So, you’re thinking about hitting the Georgia coast. Maybe you’re eyeing the marshes of Glynn County or planning to run out of Tybee for something bigger. It’s a blast. But man, the paperwork and the "what-can-I-keep" math can get a little messy if you aren't looking at the right charts.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) doesn't just make these rules to be annoying. They're trying to keep the fish populations from cratering. Specifically, in 2026, we’re seeing some major shifts in how things like Red Drum and Red Snapper are handled. If you haven't checked the rulebook since 2024, you're probably out of date.
The Basic Paperwork: Licenses and that SIP Permit
First things first. You need a license. It doesn't matter if you're 16 or 66—unless you fall under very specific resident senior categories, you need to pay to play. A standard resident annual license is about $15. Non-residents? You’re looking at $50 for the year or $10 for a single day.
But here is the thing most people forget: the SIP Permit.
The Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit is totally free. Seriously. Zero dollars. But if a ranger pulls you over and you have a license but no SIP, you’re getting a ticket. Basically, it’s a way for the DNR to track who is actually fishing in saltwater so they can send out surveys. They use that data to decide if we get to keep five trout or fifteen.
You can grab it on the Go Outdoors Georgia app. It expires 365 days from when you get it. Don't be the person who gets a fine for a free permit.
Georgia Saltwater Fishing Regulations: The Slot Limit Stress
When people talk about georgia saltwater fishing regulations, they’re usually complaining (or bragging) about the slot.
Red Drum (Redfish)
This is the big one for 2026. As of April 1, 2026, Georgia and South Carolina are under the gun to reduce the "redfish" harvest by over 14%. Why? Because the southern stock is technically overfished.
The current slot is 14 to 23 inches (total length). You can keep 5 per person.
However, keep your ear to the ground this summer. The ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission) is reviewing new proposals in May 2026. There is a very real chance that the bag limit might drop to 3 or 4 fish, or the slot might tighten. Honestly, it’s better to check the app before you launch every single trip this year.
Spotted Seatrout
Trout are the bread and butter of the Georgia coast.
- Minimum size: 14 inches.
- Daily limit: 15 per person.
It’s a generous limit compared to our neighbors in Florida, but don't be "that guy" who keeps 15 barely-legal fish. Those 14-inchers are usually just starting to spawn.
Flounder
Flounder are 12 inches minimum, 15 fish per day. Simple. Just make sure you’re measuring from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.
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The Red Snapper Situation (The 2026 Shift)
If you fish offshore, you know the Red Snapper saga is a headache. Usually, we get a two-day "season" in July that feels like a chaotic derby.
But for 2026, Georgia DNR has pushed for something called an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP).
The goal? A two-month season instead of a two-day one.
If this is fully active when you’re reading this, the catch is that you must report your harvest via a new smartphone app. One fish per person, no minimum size during this specific window. It’s an experiment to see if better data can lead to longer seasons. If you don't report, they might kick you out of the program.
Deep Water Rules: Federal vs. State
A lot of folks get confused about where the state's power ends.
Georgia’s state waters go out to 3 nautical miles.
Past that? You’re in the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
Federal rules take over once you hit that 3-mile mark. This matters for species like Black Sea Bass (12-inch minimum, 15 fish) and Gag Grouper (2 fish limit, 25-inch minimum). If you’re caught with a fish that is legal in state waters but illegal in federal waters while you’re 5 miles out, you’re in trouble. Always bring the fish back to the dock "heads and fins intact." Don't fillet them on the boat unless you want a massive fine.
Common Misconceptions and Local Quirks
You'd be surprised how many people think Sheepshead have a "season." They don't. You can catch those toothy bait-stealers all year. 10-inch fork length, 15 per day.
Also, sharks. Georgia is pretty strict here.
You get one shark per person per boat, whichever is fewer.
Most sharks people catch—like the Atlantic Sharpnose or Bonnethead—have a 30-inch fork length minimum. But if you accidentally land a Sandbar or a Dusky? Those are prohibited. You can't even take them out of the water. Cut the line and let them go.
Shrimping and Shad
Just a quick note for the netters:
The 2026 Shad season usually runs through March 31. It's a river game, mostly.
For shrimp, the "food shrimp" season usually closes in mid-January and doesn't reopen until June or July. If you're using a cast net for bait shrimp (not food), that's a different story, but keep it to the 2-quart limit.
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Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Check your SIP: Open the Go Outdoors Georgia app. Look for the "Saltwater Information Program" permit. If it isn't there, "purchase" it for $0.
- Download the reporting app: Especially if you're targeting Red Snapper or Red Drum, the state is moving toward mandatory electronic reporting. Get ahead of it.
- Invest in a "dehooker" and descending tool: For offshore trips, federal law requires you to have a descending tool on board to help fish with barotrauma get back down to depth.
- Know your "Fork" vs "Total": A 14-inch total length fish is different from a 14-inch fork length fish. Carry a sticker on your cooler that shows both.
The 2026 season is looking to be a transitional one. With the Red Drum populations being watched so closely, being a "good" angler means more than just catching fish—it means being the one who actually knows the law before the blue lights show up behind your transom. Keep it legal, keep the SIP updated, and keep your lines tight.