS

NO RESTRICTIONS ONE MEAL PER WEEK

ONE MEAL PER MONTH DO NOT EAT NO DATA Atlantic Croaker Atlantic Striped Bass, Bivalves* Blue Crab BlackDrum, Drum, Red Flounder Sheepshead Southern Kingfish (Whiting) Spot Spotted Seatrout Striped Mullet Shrimp White Shrimp, Yellowtail (Silver Perch)

Turtle River System (Purvis, Gibson Crks.)

Turtle & Buffalo Rivers (upriver Hwy 303) Turtle River (Hwy 303 to Channel Marker 9) Turtle River (C. Marker 9 & So. Brunswick River to Dubignons & Parsons Creeks) Terry Creek (South of Torras Causeway to Lanier Basin) Terry & Dupree Creeks (North of Torras Causeway to Confluence w/ Back River) Back River (1 mi. above Terry Creek to Confluence with Torras Causeway)

Back River (South of Torras Cswy. to St. Simons Sound) Floyd Creek Academy Creek Altamaha Estuary Hayner’s Creek (Savannah) North Newport (Upper), incl. Cay/Peacock Savannah Estuary ≥27" * Bivalves are all clams, mussels and oysters; Shellfish ban under National Shellfish Sanitation Program. KING MACKEREL SPECIAL JOINT STATE CONSUMPTION 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 1 meal per month for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children age 12 and younger 33 to 39 inches 1 meal per week for other adults Over 39 inches Do Not Eat

Saltwater Advisory Good Fishing Depends Harmful toxins called PCBs are stored in the hepato- pancreas (“the green gland” also known as the mustard, on Clean Water tomalley, or liver) found in the body section of blue crabs. Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are expe- riencing algae blooms that cover our favorite fishing Recent studies have shown that crabs in the Middle spots with green slime and cause fish kills and “dead Turtle River and Purvis and Gibson Creeks contain high zones” where no aquatic life can survive. The cause levels of PCBs. While the crab meat may still be eaten is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that in recommended amounts, the hepatopancreas should comes from farm and lawn fertilizers, septic systems, not be eaten because of the high PCB levels. animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Here’s If crabs are cooked whole, the juice should not be what you can do to keep the water clean: consumed. Because PCBs are transferred to cooking liquid, crab cooking liquid should also be discarded. • Take care not to • Use green practices: rain over fertilize barrels, rain gardens, and Cleaning crabs before you cook them ("backing" the • Pick up pet waste permeable pavements crabs and rinsing out the guts and the gills) reduces the and properly manage • Maintain septic systems risk of consuming PCBs. waste from livestock • Encourage your community to invest

Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing! Learn more at: www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 39 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com Close to home & your budget!

Georgia State Parks offer many options for anglers: • Beautiful lakes and clean rivers and streams • Coastal fishing trips • Boat ramps and boat rentals • Fully-stocked, lake-front cottages • Scenic tent and RV campsites Come for the solitude or an adventure with family and friends. Enjoy Georgia’s natural resources while casting a line in the water. You’ll have a great time whether you catch a fish or catch a nap!

For overnight reservations call 800-864-7275.

GeorgiaStateParks.org 40 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM Georgia Bass Trail These tournament-style ramp facilities include multiple boat ramp lanes, extra capacity parking lots and weigh-in areas for tournaments. All 14 mega boat ramps improve access for local anglers and help communities attract major bass fishing tournaments. Two more ramps are in the permitting or construction stages. Local communities aid in the planning and development and then assume responsibility for the maintenance. Communities market the ramps to local, regional and national fishing groups for tournaments and other events. It’s a win-win for the community as locals have full access for recreational boating and fishing year-round.

Go Fish Georgia Initiative The Go Fish Georgia Initiative seeks to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism and boost economic development. Leveraging public and private support, the initia- tive is improving access, quality and awareness of fishing in Georgia through: • Interactive education about Georgia’s diverse aquatic life, their natural habitats and the wise stewardship of these resources through the Go Fish Education Center in Perry • Quality fisheries supported by state- of-the-art indoor/ outdoor warm water fish hatcheries • The Georgia Bass Trail

Did you know? • 829,000 people fish in Georgia every year, many of those are from out of the state • Anglers generate almost 16,000 jobs • Fishing has a 2.1 billion dollar economic effect

SOUCRES: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, American Sportfishing Association

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 41 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com SALT WATER RECREATIONAL FISHING

Fishing Licenses: See page 10 for informa- Gray's Reef Sanctuary Program tion on license requirements. 10 Ocean Science Circle • Licenses are required for hook and line fishing, Savannah, GA 31411 castnetting, seining, crabbing, gigging, sport 912-598-2345 bait trawling, and harvesting shellfish. www.graysreef.nos.noaa.gov • A Georgia Fishing license is required for anglers returning to Georgia ports or tran- WANTON WASTE siting Georgia waters with recreational Sort or cull your catch on the water. Return catches from federal waters beyond the state's undersized or unwanted wildlife to the water 3-mile territorial sea. alive. When you throw away wildlife, you are Sharks: Recreational harvest of sharks is • Reciprocal agreements with Alabama, South not only wasting valuable resources, but you limited to hook and line gear only. Carolina, and Florida currently do not apply are also breaking the law! to saltwaters. RELATED DEFINITIONS • Georgia saltwater fishing guides have the ARTIFICIAL REEFS Maximum Size: the specific size in length option of purchasing a blanket fishing Georgia maintains 15 inshore and 22 offshore above which it is unlawful to take that finfish license to cover their customers. Anglers artificial reefs located from inside the estuary species. booking a trip with a Georgia saltwater to 80 miles offshore. The 19 reefs beyond 3 Minimum Size: the specific size in length fishing guide should inquire if they will miles offshore are designated as federal Special below which it is unlawful to take that finfish need a Georgia fishing license or whether Management Zones and as such, only allow species. they will be covered by the guide's license. hand-held hook-n-line and spear fishing gear. Open Season: that specified period of time Persons interested in purchasing a Saltwater For more information, coordinates and updates during which one may take certain finfish Guide’s License should call the DNR Coastal go to www.CoastalGADNR.org. species from any waters of the state.

Regional License Office at 912-264-7237. Daily Creel Limit: the lawful amount of a species of finfish that a person may take in Saltwater Fishing one day. Information Possession Limit: the lawful amount of a GEORGIA SALTWATER species of finfish that a person can legally have at any one time. FISHING REGULATIONS For more information about Shallow Water Blackout is an underwater “faint” Bushel:due to 9.3 gallons or approximately 37 For information and updates on licenses, regu- shallow water blackout go to a lack of oxygen to the brain brought on by holdingquarts. lations, and fishing in Georgia's inshore and shallowwaterblackoutprevention.orgyour breath for long periods of time. Without offshore saltwaters contact: immediate rescue, the swimmer quickly drowns.Saltwater Demarcation Line Georgia DNR Coastal BOATING SAFETY ZONES This line is established in this state as the sepa- Law Enforcement BoatingSWB is safetymost commonzones have among been establishedphysically fitoff swimmers, ration point between saltwaters and freshwaters One Conservation Way, Suite 201 spear fishermen and free divers. Jekyll, Tybee, St. Simons, and Sea islands. These for commercial fishing and sport fishing. The Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 zones extend from the northernmost point to saltwater demarcation line is defined below: 912-264-7237 or fax 912-262-3166  SWB can happen in any depth of water from the southernmost point of each of these islands • The point at which U.S. Highway 17 crosses Coastal Resources Division your bath tub to the ocean. and from the highwater mark to a distance 1,000 the following bodies of water and their tribu- Marine Fisheries Section  Hyperventilation in order to increase dive time feetleads seaward. to Shallow From Water Blackout.May 1 through September taries shall be the line of demarcation for One Conservation Way, 30, SWB power is most boats, common jet among skis, free and divers/spear other motorized them: St. Mary's River, Satilla River, South Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 craftfisherman are prohibited that are pushing in these themselves zones. to hold Altamaha River, Champney River, Butler 912-264-7218 or fax 912-262-2318 their breath longer. River, Darien River, Little Ogeechee System www.CoastalGADNR.org  It happens to divers of all fitness levels . . . even SaltwaterNavy SEALs. Finfish (except Salt Creek), North Newport River, FEDERAL SALTWATER LANDINGTo Learn REQUIREMENTS/ More: www.shallowwaterblackoutprevention.org Medway River, Big Ogeechee River, and the FISHING REGULATIONS TRANSFER PROHIBITION point at which Georgia Highway 25/South Carolina 170 crosses the Savannah River and For information and updates on recreationalShallow All Water saltwater Blackout isfinfish a phenomenon (including that is claiming sharks) the lives ofunder swimmers and divers all over the world. First observed in Australia, it is now recognized as a universal killer.its SWBtributaries. All water seaward of these fishing regulations in federal waters (3–200 state or federal regulation must be landed happens when a person takes steps, such as hyperventilation, to rid the body of excesspoints carbon shall be considered saltwater. miles offshore), contact: dioxidewith in an head attempt and to take fins in more intact. oxygen andAnglers stay down longer.must However,make it is high levels of CO2, not low levels of oxygen, that trigger the body’s need to breath. Without• sufficientThe following lev- streams and their tributaries South Atlantic Fishery catches available for inspection by government els of CO2 to tell the body to breath, the diver can stay down too long. He then “faints”are designatedunder as salt water for their entire Management Council waterofficials. and drowns if heSaltwater is not rescued finfish immediately. subject to size and length: Crooked River, Little Satilla River, 4055 Faber Place Dr., Suite 201 bag limits cannot be transferred to another SWB can happen to anyone holding their breath for extended periods of time, especiallySouth those Brunswick River, Turtle River, Sapelo North Charleston, SC 29405 who personpractice competitive, or vessel repetitive on breath the- holdingwater. because Commercial they are more likely to be pushing River, South Newport River, Salt Creek (Little 843-571-4366 or 866-SAFMC-10 their licenseslimits and staying are down required longer. Fitness to selllevel isrecreationally not a factor as the most fit swimmers/ divers are the ones most likely to be striving to lengthen their dive time. Even NavyOgeechee SEALs are System), and all other rivers, streams, www.safmc.net constantlycaught monitored finfish. in training because they are at higher risk. And SWB can happen in any depth of water, even a bath tub where a diver might be practicing his breath holdingand skills. tributaries in the six coastal counties For information and updates on federal regula- GEAR which are not enumerated in this subsection. tions and required permitting for tunas, billfish, • For purposes of crabbing, that portion of A seine may not be used as a gill net (a net and sharks, contact: the St. Mary's River and the Satilla River constructed of single webbing attached to a National Marine Fisheries Service System (including the Satilla River and White float line and lead line and fished in a stationary HMS Management Division Oak Creek) which is seaward of the points manner to ensnare or entangle fish in the meshes). 1315 East-West Hwy at which the Seaboard Coastline Railroad Only flounder may be taken with a gig (any Silver Spring, MD 20910 crosses such streams and that portion of the handheld shaft with single or multiple points, 301-713-2347 Altamaha River System which is seaward of barbed or barbless). www.nmfspermits.com the points at which I-95 crosses the streams All seasons, hours, creel limits, minimum of that system shall be considered salt water. For information on the Gray's Reef National size limits, and other regulations appli- It shall be unlawful to place any crab trap Marine Sanctuary contact: cable to saltwater finfish apply regardless in the waters of this state other than that of the gear used. described as salt water in Code Section 27-4-1 or by this subsection.

42 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM Attention Anglers: Be Counted, Be Heard If you enjoy saltwater fishing in Georgia, we have important news for you. Get Your FREE SIP Permit. Anyone who holds a Georgia fishing license In 2013, GADNR started a Saltwater Information Program (SIP) to help and wants to fish in saltwater will need a manage our saltwater fishery resources. We are relying on the participation FREE, annual SIP permit. of you and your fellow saltwater anglers. Obtain it from any current license vendor. To locate a vendor, visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org/SIP or call 1-800-366-2661 (M-F from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sat – Sun from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Download your permit on the Internet at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/SIP Don’t Be Late—Renew your SIP permit beginning March 1, 2014. For Frequently Asked Questions or assistance, please visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org/SIP or call 1-800-366-2661.

Frequently asked questions about the Georgia Saltwater Information Program (SIP) Permit Q. What’s this all about? recreationally fishing in saltwater. Plus, tens of Q. Is the SIP permit available like other A. The Saltwater Information Program (SIP) thousands of Georgians have lifetime, senior, hunting and fishing licenses? permit is part of a nationwide effort to collect honorary or other long-term licenses that are A. You bet. We want this to be as easy and contact information annually for everyone who not renewed each year. Without their contact user friendly as possible. Your SIP permit is fishes recreationally in saltwater. Doing so will information, there is no way to do more than available through any license vendor currently help state and federal fishing effort surveyors make an educated guess how often they go selling hunting and fishing licenses in person, improve their ability to contact anglers peri- fishing and how many fish they catch. That’s by telephone or internet. Please make sure odically and ask them questions about their a problem. Bottom line: The SIP permit will you provide an accurate email address, if you fishing activities. This information is the back- help us to ensure fish are out there to catch have one. Then we can send you an automatic bone of good saltwater fishery management. when you, your children or grandchildren email reminder every year when it is time for Having an accurate Georgia “phone book” of go saltwater fishing. Besides, this free permit you to renew your license and SIP permit. If all recreational saltwater anglers will provide exempts all Georgia anglers from having to you renew early, you will receive a “renewal a better picture of how many people go fishing register with the federal government through discount” and be charged $2.75 less for your and what they catch. This will result in a better something known as the National Saltwater new license and SIP permit. understanding of the impact of recreational Angler Registry, and pay a federal registration Q. What does my SIP permit look like? fishing on fish populations, and will lead to charge every year. A. When you get a SIP permit you will receive better fishery management decisions to create Q. How much does the SIP permit cost? an updated print out that adds the SIP permit and maintain sustainable saltwater fisheries. A. The SIP permit is free, whether you add it to to all your other valid licenses so you only It will also allow us to document the impor- an existing license or include it in the purchase have to carry one piece of paper. If you have a tance of saltwater recreational fishing so that of a new license. lifetime, senior or other long-term license, you services like boat ramps and fishing piers are will need to carry that along with the docu- provided and maintained. Q. Doesn’t this cost DNR money that mentation of your SIP permit. won’t be available to spend on other fish- Q. I already have a Georgia saltwater fish- ery management activities like hatcheries, Q. I’m a senior citizen and have a senior ing license. Why do I need this permit? boat ramps, and such? license. What does any of this have to do A. There is only one type of saltwater fishing A. The company that manages the Georgia with me? license in Georgia and that’s a 1-day license hunting and fishing license system is not A. Even if you have a senior license you still for fishing from shore in the saltwaters of the charging the state any extra to administer need to obtain a SIP permit if you plan to fish state. The SIP permit is automatically included the SIP permit process. The one-time cost of in saltwater. We need contact information from when purchasing this 1-day license. All other updating the computer programming of the all saltwater anglers over the age of 16 to ensure short-term or annual Georgia fishing licenses license system to include the SIP permit was that our survey results are accurate. cover both freshwater and saltwater and will paid by a grant from NOAA Fisheries. require you to obtain the SIP permit when

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 43 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com SALT WATER GEORGIA'S SALTWATER GAMEFISH RECORDS

MEN'S RECORD WOMEN'S RECORD SPECIES WEIGHT MALE ANGLER (year) WEIGHT FEMALE ANGLER (year) Amberjack, Greater 92 lb. 1 oz. Ben W. Key. Jr. (1975) 72 lb. 8 oz. Tricia L. Nicosia (1986) Barracuda, Great 54 lb. 8 oz. Wayne Hall (1999) 47 lb. 8 oz. Marie Franklin (1999) 5 lb. 11 oz. J.C. Hadden, Jr. (1994) Bass, Black Sea (tie) 4 lb. 8 oz. Evelyn B. Carter (1983) 5 lb. 12 oz. Willie J. Oakman (1998) Bluefish* 17 lb. 12 oz. Gary Q. Altman (1980) 14 lb. 4 oz. Kathy Sikes (1986) Cobia 88 lb. 12 oz. Jeffrey Clark (1985) 68 lb. 5 oz. Wanda Carroll (1999) Croaker, Atlantic 5 lb. 12 oz. David Flynt (1977) 1 lb. 1 oz. Gretchen Keister (1992) Dolphin 67 lb. 6 oz. Michael Sheppard (1997) 54 lb. 8 oz. Romona Arsenault (1977) Drum, Black 92 lb. 0 oz. John H. Thomas Jr. (2010) 80 lb. 0 oz. Jennifer Swenson (2009) Drum, Red (Channel Bass)* 47 lb. 7 oz. Richard Price (1986) 38 lb. 13 oz. Sandra Price (1986) Flounder (Composite) 15 lb. 8 oz. Walter C. Hewitt (1982) 15 lb. 10 oz. Janice Youmans (1990) Grouper, Gag 38 lb. 0 oz. David Sapp (2002) 20 lb. 0 oz. Joyce L. Richards (1984) Grouper, Goliath* 124 lb. 0 oz. James Chumley (1976) Harvest prohibited, therefore record no longer allowed. Grouper, Red 19 lb. 8 oz. John Wren (2012) 26 lb. 0 oz. Wayne Hall (1995) Grouper, Scamp (tie) 23 lb. 6 oz. Kathy Wash (1987) 26 lb. 4 oz. James Hubbard (2009) Grouper, Warsaw 252 lb. 0 oz. Gene Whitehurst (1981) Harvest prohibited, therefore record no longer allowed. Jack, Crevalle 38 lb. 8 oz. Lex Bazemore (2001) 30 lb. 6 oz. Ann Allen (1981) Kingfish (Whiting) 2 lb. 12 oz. Harold Guinn (1975) 2 lb. 4 oz. Lois E. Guinn (1975) Ladyfish 3 lb. 12 oz. Dwight Thornton (1977) 5 lb. 0 oz. Marjorie Nighbert (1978) Mackerel, King 75 lb. 12 oz. Joe H. Bell (2004) 42 lb. 0 oz. Joyce Richards (1982) Mackerel, Spanish 8 lb. 4 oz. James I. Geiger (1991) 7 lb. 14 oz. Ida Knight (1988) Marlin, Blue* 491 lb. 8 oz. John C. Howard, Jr. (1985) 178 lb. 0 oz. Susan D. Meek (1985) Marlin, White* 49 lb. 12 oz. Thomas Hester (1986) Harvest prohibited, therefore record no longer allowed. Mullet, Striped 9 lb. 3 oz. Steve Middleton (1994) Minimum weight: 4 lbs. Pinfish 1 lb. 9 oz. Will Ricks (2012) Pompano, Florida 5 lb. 4 oz. Bill Knightbuford (2002) 1 lb. 7 oz. Laura A. Cheek (1982) Porgy (Composite) 15 lb. 14 oz. Louis F. Jiran (1988) Minimum weight: 3 lbs. Porgy, Red 5 lb. 6 oz. Jimmy Ginn (1980) Minimum weight: 4 lbs. Runner, Rainbow 17 lb. 12 oz. Tyler Bond (1984) Minimum weight: 5 lbs. Sailfish* 65 lb. 0 oz. Vann Downs (1981) 38 lb. 5 oz. Laura Hammond (1992) Seatrout,Spotted 9 lb. 7 oz. Tommy Hall (1976) 7 lb. 8 oz. Amanda Wooten (1990) Shark, Blacktip 131 lb. 0 oz. Albert Lee Boyd (1978) 148 lb. 0 oz. Allison Gerber (2008) Shark, Bonnethead 22 lb. 8 oz. Zachery Gross (2009) 22 lb. 11.5 oz. Amanda Page (2012) Shark, Bull 455 lb. 0 oz. Mark D. Noble (1978) 121 lb. 9oz Jennifer Swenson (2011) Shark, Dusky* 272 lb. 8 oz. Bill Hunter (1978) 6 lb. 2 oz. Wendy Mead (1982) Shark, Hammerhead 770 lb. 0 oz. Charlie Marshall (1973) 10 lb. 0 oz. Katherine Bullis (1985) Shark, Lemon 375 lb. 0 oz. Thomas Winslow (1974) 322 lb. 0 oz. Deborah Carpenter (2011) Shark, Mako 228 lb. 8 oz. Harry Wooley (1975) No minimum weight Shark, Nurse 244 lb. 0 oz. Bill Watson (1981) Minimum weight: 50 lbs. Shark, Sandbar (Brown)* 158 lb. 8 oz. Chet Lee Kirby (1979) 124 lb. 0 oz. Dorothea Bays (1985) Shark, Sand Tiger* 290 lb. 0 oz. Billy Castle (1977) 212 lb. 6 oz. Clara Adams (1984) Shark, Spinner 145 lb. 6 oz. Edward J. Hawie (2009) Minimum weight: 50 lbs. Shark, Thresher 116 lb. 0 oz. Mark D. Noble (1976) Minimum weight: 50 lbs. Shark, Tiger 794 lb. 0 oz. Chuck Hall (1975) 190 lb. 0 oz. Pam Page (2012) Sheepshead 14 lb. 14 oz. Ralph V. White (2002) 12 lb. 9 oz. Linda Carroll (2003) Snapper, Cubera 10 lb. 0 oz. Chris Gray (2012) Snapper, Red 37 lb. 8 oz. Bill Shearin, Jr. (1988) 29 lb. 8 oz. Phyllis Thompson (1989) Snapper, Gray 12 lb. 9 oz. David Blackshear (2011) Minimum weight: 5 lbs. Snook 10 lb. 2 oz. Lester Rooks (1990) 10 lb. 6 oz. Marlene Patton (2008) Spadefish, Atlantic 13 lb. 2 oz. Shahram Zare (2004) 11 lb. 5 oz. Deidra H. Jeffcoat (2003) Swordfish 86 lb. 0 oz. W.H. Lippitt (1980) No minimum weight Tarpon 161 lb. 0 oz. C. Edwards (1995) 139 lb. 0 oz. Wendy A. Mead (1986) Triggerfish, Gray 11 lb. 3 oz. Dean Williams (1989) 11 lb. 5 oz. Elizabeth Zeagler (1987) Tripletail 38 lb. 14 oz. Kyle Thigpen (2005) 22 lb. 7 oz. Joan Thigpen (1994) Tuna, Blackfin 38 lb. 10 oz. Teddy Elrod (2005) 30 lb. 8 oz. Penny Morgan-Turner (1999) Tuna, Yellowfin 249 lb. 2 oz. Ken Cooper (1980) 165 lb. 4 oz. Anne Smith (1973) Tunny, Little 19 lb. 4 oz. John Smits (2010) 20 lb. 0 oz. Str. Mary Clarice (1973) Wahoo 123 lb. 3 oz. Michael Stefanick (2000) 77 lb. 0 oz. Linda Li-Chao Yang (1988) Weakfish (Summer Trout) 6 lb. 8 oz. Frank Taylor (1976) Minimum weight: 3 lb. For more information on Saltwater records, go to Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218 RED indicates new record! * Current regulations require the immediate release of these fish and therefore are not eligible for state records. Due to the maximum 23 inch size limit on Red Drum, a state record cannot be submitted.

44 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM

SALT WATER FINFISH SEASONS, LIMITS, SIZES All limits per person unless specified. FL = fork length, TL = total length Tagged Fish (see "How to Measure a Fish," page 52) Coastal Resources Division DAILY LIMIT AND MINIMUM SIZE (CRD) biologists are conducting SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (inches) long-term studies on the Amberjack (no sale 4/1–4/30)* All year 1 28 FL growth, migration and fishing exploitation rates of red drum, American Eel All year 25 9 TL tarpon, and tripletail. If you Atlantic croaker All year 25 catch a tagged fish, please record and report the following Atlantic sturgeon No Harvest information: 1) your name, Billfish (Blue marlin, address, and phone number, Catch and Release Only White marlin, Sailfish)* 2) fish species, 3) date caught, 4) tag number, 5) total length Black drum All year 15 14 TL and location, and 6) whether Black sea bass* All year 15 12 TL the fish was kept or released. To report a tagged fish call Bluefish All year 15 12 FL (912) 264-7218. If released, Cobia* All year 2 33 FL please do not remove the tag.

10 (Not to exceed 60 per If kept, please return the tag to boat, except for headboats GADNR/CRD, One Conserva- Dolphin* All year 20 FL which are allowed 10 per tion Way, Brunswick, GA 31520. paying customer. If the tag number is not legible Flounder All year 15 12 TL lightly scrape the tag with your fingernail or similar flat object. Gag grouper (no sale 3/1–4/30)* All year 2 24 TL Tripletail with tag ID beginning King mackerel* All year 3 24 FL with the prefix “TT” contain surgi- cally implanted acoustic trans- Red drum (Channel bass, 14 TL (23 TL All year 5 Spottail bass, Redfish) maximum) mitters. Anglers who catch these tagged fish are encouraged to Red porgy (no sale 1/1–4/30)* All year 3 14 TL release them with the tag intact, then call and report the catch. Red snapper* All year 2 20 TL Sharks (other than If you are an angler who prac- 1 per angler or boat, Hammerheads, SSC and All Year 54 FL tices catch and release and whichever is less Prohibited Sharks)* would like to become a coop- Sharks: Hammerheads erative angler please contact All Year 1 78 FL (Great, Scalloped, and Smooth) the Cooperative Angler Tagging Program at 912-264-7218. Small shark composite (SSC)* (Atlantic sharpnose, All Year 1 30 FL Bonnethead, Spiny dogfish)

Sand tiger, Sandbar, Silky, Bigeye sand tiger, Whale, Basking, White, Prohibited Sharks Dusky, Bignose, Galapagos, Night, Reef, Narrowtooth, Caribbean Win a $100 Gift Card! (NO HARVEST) sharpnose, Smalltail, Atlantic angel, Longfin mako, Bigeye thresher, Sharpnose sevengill, Bluntnose sixgill, and Bigeye sixgill Take the monthly

Sheepshead All year 15 10 FL

Spanish mackerel* All year 15 12 FL

Spot All year 25

Spotted seatrout All year 15 13 TL

Striped bass (Saltwater) All year 2 22 TL And be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to your Striped bass (Savannah River) All year 2 27 TL sporting good retailer of choice. Tarpon (no sale) All year 1 68 FL Your anonymous participation advances Tripletail All year 2 18 TL fish and wildlife conservation, helps protect your right to hunt, fish and shoot, Weakfish All year 1 13 TL and guides companies in developing better outdoor products. * These species are also federally managed from 3 to 200 miles offshore. Go to www.safmc.net for federal regulations.

46 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM SALT WATER GEORGIA SALTWATER FISH

Dorsal fin spotted ATLANTIC Brownish spot on CROAKER the shoulder

Tiny barbels SPOT Distinctly forked tail fin Notch

7–8 diagonal dusky bands SOUTHERN KINGFISH (WHITING)

BLACK SEA BASS Short white tabs on tail

Barbels

BLACK DRUM (Young) • Loses vertical bars SHEEPSHEAD with age • Keeps vertical bars throughout life

Barbels 2 Spines No barbels

Large flat 3 Spines incisor teeth

TRIPLETAIL Dark spot or spots

RED DRUM

No spots on fins Spots on fins Indistinct dark freckles Distinct dark spots WEAKFISH on upper body on upper body (Summer Trout)

SPOTTED SEATROUT

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 47 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com SALT WATER GEORGIA SALTWATER FISH

Dull gold spots in young fish Lacks black Bright gold spots patch

Lateral line drops sharply KING MACKEREL SPANISH MACKEREL Gradually sloping • Up to 60 lbs. • Averages 2–4 lbs. lateral line

Spine Spine SMALL SHARK COMPOSITE No anal fin SPINY DOGFISH White spots • Offshore in winter

Scattered white Evenly rounded edge spots on the body with no indentations

ATLANTIC Second dorsal White on SHARPNOSE fin begins above BONNETHEAD rear edge middle of anal fin • Shovel or bonnet-shaped head

Snout shorter than Interdorsal ridge width of mouth

SANDBAR BLACKTIP • Harvest prohibited White • Color brownish-grey • Color dark to anal fin above white below bluish-grey with a Z-shaped pattern Similar in size Pointed snout

Sharp, pointed irregular teeth SAND TIGER • Harvest prohibited SHARKS FOUND IN GEORGIA WATERS THAT CAN BE HARVESTED SHARK ANATOMY (not including small shark composite above) (view from above) Blacknose Blacktip First dorsal fin Bull Finetooth Pectoral fins Second dorsal fin Lemon Nurse

Scalloped Hammerhead Smooth Hammerhead

Thresher Tiger (has interdorsal ridge) Interdorsal ridge: Most sharks with an interdorsal ridge caught in Georgia waters will be raised line on the dorsal (top) included in the “prohibited” or “no harvest” categories. If you are not sure of the species and whether you may keep it, release it. midline between the two dorsal fins of some sharks. See the complete Seasons, Limits, Sizes list on page 46.

Fish identification pictures by:Duane Raver 48 SALT WATER SHRIMP, CRAB, SHELLFISH & BAIT MINNOWS

A Georgia Fishing license is required to recre- SEINES ationally fish for any seafood, whether for Gear and Areas: Seines equal to or smaller personal consumption or bait. It is illegal to than 12 feet long, with a maximum depth of sell any seafood or bait harvested with a four feet, and a maximum stretch mesh recreational license! of one (1) inch may be used throughout Georgia’s saltwaters. The use of seines Shrimp over 12 feet long in any inlet or tidal slough is It is unlawful for any person to sell or other- prohibited. Seines less than 100 feet long and 1 wise dispose of, for human consumption, any with a minimum stretch mesh of 1 ⁄4 inches shrimp taken as bait. may be used on sand beaches of any barrier island in Georgia. Seines from 100 to 300 feet 1 SHRIMP “BAITING” PROHIBITED long and with a minimum mesh size of 2 ⁄2 It is unlawful to place, deposit, distribute, or inches may be used only on the oceanfront shrimp tails in any day. When one or scatter any bait of any kind in, on, or over any sides of beaches. Seines over 300 feet long are more persons occupy the same boat, waters so as to lure, attract, or entice shrimp also prohibited. It is unlawful to use any seine there may be no more than 48 quarts of 1 toward the bait or to cause shrimp to congre- in saltwaters such that it blocks more than ⁄2 heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails gate in the area where bait is placed. It is illegal of the entrance of any tidal river, creek, slough, on board at any time. No vessel owner shall to knowingly fish for shrimp in baited waters. or inlet to the ocean. allow the vessel to be used to take more than Hours: Unless otherwise designated, seines the allowable catch limits in any day. SHRIMPING SEASON may be used any time of day during the open Unless otherwise designated, there is no closed season for bait shrimp and food shrimp. Stone Crabs season for the harvest of bait shrimp, regard- Harvest Limits: Recreational seiners Georgia does not regulate the harvest of stone less of the approved gear used. The season collecting bait shrimp are limited to two quarts crab; however, the harvest of the whole crab for the recreational harvest of food shrimp is per person at any time and no more than four is discouraged. It is recommended that only 3 the same as that established for commercial quarts per person per day, or a maximum of one claw measuring at least 2 ⁄4 inches from shrimping. The Commissioner of DNR may four quarts per group at any time or eight the elbow to the tip of the lower, immovable open the season from May 15 through the end quarts per day. No one person taking food finger be removed. A properly removed claw of February; however, it is generally opened shrimp solely by means of a seine, whether should not have meat from the body attached. mid-June through mid-January. The opening such person is acting alone or in a group of and closing of the food shrimping season is persons, may possess more than 24 quarts Blue Crabs announced via coastal media outlets, posted of shrimp with heads on or 15 quarts of tails at marinas, and at www.CoastalGADNR.org. taken by such seine in any 24-hour period. If AREAS, SEASONS, HOURS any person or group of persons occupying the Unless otherwise designated, the saltwaters of TRAWL NETS same boat is in possession of a cast net and a Georgia are open year-round for recreational (Sport Bait Shrimping) seine, such person or persons shall be subject to crabbing at any time of the day. Gear: Power-drawn trawl nets 10 feet or the limits imposed for shrimp taken by cast net. smaller may be used in saltwaters to harvest GEAR shrimp for bait. Information on the specific net CAST NETS Traps: Up to six standard size crab traps dimensions for bait trawls is available from Gear: A cast net is a cone shaped net with a (2 x 2 feet or smaller) may be used recreation- DNR offices in Brunswick. weighted circumference thrown and retrieved ally. Two unobstructed escapement rings (2 3 Areas: Unless designated otherwise, a by hand without mechanical assistance. Two ⁄8 inch inside diameter) must be installed 10-foot sport bait trawl may be used at any types of cast nets are defined: a “Bait shrimp on an outside vertical wall. Each trap must 3 season to take shrimp only in rivers and cast net” having a minimum bar mesh of ⁄8 be marked with a fluorescent green or lime creeks or portions thereof that have been inch and a “Food shrimp cast net” having a green float bearing the owner's name and 5 opened to bait shrimping by DNR. Charts of minimum bar mesh of ⁄8 inch. Bait shrimp cast address in one-inch letters. Traps should be established “Bait Zones” are also available at nets cannot be used to take shrimp for personal sufficiently weighted to prevent loss in strong CoastalGADNR.org/maps. consumption; however, food shrimp cast nets tidal currents. It is unlawful to place or set Hours: Trawling for bait shrimp is legal only may be used to take bait. There are no length crab traps in the channel of any stream with between the hours of ½ hour before official restrictions on either net and cast nets can be a lawfully established system of waterway sunrise to ½ hour after official sunset. modified with the addition of duct tape or other markers. Disposal of crab traps in public waters Harvest Limit: A sport bait shrimper materials to enhance performance. is a violation of State and Federal laws. may not possess at any time more than two Areas and Hours: During the open season Other Gear: Subject to other restrictions (2) quarts of shrimp, no more than ½ pint of and unless designated otherwise, cast nets outlined in these regulations, legal crabs may which may be dead, and may not take more may be used to harvest bait or food shrimp at be taken with other legal fishing gear such than four (4) quarts of shrimp within a 24-hour any time of day in all of Georgia’s saltwaters. as seines, cast nets, hand-lines, and lift rings. period. When two or more persons occupy the Harvest Limits: Recreational cast netters same boat, there may be no more than four (4) collecting bait shrimp are limited to two quarts SIZE AND HARVEST LIMITS quarts of shrimp on board the boat at any time; per person at any time, provided that person It is unlawful to take or possess any crab less no more than one pint of which may be dead, may take a maximum of four quarts of bait than 5 inches from spike to spike across the and no more than eight (8) quarts of shrimp shrimp per day. When two or more persons back (other than a “peeler” or a “mature adult may be taken within a 24-hour period. occupy the same boat, there may be no more female” crab). Peelers must measure at least 3 than four quarts of bait onboard the boat at any inches from spike to spike across the back. No Commercial licenses are required to use time, and the persons occupying the boat may sponge (egg-bearing) crabs are allowed. trawl nets (power-drawn or hand-retrieved) take no more than eight quarts of bait shrimp Recreational crabbers may take no more than to harvest shrimp for food. Trawling for food per day. Bait shrimp may be alive or dead when one bushel of crabs during any 24-hour period. shrimp may only be conducted in the waters caught with a cast. No person taking food No more than two bushels may be taken recre- seaward of the sound boundary when those shrimp with a cast net may possess more than ationally or possessed during a 24-hour period waters are open to the harvest of food shrimp. 48 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of on a boat with more than one person aboard.

WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 49 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com SALT WATER SHRIMP, CRAB, SHELLFISH & BAIT MINNOWS

Terrapins in Crab Traps: Recent studies DNR with specific information. It is unlawful 30 inches in circumference. Recreational bait have investigated the effectiveness of to give permission to take shellfish from a minnow traps shall have a mesh size of no excluder devices for preventing the capture closed area. Harvesters taking shellfish from smaller than ¼ inch bar mesh. The throat of diamond-back terrapins in commercial- private property must have on their person opening of the funnel shall not exceed ¾ inch style crab traps. Terrapins that enter crab proof of ownership or permission. in diameter. Each trap must have attached a traps cannot escape and often drown. To learn tag or float bearing the name and address of how to build your own terrapin excluder visit SIZE AND HARVEST LIMITS the person using the trap. Subject to specific www.terrapinconservation.org. Oysters must measure no less than three inches gear design criteria, sizes, time of day, and from hinge to mouth, unless the oyster cannot area restrictions outlined in these regulations, Shellfish be removed from a legal-sized oyster without bait minnows may also be taken recreationally SEASON AND HOURS destroying it. For clams, the maximum depth year-round in seines and cast nets. from one shell half to the other must be at least Saltwaters may be opened for taking shell- ¾ inch thick. Recreational quantity limits are POSSESSION LIMITS fish between January 1 and December up to two bushels of oysters and one bushel No individual recreationally harvesting bait 31. Prior to harvesting any shellfish, check of clams per person per day, with a maximum minnows may possess more than two quarts with the DNR-Coastal Resources Division limit of six bushels of oysters and one bushel of bait minnows at any given time. A licensed (www.CoastalGADNR.org) for any seasonal of clams per boat per day. saltwater fishing guide may possess not more closures that may be in effect during the than 10 quarts at any given time. calendar year. Shellfish must be harvested Whelk (conch) between the hours of ½ hour before official Recreational harvest of whelk is limited to sunrise and ½ hour after official sunset. 1 bushel/person. There is no minimum size, GEAR closed season or closed area. A recreational fishing license is required, including hand Shellfish may only be taken with handheld harvest from the beach. implements. 2013 Forestry

AREAS Bait Minnows for Wildlife Updated charts of approved public picking SEASON, HOURS AND AREAS areas for shellfish should be obtained from Bait minnows may be harvested year-round. Bait Partners Coastal Resources Division's Ecological Services minnows may not be trapped in freshwater. The Georgia Department of Section or at www.CoastalGADNR.org. It is Natural Resources Wildlife illegal to recreationally harvest shellfish except GEAR Resources Division proudly in designated public picking areas, unless No more than two traps may be used recre- honors the 2013 Forestry authorized in writing by a private property ationally, except that a licensed saltwater for Wildlife Partners for their owner with legal harvest rights to an area. fishing guide may use a maximum of four traps. outstanding accomplishments Private property owners wishing to harvest Maximum dimensions for rectangular traps in incorporating fish and wild- recreational quantities of shellfish or to issue may not exceed 24 x 8 x 9 inches. Cylindrical life conservation practices as permission to others must notify and provide traps may not exceed 24 inches in length and an integral part of their overall land management goals.

Wildlife Violator Compact Georgia, along with 38 other states, is a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact (WVC). This allows Wildlife Officers to treat non-residents hunting in WVC member statesMEMBER (shown STATES below in green) as if they were a In Process (2) NO (7) Yes (36) resident of that state in regards to wildlifePassed Legislation violations. (5) All wildlife law viola- tors will be held more responsible due to the fact that their illegal activities in one state can affectWILDLIFE their COMPACT hunting privileges MEMBER STATESin all WVC member states.

MEMBER STATES In Process (2) NO (7) Passed Legislation (3) Yes (38)

For more information visit georgiawildlife.com

50 2014 | GEORGIA SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM

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WWW.GOFISHGEORGIA.COM 51 Purchase a License by phone 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.gofishgeorgia.com or www.ga.wildlifelicense.com HANDLING & RELEASING FISH GENERAL GUIDELINES Many marine fish have gas-filled organs called • Do not puncture a protruding stomach swim bladders. These organs control buoyancy or try to push the stomach back into the and allow the fish to maintain depth. When throat. Remember a knife is not a proper Turn in some fish are brought quickly to the surface, venting tool! the gas in the swim bladder can over-expand Poachers (TIP) and rupture the bladder, a condition known By developing a few simple habits, anglers can as ”barotrauma.” Escaping gas fills the gut greatly increase the chances that the fish they TO REPORT cavity which can lead to everted stomachs or release will survive. Try these tips the next VIOLATIONS intestines. If released in this condition, the fish time you go fishing. • DNR Law Enforcement in cannot descend and may float away and die. • Plan Ahead. Before you go, decide whether Brunswick 912-264-7237 Generally, fish caught deeper than 30 feet will you might release fish on your trip and • Toll-Free 24-hour Hot Line suffer some effects of barotrauma. prepare the equipment necessary to do so. 800-241-4113 • Recompression. The best and first choice • Avoid Encounter. If catching fish that you for release should be to return fish to the depth don’t want or cannot keep due to regula- TO REPORT from which they are caught, a technique tion, change your fishing depth, move to a VIOLATIONS IN known as recompression. A variety of recom- different area, or use different bait. FEDERAL WATERS pression tools are on the market, including • Use Appropriate Gear. Use non-stainless • U.S. Coast Guard stations in descender devices, release weights, and steel hooks that dissolve quickly. Use non- Brunswick 912-267-7999 and release baskets (see www.fishsmart.org). offset circle hooks when fishing with natural Tybee Island 912-786-5440 Fish should be returned to the depth of bait to avoid gut-hooking. Flatten barbs so they • NOAA's toll-free, 24-hour capture when practical. If catching fish at can be removed with less damage to a fish. Fisheries Enforcement hotline great depth, returning them to at least 60 to • Don’t Exhaust the Fish. Use gear and line 800-853-1964 100 feet will dramatically improve survival. strength to minimize playing time, landing • DNR LE 800-241-4113 • Venting. If recompression is not possible, fish as quickly as possible. If possible, leave venting is a second option. Venting helps the fish in the water rather than bringing them gas escape and allows the fish to descend. A on board. If you must handle, use knot- simple venting tool can be made by mounting less rubberized landing nets, rubberized • Time is of the Essence! Release fish as a sharpened football needle in a 1" x 3" dowel gloves, or wet towels or wet hands to avoid soon as practical and do not keep them out rod with a hole drilled lengthwise through removing the slime layer. Make sure to wet of the water longer than necessary. Have your the rod to allow gas to pass. Hold the fish your measuring board or boat deck. Don’t camera always on the ready. gently on its side. Insert a needle through the put your fingers in the gills. • Some Fish May Need a Little Assistance. thin lower body wall below the rear end of • Support the Body When Lifting Large If the fish does not immediately swim away, the pectoral fin. Insert the needle only as far Fish. The lower jaw is not meant to support support the fish horizontally in the water and as needed to allow the gas to escape. Squeeze the full weight of any fish. gently move it back and forth so that water gently to help push the gas out. runs over the gills. Release the fish when it is able to swim away on its own.

Recompression Tools

Seaqualizer Fish Descender

Recompression Tool Weighted Milk Crate

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

Fork Length Total Length

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Client: Progressive Job no: 11d00263 05/12 Created by: dalon Wolford applications: indesign Cs5 .5, adobe Photoshop Cs5, adobe illustrator Cs5 fonts(s): helvetica light, helvetica bold Condensed, humanist 777 family Job description: full Page, 4 Color ad document name: bass fishing ad / maine fishing regulations guide final trim size: 7-7/8˝ x 10-1/2˝ final bleed: 8-1/8˝ x 10-13/16˝ safety: 7˝ x 10˝ date Created: 11/20/13 64089_SEBC_B_Georgia Trim - 8.125 x 10.625 LIve - 7.5 x 10 Bleed - 8.25 x 10.75