Can I Keep?Shrimp (Cast Nets) Regulations in Georgia (2026)
Recreational shrimp (cast nets) 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 Shrimp (Cast Nets) rules in Georgia
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- Recreational cast netters collecting bait shrimp are limited to two quarts per person at any time, provided that person may take a maximum of four quarts of bait shrimp per day. When two or more persons occupy the same boat, there may be no more than four quarts of bait onboard the boat at any time, and the persons occupying the boat may take no more than eight quarts of bait shrimp per day. Bait shrimp may be alive or dead when caught with a cast. No person taking food shrimp with a cast net may possess more than 48 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails in any day. When one or more persons occupy the same boat, there may be no more than 48 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails on board at any time. No vessel owner shall allow the vessel to be used to take more than the allowable catch limits in any day.
- Season
- Unless otherwise designated, there is no closed season for the harvest of bait shrimp, regardless of the approved gear used. The season for the recreational harvest of food shrimp is the same as that established for commercial shrimping. The Commissioner of DNR may open the season from May 15 through the end of February; however, it is generally opened mid-June through mid-January.
- Gear: A cast net is a cone shaped net with a weighted circumference thrown and retrieved by hand without mechanical assistance. Two types of cast nets are defined: a “Bait shrimp cast net” having a minimum bar mesh of 3⁄8 inch and a “Food shrimp cast net” having a minimum bar mesh of 5⁄8 inch. Bait shrimp cast nets cannot be used to take shrimp for personal consumption; however, food shrimp cast nets may be used to take bait. There are no length restrictions on either net and cast nets can be modified with the addition of duct tape or other materials to enhance performance.
- Areas and Hours: During the open season and unless designated otherwise, cast nets may be used to harvest bait or food shrimp at any time of day in all of Georgia’s saltwaters.
- It is unlawful to place, deposit, distribute, or scatter any bait of any kind in, on, or over any waters so as to lure, attract, or entice shrimp toward the bait or to cause shrimp to congregate in the area where bait is placed. It is illegal to knowingly fish for shrimp in baited waters.
- A Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) are required to recreationally fish for any seafood, whether for personal consumption or bait. It is illegal to sell any seafood or bait harvested with a recreational license!
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- From Season Opening through November 30 , the maximum amount of shrimp allowable is 150 quarts of heads -on shrimp or 95 quarts of shrimp tails per day, no matter how many licensed commercial cast netters are on a boat. From December 1 through Season Close , the maximum amount of shrimp allowable is 75 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 48 quarts of shrimp tails per day no matter how many licensed commercial cast netters are on a boat. These limits apply even to shrimp taken with a combination of a cast net and seine.
- Season
- The Commissioner is authorized to establish a food shrimp cast netting season between May 15th and the end of February (typically the same times that food shrimp trawling is open). During open season all saltwaters are open. Commercial fishing for shrimp is prohibited at night.
- Food shrimp cast net : A cast net constructed of a minimum of five - eighths inch bar mesh.
- CRD Commercial Saltwater Fishing Regulations guide (Printed July 2023).
- The commercial food shrimp cast net fishery is regulated through a controlled access system. Only 200 licenses may be issued each year (O.C.G.A 27-4-206). A commercial cast -netting license is required for any person wishing to sell cast net-caught shrimp. Cast net licenses must be renewed each year (May 31st deadline; Board Rule 391-2-4-.10), or the license will revert to DNR whereby it will be re-issued by lottery.
Quick answers
How many shrimp (cast nets) can I keep in Georgia?
Recreational cast netters collecting bait shrimp are limited to two quarts per person at any time, provided that person may take a maximum of four quarts of bait shrimp per day. When two or more persons occupy the same boat, there may be no more than four quarts of bait onboard the boat at any time, and the persons occupying the boat may take no more than eight quarts of bait shrimp per day. Bait shrimp may be alive or dead when caught with a cast. No person taking food shrimp with a cast net may possess more than 48 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails in any day. When one or more persons occupy the same boat, there may be no more than 48 quarts of heads-on shrimp or 30 quarts of shrimp tails on board at any time. No vessel owner shall allow the vessel to be used to take more than the allowable catch limits in any day..
When is shrimp (cast nets) season in Georgia?
Unless otherwise designated, there is no closed season for the harvest of bait shrimp, regardless of the approved gear used. The season for the recreational harvest of food shrimp is the same as that established for commercial shrimping. The Commissioner of DNR may open the season from May 15 through the end of February; however, it is generally opened mid-June through mid-January.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More crabs, lobster & shrimp 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.