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Rules by state

Georgia
saltwater rules

The Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division sets the rules inside Georgia’s state waters, out to 3 nautical miles from shore. Beyond that, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council writes the federal rules.

Nearby waters: South Carolina · Florida (Atlantic)

109 species with a rule on file, checked Sep 16, 2026. 53 of them carry a federal-waters rule because Georgia lists none of its own; those rows say so. Every row names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

  1. Albacore

    Longfin, Longfin tuna Thunnus alalunga

    Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    No recreational limits, unlike yellowfin's 3-fish/27-inch rule — but the boat still needs an HMS Angling permit.

    NOAA HMS 2025 · checked

  2. Almaco Jack

    Almaco Seriola rivoliana

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  3. American Eel

    Yellow eel, Silver eel Anguilla rostrata

    Size
    9 in total length
    Bag
    25 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  4. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

    Thunnus thynnus

    Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    27" curved FL min; keepable slot 27–<73"
    Bag
    Private vessels: 2 per vessel per day (only 1 of 47–<73"); trophy 73"+ closed for 2026
    Season
    Open under in-season limits

    Open

    HMS Angling permit required. Retention limits are adjusted in-season by NOAA — verify the current limit before keeping a fish.

    NOAA HMS 2026 · checked

  5. Atlantic Croaker

    Hardhead Micropogonias undulatus

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    25 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  6. Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

    Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

    Size
    30 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  7. Atlantic Spadefish

    Chaetodipterus faber

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  8. Atlantic Sturgeon

    Acipenser oxyrinchus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    No harvest allowed.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  9. Banded Rudderfish

    Seriola zonata

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  10. Bank Sea Bass

    Centropristis ocyurus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No specific bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species; general gear/descending-device rules apply.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · likely

  11. Bar Jack

    Caranx ruber

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  12. Black Drum

    Drum Pogonias cromis

    Size
    14 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  13. Black Grouper

    Mycteroperca bonaci

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    24 in total length
    Bag
    1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    Vessel limit 2 per day.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  14. Black Sea Bass

    Sea bass Centropristis striata

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    State waters rule; federal rules differ 3-200 nm.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  15. Blackfin Snapper

    Lutjanus buccanella

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  16. Blacknose Shark

    Carcharhinus acronotus

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  17. Blacktip Shark

    Carcharhinus limbatus

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  18. Blue Marlin

    Makaira nigricans

    Size
    99" LJFL min
    Bag
    No federal bag limit; annual US 250-marlin landings cap (blue + white combined)
    Season
    Year-round

    Open

    HMS permit required.
    Georgia defers billfish to federal HMS rules.

    NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  19. Blue Shark

    Blue dog Prionace glauca

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  20. Bluefish

    Chopper, Snapper blue Pomatomus saltatrix

    Size
    12 in fork length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    May 1 - Feb. 28 annually

    Open

    Closed March-April; season shown on current CRD table (newer than 2025 guide).

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  21. Blueline Tilefish

    Caulolatilus microps

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    2 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Aug 31 (closed Sep 1 – Apr 30)

    Closed

    Closes Sep 1, 2026.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  22. Bluntnose Sixgill Shark

    Sixgill shark, Cow shark Hexanchus griseus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Federally prohibited shark (bluntnose sixgill) — release in the water with minimal injury.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  23. Bonnethead

    Sphyrna tiburo

    Size
    30 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  24. Bull Shark

    Carcharhinus leucas

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  25. Caribbean Reef Shark

    Carcharhinus perezii

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Listed as 'Reef' shark on GA's prohibited list.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  26. Cobia

    Ling, Lemonfish Rachycentron canadum

    Size
    36 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler, max 6 per boat
    Season
    Mar. 1 - Oct. 31

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  27. Common Thresher

    Thresher, Whiptail Alopias vulpinus

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Common thresher is not on GA's prohibited list (bigeye thresher is).

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  28. Coney

    Cephalopholis fulva

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  29. Cottonwick

    Haemulon melanurum

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No specific bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · likely

  30. Cubera Snapper

    Lutjanus cyanopterus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Off east FL, cubera 30 in TL or larger are limited to 2 per person, not to exceed 2 per vessel.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  31. Dusky Shark

    Carcharhinus obscurus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  32. Finetooth Shark

    Carcharhinus isodon

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  33. Gag Grouper

    Gray grouper Mycteroperca microlepis

    Size
    25 in total length
    Bag
    2 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Current CRD table shows 25 in (older codified rule said 24); federal rules differ offshore.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  34. Galapagos Shark

    Carcharhinus galapagensis

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Federally prohibited shark (Galapagos) — release in the water with minimal injury.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  35. Golden Tilefish

    Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    1 per person per day within 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate
    Season
    2026 season Jan 1 - Mar 26; quota-closed Mar 27 - Dec 31, 2026

    Closed

    Closed for the rest of 2026 after the recreational ACL was met.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  36. Goliath Grouper

    Epinephelus itajara

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    Harvest prohibited
    Bag
    No harvest or possession
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Must be released immediately in federal waters.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  37. Gray Triggerfish

    Trigger Balistes capriscus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    12 in fork length
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    12 in FL applies off NC, SC, GA and east FL.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  38. Graysby

    Cephalopholis cruentata

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  39. Great Hammerhead

    Sphyrna mokarran

    Size
    78 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  40. Great White Shark

    White shark Carcharodon carcharias

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Listed as 'White' shark on GA's prohibited list.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  41. Greater Amberjack

    AJ, Reef donkey Seriola dumerili

    Size
    28 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Listed as 'Amberjack'; state's federal cross-reference is greater amberjack.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  42. Gulf Flounder

    Paralichthys albigutta

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    State rule covers Paralichthys spp. as 'Flounder'.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  43. Hogfish

    Hog snapper Lachnolaimus maximus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    17 in fork length (NC/SC/GA)
    Bag
    2 per person per day (NC/SC/GA)
    Season
    Open year-round off NC, SC, GA

    Open

    Off east FL federal waters: 16 in FL, 1 per person, open May 1 – Oct 31 only.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  44. Jolthead Porgy

    Calamus bajonado

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  45. King Mackerel

    King, Kingfish, Smoker Scomberomorus cavalla

    Size
    24 in fork length
    Bag
    3 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  46. Knobbed Porgy

    Calamus nodosus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  47. Lane Snapper

    Lutjanus synagris

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    8 in total length
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  48. Lemon Shark

    Negaprion brevirostris

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  49. Lesser Amberjack

    Seriola fasciata

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  50. Mahi-Mahi

    Dolphin, Dorado Coryphaena hippurus

    Size
    20 in fork length
    Bag
    10 per person, max 54 per boat (headboats 10 per paying customer)
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  51. Mangrove Snapper

    Gray snapper, Mango Lutjanus griseus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Listed as gray snapper in federal regulations.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  52. Marbled Grouper

    Sicklefish grouper Dermatolepis inermis

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    See note
    Season
    Year-round

    Check

    Not named in the snapper-grouper rules we track; grouper aggregate rules may apply. Check before keeping one — a rare, slow-growing species.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · likely

  53. Mutton Snapper

    Lutjanus analis

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    18 in total length
    Bag
    5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    No more than 5 of the 10-snapper aggregate may be mutton snapper.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  54. Nassau Grouper

    Epinephelus striatus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    Harvest prohibited
    Bag
    No harvest or possession
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Must be released immediately.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  55. Nurse Shark

    Ginglymostoma cirratum

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  56. Ocean Triggerfish

    Canthidermis sufflamen

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No specific bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · likely

  57. Oceanic Whitetip Shark

    Whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Federally prohibited shark (oceanic whitetip) — release in the water with minimal injury. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  58. Porbeagle

    Lamna nasus

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  59. Queen Snapper

    Etelis oculatus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  60. Red Drum

    Redfish, Puppy drum, Channel bass, Spottail bass Sciaenops ocellatus

    Size
    slot 15-24 in total length
    Bag
    3 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Gamefish, rod-and-line only. The 3-fish, 15-24 in slot adopted by the Board in Aug 2026 is now in effect (was 5 fish, 14-23 in).

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  61. Red Grouper

    Epinephelus morio

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    20 in total length
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    NC/SC federal waters: June 1 – Dec 31 (closed Jan 1 – May 31); GA/FL: May 1 – Dec 31

    Open

    Off GA and east FL the closure is Jan 1 – Apr 30 (opens May 1).

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  62. Red Hind

    Epinephelus guttatus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  63. Red Porgy

    Pagrus pagrus

    Size
    14 in total length
    Bag
    3 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  64. Red Snapper

    Genuine red, American red Lutjanus campechanus

    Size
    20 in total length
    Bag
    2 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    State waters (0-3 nm) only; federal waters follow the separate federal season.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  65. Rock Hind

    Epinephelus adscensionis

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  66. Rock Sea Bass

    Centropristis philadelphica

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No specific bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species; general gear/descending-device rules apply.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · likely

  67. Sailfish

    Istiophorus platypterus

    Size
    63" LJFL min
    Bag
    No federal bag limit
    Season
    Year-round

    Open

    HMS permit required.
    Georgia defers billfish to federal HMS rules.

    NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  68. Sailors Choice

    Haemulon parra

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  69. Sand Tiger

    Carcharias taurus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  70. Sand Tilefish

    Malacanthus plumieri

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  71. Sandbar Shark

    Carcharhinus plumbeus

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  72. Saucereye Porgy

    Calamus calamus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  73. Scalloped Hammerhead

    Sphyrna lewini

    Size
    78 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  74. Scamp Grouper

    Broomtail Mycteroperca phenax

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    20 in total length
    Bag
    1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth grouper combined), within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  75. Scup

    Stenotomus chrysops

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    South Atlantic federal rule; different rules apply north of Cape Hatteras (Mid-Atlantic).

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  76. Sheepshead

    Convict fish Archosargus probatocephalus

    Size
    10 in fork length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  77. Shortfin Mako

    Isurus oxyrinchus

    Size
    83 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Only when federal quota is open

    Closed

    State allows harvest only when a federal quota is available; federal retention has been zero since 2022, so effectively closed.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  78. Silk Snapper

    Lutjanus vivanus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  79. Silky Shark

    Ridgeback shark Carcharhinus falciformis

    Size
    No harvest
    Bag
    No harvest
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  80. Skipjack Tuna

    Skippy, Oceanic bonito Katsuwonus pelamis

    Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No bag limit
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    The boat needs an HMS Angling permit to fish for Atlantic tunas.

    NOAA HMS 2025 · checked

  81. Smooth Dogfish

    Mustelus canis

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Not named individually; falls under GA's general rule for all shark species not otherwise listed.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  82. Smooth Hammerhead

    Sphyrna zygaena

    Size
    78 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  83. Snowy Grouper

    Hyporthodus niveatus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    1 per vessel per day within 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate
    Season
    2026 season May 1 - Jun 6; quota-closed Jun 7, 2026 through Apr 30, 2027

    Closed

    2026 recreational ACL of 1,713 fish projected met by June 7.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  84. Southern Flounder

    Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    State rule covers Paralichthys spp. as 'Flounder'.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  85. Spanish Mackerel

    Spanish Scomberomorus maculatus

    Size
    12 in fork length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  86. Speckled Hind

    Hyporthodus drummondhayi

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    Harvest prohibited
    Bag
    No harvest or possession
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Must be released immediately.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  87. Spinner Shark

    Carcharhinus brevipinna

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  88. Spiny Dogfish

    Squalus acanthias

    Size
    30 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  89. Spot

    Leiostomus xanthurus

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    25 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  90. Spotted Seatrout

    Speck, Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus

    Size
    14 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  91. Striped Bass

    Striper, Rockfish Morone saxatilis

    Size
    22 in total length
    Bag
    2 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Saltwater rule; Savannah River minimum is 27 in TL.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  92. Summer Flounder

    Fluke Paralichthys dentatus

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    15 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    State rule covers Paralichthys spp. as 'Flounder'.

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  93. Swordfish

    Xiphias gladius

    Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    47" LJFL min
    Bag
    1 per person, up to 4 per vessel per trip (private); higher for-hire vessel caps
    Season
    Year-round

    Open

    May not be retained if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is aboard.

    NOAA HMS 2026 · checked

  94. Tarpon

    Silver king Megalops atlanticus

    Size
    68 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  95. Tiger Shark

    Galeocerdo cuvier

    Size
    54 in fork length
    Bag
    1 per angler or boat, whichever is fewer
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  96. Tomtate

    Haemulon aurolineatum

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    No bag limit (excluded from the 20-fish aggregate)
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    50 CFR 622.187 explicitly excludes tomtate from the aggregate bag limit.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  97. Tripletail

    Lobotes surinamensis

    Size
    18 in total length
    Bag
    2 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  98. Vermilion Snapper

    Beeliner, B-liner Rhomboplites aurorubens

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    5 per person per day (separate from 10-snapper aggregate)
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  99. Wahoo

    Ono Acanthocybium solandri

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    2 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Dolphin-Wahoo FMP.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  100. Warsaw Grouper

    Hyporthodus nigritus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    Harvest prohibited
    Bag
    No harvest or possession
    Season
    Closed year-round

    Put it back

    Must be released immediately.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  101. Weakfish

    Gray trout, Squeteague Cynoscion regalis

    Size
    13 in total length
    Bag
    1 per person per day
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked

  102. White Grunt

    Gray grunt, Key West grunt Haemulon plumierii

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  103. White Margate

    Haemulon album

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Listed as 'Margate' (Haemulon album) in SAFMC regulations.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  104. White Marlin

    Kajikia albida

    Size
    66" LJFL min
    Bag
    No federal bag limit; annual US 250-marlin landings cap (blue + white combined)
    Season
    Year-round

    Open

    HMS permit required.
    Georgia defers billfish to federal HMS rules.

    NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked · likely

  105. Whitebone Porgy

    Calamus leucosteus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  106. Yellowedge Grouper

    Hyporthodus flavolimbatus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    No size limit
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    Deepwater species; not part of the Jan–Apr shallow-water grouper closure.

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  107. Yellowfin Grouper

    Fireback, Princess rockfish Mycteroperca venenosa

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    20 in total length
    Bag
    3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  108. Yellowmouth Grouper

    Mycteroperca interstitialis

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    20 in total length
    Bag
    1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate
    Season
    May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

  109. Yellowtail Snapper

    Ocyurus chrysurus

    Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). Georgia lists none of its own.

    Size
    12 in total length
    Bag
    10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate
    Season
    Open year-round

    Open

    SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked

Every other species

Georgia's saltwater rule restricts only listed species; unlisted finfish have no state season, size, or creel limit (federal rules may apply beyond 3 nm).

Size
No size limit
Bag
No bag limit
Season
Open year-round

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-09-15

Report to NOAA within 24 hours

HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

Species: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish.

How to report · NOAA HMS · checked 2026-09-04

Licences and the fine print

  • A Georgia fishing license plus the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit is required for anyone 16 and older fishing saltwater. The SIP permit is needed even with a lifetime license or another exemption, and it expires 365 days after it is issued.
  • A Georgia license with a SIP permit also satisfies the federal saltwater angler registry for fishing beyond 3 miles.
Get a Georgia license

Nearby waters: South Carolina · Florida (Atlantic) · all 19 rulebooks

Questions anglers ask about Georgia

Do I need a license to fish saltwater in Georgia?

A Georgia fishing license plus the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit is required for anyone 16 and older fishing saltwater. The SIP permit is needed even with a lifetime license or another exemption, and it expires 365 days after it is issued.

How far out do Georgia state waters go?

3 nautical miles from shore. Inside that line the Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division sets the rules on this page. Beyond it, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council sets the federal rules, and where Georgia has no rule of its own this page shows the federal one, labelled.

What if a fish is not listed for Georgia?

Georgia sets no specific rule for it. Size: No size limit. Bag: No bag limit. Season: Open year-round. Georgia's saltwater rule restricts only listed species; unlisted finfish have no state season, size, or creel limit (federal rules may apply beyond 3 nm).

Which federal catches must be reported to NOAA?

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish. HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

How current are these Georgia rules?

Every row shows its source and the day it was last checked; the latest is Sep 16, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency pages nightly and the date advances when they are unchanged. Rules change mid-season by proclamation, so the official rulebook is the final word.

Checked against 4 official pages