The new 2006-2007 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations now are available on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) website at www.gofishgeorgia.com, at WRD offices, and at fishing license retailers around the state.

"Georgia offers so many different fishing opportunities from the coast to the mountains and this booklet is designed to help anglers find great places to fish and to educate them on Georgia's fishing regulations," said WRD Chief of Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer. "It contains information that should answer all basic questions for both new and experienced anglers."

This guide provides helpful information such as color fish identification charts for both freshwater and saltwater fish, license purchasing information, contact information for WRD Fisheries Management Offices and WRD Law Enforcement Offices, trout stream listings, public fishing area (PFA) information, state record fish listings and complete fishing regulations for Georgia.

The Board of Natural Resources sets Georgia's fishing regulations based on recommendations made by the Department's fisheries biologists and field personnel and the Georgia General Assembly sets the laws related to fishing. Public input is an important part of the regulations process. The Department values suggestions for regulation changes and provides opportunities to participate during public meetings and/ or hearings over the course of the year.

Some of the regulation changes anglers should be aware of for 2006 -2007 include:

Anglers may now harvest striped bass on the Savannah River. There is a two fish daily limit with a 27-inch minimum length on the river downstream of J. Strom Thurmond Dam for striped bass, striped-white bass hybrids and white bass;

It is now legal for anglers to take flathead, blue and channel catfish by noodling. Licensed persons can take fish by hand, without the aid of any device, hook, snare, net or other artificial element and without the use of scuba equipment, air hose or other artificial breathing apparatus. Noodling is legal from March 1 through July 15 each year;

Spear Fishing Changes (Savannah River system) Anglers can take channel catfish and flathead catfish in the Savannah River, including its tributaries and impoundments within the Savannah basin, by spearing anytime of the day and at night by use of a light; and

A free hunting and fishing license now is available that may be issued once for military veterans discharged on or after July 1, 2005. Find more details and an application at www.gofishgeorgia.com .

At the time of regulations guide printing, legislative and/or regulations changes were pending that may impact some saltwater species. Contact CRD (912-264-7218) for the most up-to-date length and possession limit information. Changes will also be posted online at http:// crd.dnr.state.ga.us.

For more information about Georgia's fishing regulations or where and when to go fishing, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com , contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Office or call (770) 918-6418.