Size & creel limit on Blue and Flathead catfish over 34 inches long in Georgia

To:  Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Fisheries)

We as a group are requesting that the state of Georgia revise the fishing regulations on catfish. Currently there are no regulations in the state of Georgia which pertain to the creel limits or sizes of catfish a person may keep. There are many waters such as the Coosa River, Lake Hartwell, Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Oconee, West Point Lake, and High Falls Lake which see heavy fishing pressure and could greatly benefit from regulation. We propose that there be a creel and size limit on catfish up to a certain size as per the example below.Creel and size limit: It shall be unlawful for anyone to have in their possession more than one catfish (of any species) over 34” long per day with there being no limit for the number of fish in possession under 34” long.There are several states such as Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, as well as others that have similar laws to protect large catfish from over harvest. Releasing more large, sexually mature catfish can help ensure there will be plenty of smaller catfish to harvest and will allow more anglers the opportunity to catch a trophy catfish here in Georgia. Catfishing has grown in popularity among anglers across the United States. In other states there are local and nationally recognized catfish clubs and organizations which put on tournaments for catfish. If Georgia could protect this resource now there would be great potential that more of these tournaments would come to Georgia and generate more revenue for the state. As more and more anglers pursue catfish, we as a group of concerned anglers feel that something needs to be done now to help protect this resource for our future generations as well as the State of Georgia.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Size & creel limit on Blue and Flathead catfish over 34 inches long in Georgia Petition to Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Fisheries) was created by Joe Northrup / David Harrison and written by Joe Northrup and David Harrison (hold_em_hook@yahoo.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.