ATLANTA (AP) — Commercial fishermen can kick off the new year with the opening day of shad season in Georgia.

The wildlife resources division of the state's Department of Natural Resources' says shad season begins at 6 a.m. Thursday and runs through midnight on March 31.

The agency reminds fishermen of a recent regulation change: They must now have a free letter of authorization with them, as well as their commercial fishing license, to commercially fish for shad.

The agency says fishermen should also familiarize themselves with the specific regulations for various rivers in Georgia and should ensure that the nets they use meet guidelines.

Fishermen must also report the harvest of American shad to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division via Trip Tickets.

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