SOCIAL CIRCLE — Commercial fishermen can take to the water beginning at 6 a.m. Jan. 1 to take advantage of the opening day of shad season, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Shad season runs through midnight Tuesday, March 31. Fishermen need to be aware that, due to a recent regulation change, they now are required to possess a free letter of authorization in addition to their commercial fishing license to commercially fish for shad.