(a) It shall be unlawful to fish commercially for catfish in the salt waters of this state without a valid commercial fishing license.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish commercially for catfish in the salt waters of this state with any gear except trotlines, wire baskets meeting the requirements of Code Section 27-4-92, and hoop nets of one inch on the square (two-inch stretch) or larger which do not exceed three and one-half feet in diameter or ten feet in length.

(c) It shall be unlawful to fish commercially for catfish in the North Altamaha River, except on the ocean side (downstream) of the mouth of, but not including, Lewis Creek. Such fishing shall also be unlawful in the South Altamaha River, except on the ocean side (downstream) of the uppermost entrance of Hammersmith Creek.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially for catfish in the salt waters of this state to take and retain any catfish in the salt waters of this state less than nine inches in total length. Any catfish taken and retained by such person shall be deemed to be less than nine inches if it is less than seven inches with head removed or less than six inches with head and tail removed.