Get Involved
TAKE OUR CAPTAIN'S PLEDGE
I pledge to be a responsible charter captain and to educate my anglers on the current state of our fishery. To understand and educate what a responsibly managed fishery can do for the future of our coast. To push for a more protected fishery... one that will last and thrive for generations to come.
CONTACT GEORGIA LEGISLATORS:
A personal message goes a long way! Ask your Georgia State Legislators to protect Redfish (Red Drum, Channel Bass) with appropriate bag, boat and slot limits by approving the Coastal Resource Division's proposed Redfish regulation changes - 3 fish per person limit, a 9 fish vessel limit and Captain's "no take".
Here are the facts that you can highlight in your phone call and email:
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40% increase in fishing pressure over the past 10 years.
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No slot changes to Redfish regulations in the past 20 years and no limit changes in 30 years.
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Our captains and recreational anglers are seeing a decline in Redfish and smaller Redfish under 17" on our flats.
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There is an abundance of data and research to support Redfish regulation changes from the DNR's Coastal Resource Division including feedback from two (2) Redfish Town Hall Meetings, a Satisfaction Survey, two (2) Redfish Public Hearings and an official Open Comment Survey.
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CRD's Open Comment period resulted in 1,300 responses, of which 75% were in favor of ALL three measures.
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Proactive fishery management will ensure a healthier fishery and protect it for future generations to enjoy!
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT?
HERE IS A LIST OF THE GEORGIA LEGISLATORS CURRENTLY OPPOSING THE CRD'S PROPOSED REDFISH REGULATION CHANGE:
(Please email and call them before Tuesday's DNR Board Meeting!)
Representative Jesse Petrea
Email: jesse.petrea@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-5115
Representative Ron Stephens
Email: ron.stephens@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-5115
Representative Bill Hitchens
Email: bill.hitchens@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-7855
Representative Buddy Deloach
Email: buddy.deloach@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-0178
Representative Steven Sainz
Email: steven.sainz@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-0178
Representative Elect Rick Townsend
Representative Al Williams
Email: al.williams@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-6372
Senator Elect Mike Hodges
Since most Legislators only listen to THEIR CONSTITUENTS, you can find YOUR LEGISLATOR by clicking the button below.
SIGN THE PETITION:
Although the Open Comment Period ended on October 6th, we are keeping a petition going!
Now we need your continued support by signing the petition below. Help us reach out goal of 1,000 signatures in support of Redfish Regulation Changes.
SEND A FORM LETTER:
Ask the DNR to Protect Red Drum with appropriate bag and boat limits. Easily send a letter to DNR Commissioner Mark Williams, the Georgia State Senator and Georgia State Representatives with a simple click of the button below.
BE INFORMED:
Fishing has become the 3rd most popular outdoor activity across the U.S.. Across Georgia’s coast, the popularity has increased 40% in the past 10 years. While it is great news that so many people are enjoying our natural resources, with the increase in fishing popularity, the pressure on our wild redfish populations has also increased dramatically.
Today, Georgia regulators limit five Redfish per person (with the slot size between 14”-23”) and no limit for a boat. This means that if six people are on a boat, collectively they can take 30 fish per day. Despite the increase in demand for redfish fishery, rules regulating catch limits and size have not changed for 20 years. Meanwhile, South Carolina and Northeast Florida have decreased their regulations due to decreasing populations. These neighboring states only allow two redfish per person and a 6-8 limit per vessel. Florida Wildlife Commission dropped their redfish limit in the N.E. region back to 1 fish per person from 2. They did this after hearing comments from the public loud and clear and working with recreational fishermen and guides!
For more information including recaps of two Redfish Town Hall Meetings and two Redfish Public Hearings, we encourage you to take time to read and listen to the information below.
REDFISH MEETING RECAP & DATA:
https://coastalgadnr.org/reddrumtownhall
REDFISH PUBLIC HEARING RECAP & DATA:
https://coastalgadnr.org/reddrumpublichearings
Listen to the PODCAST EPISODE w/ Captain Chad Dubose on The Guide Post
by the American Saltwater Guide Association (ASGA).
Listen to the PODCAST EPISODE w/ Captain Scott Owens on The Guide Post
by the American Saltwater Guide Association (ASGA).
Read our recent feature in Flylords Magazine -
Georgia Coast's Redfish on a Decline - Will management change?
Read the Georgia Redfish article in Southern Culture on the Fly (p.128)
Listen to the Sustainable Angler podcast Episode 48 -
Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association's Capt. Chad Dubose on Georgia Redfish
The Skiff Wanderer - Episode 28 -
The State of Redfish in Georgia
MEDIA LIBRARY + RESOURCES:
Feel free to download and share the graphics below to help us spread the word.
