Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) · Georgia lists none of its own
Must be released immediately.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Red hindRed spots on pale body — the inverse pattern. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Chocolate body absolutely covered in tiny white speckles. More on the speckled hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Speckled hind in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep speckled hind in Georgia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in South Atlantic federal waters waters, and Georgia lists no rule of its own. Release it in the water where you can. Must be released immediately.
How current is this Georgia speckled hind rule?
Source: SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026, last checked Sep 16, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a speckled hind in Georgia and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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