Georgia's total commercial catch of fish and shellfish in 1998 was 13,017,000 lb, valued at $23,737,000—a volume representing only 0.1% of the national catch. Commercial fishing in Georgia involves more shellfish—mainly shrimp and crabs—than finfish, the most important of which are caught in the nets of shrimp trawlers. Leading finfish are snappers, groupers, tilefish, and porgy.
In brisk mountain streams and sluggish swamps, anglers catch bass, catfish, jackfish, bluegill, crappie, perch, and trout. In 1998, over 4.8 million bass were distributed within the state. Georgia issued 622,027 sport fishing licenses in 1998.