General Regulations
It is illegal to take, catch or kill, or attempt to take, catch or kill any game fish by any means other than ordinary hook and
line, artificial lure, live bait, troll or spinner in any of the public waters of this State. It is unlawful to use electrical
devices, explosives, poisons or firearms to take fish of any species from these waters.
Trotlines
It is illegal to fish trotline or snag line, set line, commercial fishing net, slat boxes or wire baskets within one-half mile
below any lock, dam or powerhouse. All recreational licensed fisherman utilizing trotlines are limited to 100 hooks total. All
trotlines must have a plastic or metal tag attached containing the owners name and either their address, fishing license number or
phone number. Trotlines operated under commercial fishing licenses are not limited in number of hooks.
Wire Baskets
Wire baskets may be used only in certain counties to harvest nongame fish for personal consumption only. Persons holding a
commercial fishing license may not fish with wire baskets. No fish taken in wire baskets may be sold or offered for sale. All game
fish taken in the baskets must be immediately returned to the water. All baskets must be clearly marked with the valid wire basket
license number and name of person using and owning the basket. It is illegal for any one person to fish with more than four wire
baskets. Consult the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book or local Conservation Enforcement Officer to determine number
of baskets and locations where wire baskets are legal.
Gigs or Grabbling
Commercial or nongame fish may be legally taken by gigs or by grabbling by hand by persons possessing a valid sport fishing
license.
Spearfishing
The spearing of nongame or commercial fish solely for the purpose of sport in all waters of this state, both fresh and salt, is
legal provided that the person engaged in the act of spearing is completely submerged and possesses the appropriate sport fishing
and spearfishing licenses. This license is issued by the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, Marine Resources Division and
online.
Snagging
It is unlawful to take fish by snagging on the Chattahoochee River or its impoundments, the Tennessee River or its impoundments,
and State-owned public fishing lakes. Further, it is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish by snagging within 800 feet of any
dam on the Coosa River or its impoundments.
Bowfishing Equipment
Bow fishing with any longbow, recurve bow, compound bow or crossbow using barbed arrows attached by line to the bow, float,
vessel or shooter is legal for the taking of commercial or non-game fish.
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