Current State Records

Men's records are in blue, women's records in red. Two records indicate a tie. Click or tap "View Record" to see photos of the fish and read more information.

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Amberjack, Greater

92 lbs., 1 oz. (Ben W. Key Jr, 1975)
72 lbs., 8 oz. (Tricia Nicosia, 1985)

Barracuda, Great

54 lbs., 8 oz. (Wayne Hall, 1999)
47 lbs., 8 oz. (Marie Franklin, 1999)

Black Sea Bass (tie)

5 lbs., 11 oz. (J.C. Hadden Jr., 1994)
5 lbs., 12 oz. (Wille J. Oakman, 1998)
4 lbs., 8 oz. (Evelyn B. Carter, 1983)

Bluefish

17 lbs., 12 oz. (Gary Q. Altman, 1980)
14 lbs., 4 oz. (Kathy Sikes, 1986)

Cobia

88 lbs., 12 oz. (Jeffery Clark, 1985)
68 lbs., 5 oz. (Wanda Carroll, 1999)

Croaker, Atlantic

5 lbs., 12 oz. (David Flynt, 1977)
2 lbs., 11 oz. (Caroline Hicks, 2014)

Dolphin (Mahi)

68 lbs., 1.6 oz. (James Roberts, 2022)
54 lbs., 8 oz. (Ramona Arsenault, 1977)

Drum, Red

47 lbs., 7 oz. (Richard Price, 1986)
38 lbs., 13 oz. (Sandra Price, 1986)

Flounder (Composite)

15 lbs., 2 oz. (Walter C. Hewitt, 1982)
15 lbs., 10 oz. (Janice Youmans, 1990)

Grouper, Gag

38 lbs., 0 oz. (David Sapp, 2002)
20 lbs., 0 oz. (Joyce L. Richards, 1984)

Grouper, Goliath

124 lbs., 0 oz. (James Chumley, 1976)
Harvest Prohibited

Grouper, Graysby

2 lbs., 2.24 oz. (A. Justin Bythwood, 2024)
Open

Grouper, Red

24 lbs., 6.4 oz. (Bruce C. Bartlett Jr., 2021)
19 lbs., 2 oz. (Karen Kratzer, 2016)

Grouper, Scamp

27 lbs., 2 oz. (Jakob Hallstrom, 2014)
23 lbs., 6 oz. (Kathy Wash, 1987)

Grouper, Warsaw

252 lbs., 0 oz. (Gene Whitehurst, 1981)
Harvest Prohibited

Jack, Crevalle

38 lbs., 8 oz. (Lex Bazemore, 2001)
33 lbs., 10.72 oz. (Lauren Harden, 2024)

Jack, Almaco

23 lbs., 14.04 oz. (Jason H. Rich, 2024)
Open

Kingfish (Whiting)

2 lbs., 12 oz. (Harold Guinn, 1975)
2 lbs., 4 oz. (Lois E. Guinn, 1975)

Ladyfish

3 lbs., 12 oz. (Dwight Thornton, 1977)
5 lbs., 0 oz. (Marjorie Nighbert, 1978)

Mackerel, King

75 lbs., 12 oz. (Joe H. Bell, 2004)
45 lbs., 7 oz. (Jessica Pace, 2016)

Mackerel, Spanish

8 lbs., 4 oz. (James I. Geiger, 1991)
7 lbs., 14 oz. (Ida Knight, 1988)

Marlin, Blue

491 lbs., 8 oz. (John C. Howard, 1985)
178 lbs., 0 oz. (Susan D. Meeks, 1985)

Marlin, White

49 lbs., 12 oz. (Thomas Hester, 1986)
Open

Mullet, Striped

9 lbs., 3 oz. (Steve Middleton, 1994)
Open

Pinfish

2 lbs., 3.2 oz. (Spencer N. Schutte, 2022)
0 lbs., 12.8 oz. (Nicole Starns, 2020)

Pompano, African

40 lbs., 0.48 oz. (Richard Bjornby, 2021)
25 lbs., 13 oz. (Jennifer Roberts, 2016)

Pompano, Florida

5 lbs., 4 oz. (Bill Knightbuford, 2002)
2 lbs., 3.52 oz. (Bycie Shantel Curlett, 2023)

Porgy (Composite)

15 lbs., 14 oz. (Louis F. Jiran, 1988)
Open

Porgy, Red

5 lbs., 6 oz. (Jimmy Ginn, 1980)
Open

Runner, Rainbow

17 lbs., 12 oz. (Tyler Bond, 1984)
Open

Sailfish

65 lbs., 0 oz. (Vann Downs, 1981)
38 lbs., 5 oz. (Laura Hammonds, 1992)

Seatrout, Spotted

9 lbs., 7 oz. (Tommy Hall, 1976)
7 lbs., 8 oz. (Amanda Wooten, 1990)

Shark, Blacktip

131 lbs., 0 oz. (Albert L. Boyd, 1978)
148 lbs, 0 oz. (Allison Gerber, 2008)

Shark, Bonnethead

22 lbs., 8 oz. (Zachary Gross, 2009)
22 lbs., 11.5 oz. (Amanda Page, 2012)

Shark, Bull

455 lbs., 0 oz. (Mark D. Noble, 1978)
121 lbs., 9 oz. (Jennifer Swenson, 2011)

Shark, Dusky

272 lbs., 8 oz. (Bill Hunter, 1978)
6 lbs, 2 oz. (Wendy Mead, 1982)

Shark, Hammerhead

770 lbs., 0 oz. (Charlie Marshall, 1973)
10 lbs., 0 oz. (Katherine Bullis, 1985)

Shark, Lemon

375 lbs., 0 oz. (Thomas Winslow, 1974)
322 lbs., 0 oz. (Deborah Carter, 2011)

Shark, Mako

440 lbs., 0 oz. (Tyler Gary, 2017)
Open

Shark, Nurse

244 lbs., 0 oz. (Bill Watson, 1981)
Open

Shark, Sandbar

158 lbs., 8 oz. (Chet Lee Kirby, 1979)
124 lbs., 0 oz. (Dorothea Bays, 1985)

Shark, Sand Tiger

290 lbs., 0 oz. (Billy Castle, 1977)
212 lbs., 6 oz. (Clara Adams, 1984)

Shark, Spinner

145 lbs., 6 oz. (Edward J. Hawie, 2009)
Open

Shark, Thresher

116 lbs., 0 oz. (Mark D. Noble, 1976)
Open

Shark, Tiger

794 lbs., 0 oz. (Chuck Hall, 1975)
190 lbs., 0 oz. (Pam Page, 2012)

Sheepshead (tie)

14 lbs., 14 oz. (Ralph V. White, 2002)
14 lbs., 14.37 oz. (Ben Golden III, 2023)
12 lbs., 9 oz. (Linda Carroll, 2003)

Snapper, Cubera

10 lbs., 0 oz. (Chris Gray, 2012)
Open

Snapper, Gray

12 lbs., 9 oz. (David Blackshear, 2011)
10 lbs., 4 oz. (Lindsey Paulk, 2020)

Snapper, Mutton

18 lbs., 6.56 oz. (Benjamin Lewis, 2019)
18 lbs., 9.92 oz. (Janet Monroe, 2019)

Snapper, Red

37 lbs., 8 oz. (Bill Shearin Jr., 1988)
29 lbs., 8 oz. (Phyllis Thompson, 1989)

Snapper, Yellowtail

5 lbs., 10 oz. (Eddie N Vanmeter II, 2014)
Open

Snapper, Vermilion

5 lbs., 11.68 oz. (Mark Brandon Neville, 2022)
5 lbs., 5.6 oz. (Stacey T. Pope, 2023)

Snook

10 lbs., 2 oz. (Lester Rooks, 1990)
10 lbs., 6 oz. (Marlene Patton, 2008)

Spadefish, Atlantic

13 lbs., 2 oz. (Shahram Zare, 2004)
11 lbs., 5 oz. (Deidra H. Jeffcoat, 2003)

Spot

1 lbs., 0.32 oz. (Joel E. Duck, 2023)
Open

Swordfish

205 lbs., 8 oz. (Brendin A. Page, 2014)
Open

Tarpon

161 lbs., 0 oz. (C. Edwards, 1995)
139 lbs., 0 oz. (Wendy Mead, 1986)

Triggerfish, Gray

11 lbs., 3 oz. (Dean Williams, 1989)
11 lbs., 5 oz. (Elizabeth Zeagler, 1987)

Triggerfish, Queen

9 lbs., 6.24 oz. (Brian C. Richburg, 2024)
Open

Tripletail

38 lbs., 14 oz. (Kyle Thigpen, 2005)
29 lbs., 5.8 oz. (Jordan Davis, 2017)

Tuna, Blackfin

40 lbs., 8 oz. (Tyler Deal, 2016)
30 lbs., 14.24 oz. (Molly M. Strickland, 2024)
30 lbs., 8 oz. (Penny Morgan-Turner, 1999)

Tuna, Yellowfin

249 lbs., 2 oz. (Ken Cooper, 1980)
165 lbs., 4 oz. (Anne Smith, 1973)

Tunny, Little

22 lbs., 1 oz. (Dusty Blackburn, 2017)
20 lbs., 0 oz. (Str. Mary Clarice, 1973)

Wahoo

123 lbs., 3 oz. (Michael Stefanick, 2000)
77 lbs., 0 oz. (Linda Li-Chao Yang, 1999)

Weakfish

6 lbs., 8 oz. (Frank Taylor, 1976)
Open

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A young girl in a pink swimsuit and an adult in a blue shirt and white cap are fishing from a concrete pier. The adult is pointing and assisting the girl, who is holding a red and black fishing rod. Several other people are fishing in the background, and a large bridge stretches over the water. The water below is calm, and the sky is overcast.

Recreational Saltwater Fishing

A commercial fisherman wearing a gray hoodie, red waterproof overalls, sunglasses, and a black beanie is working on a fishing boat. He is operating a large metal winch with one hand while gripping a lever with the other. The sun shines brightly, creating a lens flare effect. The background features open water with a distant structure visible on the horizon. The sky is mostly clear with a few wispy clouds.

Commercial Saltwater Fishing

A scuba diver wearing a black diving mask, regulator, and a yellow oxygen tank explores an underwater artificial reef. The reef consists of large, hollow concrete structures resting on the ocean floor. Small red fish swim around the diver and the reef. Bubbles rise from the diver’s regulator, and the water has a greenish tint with particles suspended in it.

Artificial Reefs & Marine Habitat

<!-- Image Description: A white motorboat with a black canopy speeds through a winding waterway surrounded by lush green marsh grass. The boat leaves a white foamy wake behind it. Two people wearing life jackets are visible on board, one steering while the other is seated. The waterway meanders through the marsh, creating a natural pattern of land and water.

Coastal Boating & Boat Ramps

A female scientist wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and a baseball cap is working in a muddy coastal marsh. She is kneeling in the mud, surrounded by tall green marsh grass, and adjusting or inspecting a white monitoring station mounted on a pole. A purple cloth hangs from the station. The bright sunlight casts shadows, highlighting the texture of the mud and vegetation.

Coastal Management

A female field researcher wearing a navy blue shirt, sunglasses, and a black waist pouch is working in a dense coastal environment. She is surrounded by green palmetto plants and other vegetation, with twisted tree branches in the background. She is holding a clipboard and writing notes while marking plants with bright pink flagging tape. The natural setting appears lush and slightly overgrown.

Marsh & Shore Permits

A male educator wearing a navy blue long-sleeve shirt, black cap, and patterned neck gaiter holds up a small crab while speaking to a group of children on a sandy beach. The children, with their backs to the camera, are attentively watching. The ocean waves roll onto the shore in the background under an overcast sky.

Marine Education & Public Outreach

A group of people, including men and women dressed in casual and uniformed attire, stand on a wooden dock holding a large red sign that reads "SOUND LIMIT." One woman, wearing work clothes and boots, kneels in front of the sign while smiling at the camera. The background features a coastal marsh with tall grasses and calm water under a clear sky. Some individuals in the group are engaged in conversation, while others look at the sign or the camera.

Learn More About Our Division

NEWS & PUBLIC NOTICES

Press Releases

CRD Enhances Artificial Reefs with Two New Additions

Brunswick, Ga.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 07:00 am

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) has successfully added two new structures to its artificial reef system, enhancing marine habitat and fishing opportunities off the Georgia coast.

Applications sought for DNR's Coastal Advisory Council

Brunswick, Ga.

Monday, January 6, 2025, 07:00 am

The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking qualified applicants to serve on a committee that advises CRD’s Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP).

Champney River Park Boat Ramp to Close for Renovations

Brunswick, Ga.

Thursday, January 2, 2025, 07:00 am

The James Allen Williamson Champney River Park and boat ramp south of downtown Darien off U.S. Highway 17 will close for renovations after the conclusion of duck hunting season on January 28, 2025.

David W. Lang, Modification of an Existing Marina, St. Marys River, Camden County, Georgia

Written comments due by: Friday, Mar 21 2025

City or County : Camden County, Georgia

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Hunt Camp Dock Maintenance, Ossabaw Island, Chatham County

City or County : Chatham

Glynn County Board of Commissioners, Coast Guard Park Enhancements, 4101 First Street, St. Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia

Written comments due by: Sunday, Mar 02 2025

City or County : Glynn County

City of Brunswick West Brunswick Drainage Improvements, City of Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia

Written comments due by: Thursday, Feb 27 2025

City or County : Glynn County, Georgia

Blue Moon Marinas, LLC., Construction and Maintenance of a Private Marina and Bank Stabilization Project at an Existing Commercial Facility, 3110 River Drive, Thunderbolt, Wilmington River, Chatham County, Georgia

Written comments due by: Thursday, Feb 27 2025

City or County : Chatham County, Georgia

Tentative Agenda-Joint Meeting of the Coastal Marshlands and Shore Protection Committees

Friday, March 7, 2025, 09:30 am - 03:00 pm

Friday, March 7, 2025
9:30 am
GA DNR Coastal Regional Office- Susan Shipman Learning Center

Coastal Advisory Council Winter Meeting

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Susan Shipman Center

Public Comment Meeting for Making for the Regulation of Upland Component of a Project, Chapter 391-2-3-.02

Thursday, January 4, 2024, 17:30 pm - 07:30 pm

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