Georgia § 27-4-5 - Methods for taking fish generally.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-5 — Methods for taking fish generally., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-4-5. Methods for taking fish generally.
It shall be unlawful to fish for game fish, except American shad, hickory shad, flathead catfish, and channel catfish, by any means other than a pole and line. Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful to take any fish in the fresh waters of this state by any method other than a pole and line, sport trotlines in accordance with Code Section 27-4-32, set hooks, jugs, bow and arrow in accordance with Code Section 27-4-34, spears in accordance with Code Section 27-4-33, seines in accordance with Code Section 27-4-6, by hand in accordance with Code Section 27-4-37, and as authorized in Code Section 27-4-91 with regard to commercial fresh-water fishing. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, dip nets and cast nets may be used to take for bait threadfin shad, blueback herring, gizzard shad, and other nongame fish as authorized by the board; and landing nets may be used to land fish legally caught. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, it shall be lawful to use seines, nets, and chemicals in a pond if all the owners of a pond desire that such be done and if a local game warden is notified at least two hours in advance of the use, provided that it shall not be lawful to use such seines, nets, and chemicals in an oxbow lake. For purposes of this Code section, an "oxbow lake" means a lake formed in an abandoned river channel which has become separated from the main stream by a natural change in the river. (Code 1933, § 45-705, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 396, § 1; Ga. L. 1978, p. 816, § 49; Ga. L. 1986, p. 169, § 1; Ga. L. 2005, p. 1487, § 1/HB 301; Ga. L. 2012, p. 739, § 3/HB 869; Ga. L. 2019, p. 808, § 7/SB 72.) The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, substituted "game warden" for "conservation ranger" in the first sentence of subsection (c).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 27-4-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-5 cover?
Section 27-4-5 ("Methods for taking fish generally.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 27-4-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 27-4-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.