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Revised rules encourage fishing
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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division  is making it easier for anglers to validate their outstanding catches by revising the 2007 rules for WRD’s Angler Award Program.
Qualifying standard weights were lowered for 19 species, including shoal bass, smallmouth bass, Suwannee bass, redeye bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, white bass, walleye, chain pickerel, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, black crappie, white crappie, American shad, white catfish, common carp and grass carp, longnose gar and yellow perch.
The weight was added for spotted bass and three new species added to the list include green sunfish, white perch and freshwater drum.
 In addition, the application acceptance process was revised. The new rules now accept angler award applications meeting a qualifying weight or length (rather than just basing the fish on weight, as previously required).  Anglers now are allowed to submit applications by mail, including a clear, side-view photo of the fish for identification purposes.
The WRD is helping to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with the new online Kid's First Fish award certificate. Parents can easily print-off the certificate, fill in the pertinent information and present it to a child for a fish well caught.
For more information regarding fishing in Georgia, including official angler award and state record program rules and the Kid's First Fish certificate, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or contact your local WRD Fisheries Management office. 
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