GA Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

GA fishing penalties: $75-$250 + massive $150+ court processing fees! Report poachers to 1-800-241-4113. Bass limit is 10.

Fishing without a valid GA fishing license is a misdemeanor handled by DNR Law Enforcement Rangers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$75 – $250Plus mandatory county court costs ($150+)
Fishing closed trout waters$150 – $500Strictly enforced in mountain streams
Over bag limit$200+Possible confiscation of gear and license suspension

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth Bass10Combos of bass species (Smallmouth, Spotted)
Trout (All Species)8Year-round on most streams
Red Drum (Spottail)5Strict Slot: 14" to 23" (Saltwater)
Spotted Seatrout1514" minimum (Saltwater)
Crappie30Statewide limit

Call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line: 1-800-241-4113.

An GA annual license is $15. Get yours.