Georgia
saltwater rules

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: How current are these Georgia rules?

Every row shows its source and the day it was last checked; the latest is Oct 29, 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.

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)

111 species with a rule on file, checked Oct 29, 2026. 55 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.

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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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
2 per vessel per day through Dec 31, 2026 (only 1 of 47–<73") · 1 per vessel per day from Jan 1, 2027 (NOAA's default unless it announces a change)

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. Trophy (73"+) quotas are set by area (Gulf of Maine, Southern New England, south of 39°18′ N, Gulf of America); all four are closed for 2026 and reopen Jan 1, 2027. In the Gulf of America no bluefin under 73" may be kept.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-10-28
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27 · likely
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

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

Size
27 in curved fork length min

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Federal rule in all Atlantic and Gulf waters; the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Head off: at least 27 in from the forward edge of the cut to the fork.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
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 2026-10-29
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

From Oct 28, 2026 (Reg. Am. 36): boat limit 2 gag and black grouper combined (private boats: per day; charter/headboats: per trip). Charter/headboat captain and crew keep none. Before then: 2 black grouper per boat per day.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
NOAA SERO; 91 FR 61160 (Sep 28, 2026); 50 CFR 622.187(b)(2)(i) · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait in billfish tournaments; Any landed billfish or swordfish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
Bonnethead

Sphyrna tiburo

Size
30 in fork length

Bag
1 per angler per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27 · likely
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Dusky Shark

Carcharhinus obscurus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
Gag Grouper

Gray grouper Mycteroperca microlepis

Size
25 in total length

Bag
2 per person per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Georgia state waters: 25 in minimum (federal waters offshore: 24 in, and seasons differ).
GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29 · likely
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-27 · likely
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27 · likely
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Red Drum

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

Size
14–23 in slot (15–24 in from Jan 1, 2027)

Bag
5 per person (3 from Jan 1, 2027)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gamefish, rod-and-line only. Georgia adopted a 3-fish, 15–24 in slot that takes effect January 1, 2027.
GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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).
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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 have their own season for boats landing in GA.
GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27 · likely
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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait in billfish tournaments; Any landed billfish or swordfish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Sand Tiger

Carcharias taurus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Sandbar Shark

Carcharhinus plumbeus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29 · likely
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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).
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29 · likely
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
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 2026-10-29 · likely
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 2026-10-29 · likely
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
25 per person per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
Striped Bass

Striper, Rockfish Morone saxatilis

Size
22 in min · Savannah River: 27 in

Bag
2 per person

Season
Open year-round

Check

Savannah River and its tributaries below Thurmond Dam: 27 in minimum, 2 per day. Other Georgia saltwater and coastal rivers: 22 in minimum, 2 per day.
GA DNR, Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-3-.05(4)-(5) · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait in billfish tournaments; Any landed billfish or swordfish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-10-28
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 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-29
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Tripletail

Lobotes surinamensis

Size
18 in total length

Bag
2 per person per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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 2026-10-29
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait in billfish tournaments; Any landed billfish or swordfish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · GA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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.
Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Yellowfin Tuna

Ahi Thunnus albacares

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

Size
27 in curved fork length min

Bag
3 per person per day; no more than 3 per person on board regardless of trip length

Season
Open year-round

Open

Federal rule in all Atlantic and Gulf waters; the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Head off: at least 27 in from the forward edge of the cut to the fork.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
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

Gear: Descending device on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species; Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait (north of 28° N, about Cape Canaveral, in federal waters; everywhere in NC waters); Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-10-27

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 2026-10-29

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?