Georgia’s Redfish Future

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division has proposed important updates to red drum (redfish) regulations. While these changes represent a step in the right direction, they fall short of what is needed to rebuild a healthy, sustainable population for future generations of anglers and guides.

The proposal includes reducing the daily creel limit from 5 fish to 3 fish per person and adjusting the slot limit from 14–23 inches to 15–24 inches total length. These adjustments aim to achieve roughly a 22.5% reduction in harvest to help meet the ASMFC’s requirements. However, data from public hearings, town halls, and DNR’s own surveys show that stronger measures would deliver much faster recovery.

Public input has been overwhelming. DNR’s open comment survey received over 1,300 responses — the largest ever for any issue — with 75% of respondents supporting more conservative regulations. Anglers and captains are reporting fewer quality fish and smaller average sizes on the flats. Meanwhile, neighboring states have taken bolder action. South Carolina recently approved a 1-fish creel with a 2 fish vessel limit, and Northeast Florida has moved to catch-and-release in key areas. Georgia risks falling behind while the pressure on our redfish continues to grow.

Fishing effort along the Georgia coast has increased dramatically — up more than 40% in the last 10–15 years. Advances in technology, more participants, and unchanged regulations since the early 2000s have combined to put real strain on the stock. The 2024 federal assessment showed we need meaningful harvest reductions to reach the 40% Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) that defines a healthy fishery. Simply hitting the minimum 14.4% reduction is not enough. We should be aiming higher to build resilience against future challenges.

ASGA strongly encourages Georgia DNR to strengthen the proposal in two key ways:

•  Increase the slot limit to a minimum of 17 inches (instead of 15 inches). Data shows this small change could shorten the recovery rate.

• Eliminate the “captain’s keep” loophole that allows charter captains to harvest a full limit on every trip.

These adjustments are common-sense, science-supported steps that protect spawning fish and give the stock the best chance to rebound quickly. A healthier redfish fishery benefits everyone — guides, recreational anglers, coastal businesses, and the ecosystem as a whole.

The public comment period ends June 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM. We urge every angler, captain, and conservation-minded Georgian to submit a comment. Personal stories carry real weight. Tell DNR about the changes you’ve seen on the water, the quality fish you used to catch, and why a stronger recovery timeline matters to you.

This is our opportunity to show that Georgia’s recreational fishing community supports proactive, responsible management. Let’s push for regulations that match the urgency our neighbors have shown and secure a thriving redfish fishery for decades to come.

How to Comment:

Email: kathy.knowlton@dnr.ga.gov
Mail: Kathy Knowlton, Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520

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