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

Brant Frost V is a former vice-chair of the Georgia GOP whose father, Brant Frost IV, founded First Liberty Building & Loan in 1993.   (YouTube screenshot)

Credit: YouTube screen

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP