Can I Keep?Oysters Regulations in Georgia (2026)
Recreational oysters rules in Georgia saltwater, as published by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Oysters rules in Georgia
- Where
- Bays & inshore
- Size limit
- Oysters must measure no less than three inches from hinge to mouth, unless the oyster cannot be removed from a legal-sized oyster without destroying it.
- Bag limit
- Recreational quantity limits are up to two bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per person per day, with a maximum limit of six bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per boat per day.
- Season
- Saltwaters may be opened for taking shellfish between January 1 and December 31. Prior to harvesting any shellfish, check with the Coastal Resources Division ( www.CoastalGADNR.org ) for any seasonal closures that may be in effect during the calendar year.
- Shellfish may only be taken with handheld implements.
- Shellfish must be harvested between the hours of ½ hour before official sunrise and ½ hour after official sunset.
- It is illegal to harvest shellfish except in areas designated for such purpose.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Bays & inshore
- Size limit
- Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) – 2 inches, hinge to mouth
- All shellfish must be harvested between the hours of ½ hour before official sunrise and ½ hour after official sunset and may only be taken by hand or with handheld implements.
- Commercial shellfish harvest or culture is only permitted on leases acknowledged and permitted by the State of Georgia.
- In Georgia, commercial shellfish harvesters participate in wild harvest and mariculture of both Eastern Oysters and Hard Clams.
Quick answers
What is the oysters size limit in Georgia?
Oysters must measure no less than three inches from hinge to mouth, unless the oyster cannot be removed from a legal-sized oyster without destroying it..
How many oysters can I keep in Georgia?
Recreational quantity limits are up to two bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per person per day, with a maximum limit of six bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per boat per day..
When is oysters season in Georgia?
Saltwaters may be opened for taking shellfish between January 1 and December 31. Prior to harvesting any shellfish, check with the Coastal Resources Division ( www.CoastalGADNR.org ) for any seasonal closures that may be in effect during the calendar year.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Oysters limits in other states →
More clams, oysters & scallops in Georgia
All Georgia saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division. Most anglers need a Georgia saltwater license or registry: get one here.