For the 2026-2027 season, anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in state fresh or salt waters, along with a free annual Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit for coastal fishing ([Fishing in Georgia | Department Of Natural Resources Division](http://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources), [Recreational finfish season, limits, and sizes | Department Of Natural Resources Division](https://coastalgadnr.org/limits)). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released updated regulations detailing specific size and daily creel limits to ensure sustainable gamefish populations ([Ga. DNR releases 2026-27 hunting and fishing regulations | Gordon Life | northwestgeorgianews.com](https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/gordon_life/local/ga-dnr-releases-2026-27-hunting-and-fishing-regulations/article_b7fd07b4-66e3-412e-85b0-5fc1925e83b5.html)).
Buy a Fishing License
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Red Drum
The season is open all year. The daily creel limit is 5 per person with a slot limit of 14 inches minimum to 23 inches maximum total length (TL), and as a gamefish, they may only be caught using pole and line ([Recreational finfish season, limits, and sizes | Department Of Natural Resources Division](https://coastalgadnr.org/limits)).
Spotted Seatrout
The season is open all year. Anglers have a daily limit of 15 fish per person with a minimum size requirement of 14 inches total length (TL) ([Finfish Seasons, Limits, Sizes - Georgia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/finfish-seasons-limits-sizes)).
Red Snapper
The state season is open all year. The daily limit is 2 per person with a minimum size of 20 inches total length (TL), though federal regulations apply further offshore ([Recreational finfish season, limits, and sizes | Department Of Natural Resources Division](https://coastalgadnr.org/limits)).
Sheepshead
The season is open all year. Anglers may keep up to 15 per day with a minimum size of 10 inches fork length (FL) ([Finfish Seasons, Limits, Sizes - Georgia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/finfish-seasons-limits-sizes)).
Tarpon
The season is open all year. The daily limit is strictly 1 per person, and harvested fish must meet a minimum size of 68 inches fork length (FL) ([Finfish Seasons, Limits, Sizes - Georgia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/finfish-seasons-limits-sizes)).
King Mackerel
The season is open all year. The daily limit is 3 per person with a minimum size of 24 inches fork length (FL) ([Recreational finfish season, limits, and sizes | Department Of Natural Resources Division](https://coastalgadnr.org/limits)).
Spanish Mackerel
The season is open all year. Anglers have a daily limit of 15 fish with a minimum size of 12 inches fork length (FL) ([Recreational finfish season, limits, and sizes | Department Of Natural Resources Division](https://coastalgadnr.org/limits)).
Striped Bass (Saltwater)
The season is open all year. The daily limit is 2 per person with a minimum size of 22 inches total length (TL), except in the Savannah River where the minimum is 27 inches TL ([Finfish Seasons, Limits, Sizes - Georgia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/finfish-seasons-limits-sizes)).
Top Waters
Lake Lanier
Famous for its world-class spotted bass fishing and significant striped bass population near Atlanta.
Lake Clarks Hill (J. Strom Thurmond)
One of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast, known for excellent largemouth and striped bass fishing.
Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George)
A legendary 'Bass Capital' known for producing high numbers of quality largemouth bass on the Alabama border.
Chattahoochee River
Provides unique trout fishing opportunities including a tailwater fishery below Buford Dam and Delayed Harvest sections.
Lake Oconee
A top destination for crappie, hybrid bass, and catfish located in central Georgia.
Altamaha River
A wild river famous for producing massive flathead catfish and diverse panfish species.
Lake Seminole
Located in the southwest corner, this shallow lake is a haven for largemouth bass and grass-dwelling sunfish.
St. Simons Sound
The gateway to coastal Georgia's saltwater action for red drum, sea trout, and seasonal tarpon.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Georgia's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Shane Watson Guide Service
Charter/GuideBuford, GA
Professional multi-boat guide operation specialized in Lake Lanier striped bass.
Capt. Richie Lott / Georgia Sport Fishing
Charter/GuideSt. Simons Island, GA
Coastal charter specializing in giant redfish, shark, and tarpon fishing in the sounds.
Reel Em In Guide Service
Charter/GuideEllijay, GA
Specializes in drift boat trout fishing on the Cartecay and Coosawattee rivers.
River Through Atlanta
Charter/GuideRoswell, GA
Professional fly fishing guide service focused on the Chattahoochee River tailwaters.
Coastal Georgia Charter Fishing
Charter/GuideBrunswick, GA
Inshore and nearshore trips for trout, redfish, and seasonal species along the coast.
Southeastern Anglers
Charter/GuideBlue Ridge, GA
A top-rated guide service offering drift boat and wade trips for North Georgia trout.
Hammond's Fishing Center
Bait & Tackle ShopCumming, GA
A legendary local tackle shop specializing in Lake Lanier bass and striper gear.
Dugout Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopMarietta, GA
Dedicated bass fishing shop offering a wide selection of lures and tournament gear.
Social Circle Ace Home Center
Bait & Tackle ShopSocial Circle, GA
A hardware store with one of the most famous and extensive fishing tackle departments in the state.
The Bait Ranch
Bait & Tackle ShopAugusta, GA
Local staple for live bait and essential tackle serving Savannah River anglers.
West Marine
Bait & Tackle ShopSavannah, GA
National retailer providing a large selection of saltwater tackle and marine supplies for the coast.
Southern Reel
Bait & Tackle ShopLawrenceville, GA
Local tackle outlet providing a variety of gear for Gwinnett area lakes and ponds.
Bow-n-Arrow Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopSavannah, GA
Specialized local shop for both archery and coastal fishing supplies.
Holiday Marina
MarinaBuford, GA
The largest and oldest marina on Lake Lanier offering full service, storage, and fuel.
Clarks Hill Marina
MarinaAppling, GA
Full-service marina providing access to the expansive waters of Lake Clarks Hill.
Turtle River Marina
MarinaBrunswick, GA
Deep water marina offering quick access to the coastal Georgia marshes and offshore waters.
Sunrise Marina
MarinaSt. Simons Island, GA
A full-service coastal marina providing boat storage, fuel, and bait near the Atlantic.
Port Armor Marina
MarinaGreensboro, GA
Provides boat slips, fuel, and supplies for residents and visitors of Lake Oconee.
The Fish Hawk
Fly ShopAtlanta, GA
A premier fly fishing specialty shop serving the Southeast for over 40 years with gear and expert advice.
Unicoi Outfitters
Fly ShopHelen, GA
Full-service fly shop and guide service specializing in North Georgia mountain trout streams.
Cohutta Fishing Company
Fly ShopBlue Ridge, GA
Fly fishing outfitter focused on the Toccoa River and surrounding mountain waters.
Alpharetta Outfitters
Fly ShopAlpharetta, GA
Expert fly shop offering quality brands, fly tying supplies, and local guide bookings.
MarineMax Cumming
Boat DealerCumming, GA
Retailer of premium fishing boats including Boston Whaler and Sea Ray models.
Singleton Marine
Boat DealerBuford, GA
Extensive dealer of top-tier fishing boats and pontoons on Lake Lanier.
Tracker Boat Center
Boat DealerSavannah, GA
Factory direct dealer for Bass Tracker, Sun Tracker, and Mako fishing boats.
Gainesville Marina & Boat Sales
Boat DealerGainesville, GA
Offering new and used boat sales, service, and rentals on the north end of Lake Lanier.
Kissel Krafts Custom Rods
Rod BuilderCanton, GA
Specializing in handcrafted custom fishing rods built to specific angler requirements.
Folsom Custom Rods
Rod BuilderValdosta, GA
Experienced builder of custom rods for both freshwater bass and saltwater applications.
St. Simons Custom Rods
Rod BuilderSt. Simons Island, GA
Provider of specialized custom rods designed for the rigors of Georgia coastal saltwater fishing.
Dogwood Custom Rods
Rod BuilderAcworth, GA
Custom rod builder focusing on high-performance blanks for competitive bass fishing.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.