The red fish, or red drum, Georgia’s state saltwater fish, would be protected from commercial fishing under legislation approved Monday in the state House.

House Bill 36, sponsored by Rep. Ben Watson, R-Savannah, passed 168-0 and now goes to the Senate.

It would protect the red fish for recreational fishing by designating it a game fish.

“It does not take the red fish off your dinner plate,” Watson said. “You’ll still be able to catch the limit.”

Watson said the fish is farmed commercially in North Carolina and Texas, so it should still be available to restaurants.

About the Author

Keep Reading

As lawmakers debate eliminating Georgia's income tax, supporters say it will post economic developement and opponents say it will raise sales taxes and other fees. (Hyosub Shin / AJC file.)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com