SOCIAL CIRCLE — The 2010 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations are now available.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently distributed printed versions of the regulations to all division offices and facilities, a number of state parks and fishing license retailers statewide. An online version of the new regulations is available at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

WRD advises new and experienced anglers alike to familiarize themselves with the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations before casting a line.

"Georgia offers so many different fishing opportunities from the coast to the mountains and this booklet is designed to help anglers find great places to fish and to educate them on Georgia’s fishing regulations," said WRD Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. "It contains information that should answer all basic questions for anglers."

The guide provides helpful information, including color fish identification charts for both freshwater and saltwater fish, license purchasing information, contact information for WRD fisheries management offices and WRD law enforcement offices, trout stream listings, public fishing area information, state record fish listings and complete fishing regulations for Georgia.

The Board of Natural Resources sets Georgia’s fishing regulations based on recommendations made by the Department’s fisheries biologists and field personnel while the Georgia general assembly sets the laws related to fishing.

The 2010 changes anglers should know are as follows:

• New license opportunities are available.

• Multi-year licenses, stacking licenses, early renewal discounts and reduced-price sportsmen’s licenses are available. For more information, see page 12 in the new booklet.

For more information about Georgia’s fishing regulations or for information about where and when to go fishing, go to www.gofishgeorgia.com or contact the nearest WRD fisheries management office.