(a) It shall be unlawful to fish commercially for shad except with a valid commercial fishing license as prescribed in Code Section 27-2-23.

(b) It shall be unlawful to fish commercially for shad from May 1 through December 31.

(c) It shall also be unlawful to fish commercially for shad during the period of January 1 through April 30, except that it shall not be unlawful to fish commercially for shad during such period or portion thereof as has been designated by the board as an open season for such fishing.

(d) It shall also be unlawful to fish commercially for shad except in compliance with the rules and regulations of the board pertaining to the methods, places, and days of the week for fishing commercially for shad.

(e) In accordance with subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section and as may be appropriate based on sound principles of wildlife research and management, the board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations establishing the seasons, days, places, and methods for fishing commercially for shad.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, there shall be no possession or creel limit on shad taken pursuant to this Code section.

(g) This Code section shall apply only to American and hickory shad. Sturgeon, game fish other than American shad and hickory shad, and all species of catfish taken in shad nets must be released unharmed into the waters from which they were taken.