Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-2-4-.13 - Commercial Fishing for Catfish in Saltwater

(1) Purpose. The purpose of this Rule is to implement the authority of the Board of Natural Resources to promulgate rules and regulations based on sound principles of wildlife research and management, establishing the commercial seasons, days, and places; methods of fishing and disposition; and size, creel, and possession limits; gear and landing specifications for catfish in saltwater.

(2) Areas Open to Commercial Fishing for Catfish in Saltwater. Except as otherwise provided herein, all salt waters of this state shall be open to the taking of catfish for commercial purposes.

(a) It shall be unlawful to commercially fish for catfish in the North Altamaha River, except on the ocean side (downstream) of the mouth of, but not including, Lewis Creek. Such fishing shall also be unlawful in the South Altamaha River, except on the oceanside (downstream) of the uppermost entrance of Hammersmith Creek.

(3) Commercial Gear for Taking Catfish in Saltwater. It shall be unlawful for any person to commercially fish for catfish in the salt waters of this state with any gear except the following:

(a) Trotlines;

(b) Wire baskets meeting the requirements of Code Section 27-4-92 and having a non-green colored float attached bearing the corresponding commercial fishing license number in one inch letters of contrasting color; and

(c) Hoop nets of one inch on the square (two-inches stretch) or larger which do not exceed three and one-half feet in diameter or ten feet in length.

(4) Minimum Sizes. It shall be unlawful for any person to commercially fishing for catfish in the salt waters of this state to take and retain any catfish less than nine inches in total length. Any catfish taken and retained by such person shall be deemed to be less than nine inches if it is less than seven inches with head removed or less than six inches with head and tail removed.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-2-4-.13

O.C.G.A. Title 12, Secs. 27-1-4, 27-4-12, 27-4-71.

Original Rule entitled "Commercial Fishing for Catfish in Saltwater" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 2012; eff. Jan. 7, 2013. Amended: F. Dec. 13, 2013; eff. Jan. 2, 2014.