Georgia DNR Gets It re:Speckled Trout

[BrunswickDawg]

I actually serve on DNR's Coastal Advisory Committee, and we get to be involved in the discussions about initiatives like this.

GA DNR did an email survey about this (and a whole slew of coastal fishing issues) late last year that went to all salt water permit holders. We are really, really good about making science based and user based decisions on things like this. The results were very interesting. In short, the license holders told us they would support such an effort. The trout population is strong, but could be better.

Personally, I would say that the everyday fisherman - like me and my dad - are pretty aware of the benefits of catch and release and usually only keep what we are going to eat. Personally, I would keep a monster, say 22"+. You catch enough in that 16-20 range that keeping 1-2 to eat and throwing back the rest is pretty reasonable, and a lot of the everyday people will follow it. I think you will also get cooperation from the Charter Captains too.

We are very, very lucky, that GA DNR has had some great leadership over the past few years - and the Coastal Resources office is particularly strong. I know a lot of the field staff in the Coastal office, and know the DNR Commissioner, Director of State Parks, and Director of Historic Preservation really well. Some top notch folks.