HB1059.html

To amend Code Section 27-4-130.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to open seasons, creel and possession limits, and minimum size limits for certain finfish species, so as to provide for a maximum legal size of red drum; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Code Section 27-4-130.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to open seasons, creel and possession limits, and minimum size limits for certain finfish species, is amended by striking in its entirety subsection (b) and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"(b) The board shall establish open seasons and creel and possession limits within the maximums specified in this subsection and shall establish minimum sizes within the range specified in this subsection; provided, however, that it shall be unlawful to have in one's possession or take from the salt waters of this state any red drum in excess of 27 23 inches in total length. After October 1, 1989, it shall be unlawful to take the following salt-water finfish species at any time except during the open seasons so established for such species or to take or possess the following salt-water finfish species except in accordance with the creel and possession limits and minimum sizes so established for such species:

Species	Maximum Open Season	Maximum Daily Creel and Possession Limit	Range of Minimum Sizes
(1) Spanish mackerel	Mar. 16 – Nov. 30	40	10 – 18 inches
(2) King mackerel	All year	15	15 – 35 inches
(3) Cobia	Mar. 16 – Nov. 30	10	20 – 40 inches
(4) Red snapper	All year	20	12 – 20 inches
(5) Gag grouper	All year	20	12 – 36 inches
(6) Amberjack	Mar. 16 – Dec. 31	10	20 – 50 inches
(7) Black sea bass	All year	35	8 – 15 inches
(8) Bluefish	Mar. 16 – Nov. 30	25	12 – 20 inches
(9) Sheepshead	All year	50	8 – 16 inches
(10) Reserved
(11) Reserved
(12) Reserved
(13) Tarpon	Mar. 16 – Nov. 30	5	65 – 90 inches
(14) Atlantic sturgeon	Jan. 1 – June 30	5	24 – 86 inches
(15) Red drum	All year	25	14 inches
(16) Dolphin	All year	15	12 – 24 inches
(17) Sand tiger shark	No open season	1	87 – 140 inches
(18) Small sharks composite (Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, and spiny dogfish)	All year	4	30 – 54 inches
(19) Sharks	All year	2	48 – 120 inches
(20) Red porgy	All year	10	12 – 28 inches"