Second guessing is only productive if it can be instructional about what one might do next time, if ever there is a next time. It is illegal to intentionaly snag fish; it is illegal to retain a snagged fish. This fish was unintentionally snagged. It was not snagged, or even hooked, at the moment it was reduced to possession. I think we have "reasonable doubt." I wouldn't vote to convict.

But if it is a wild fish, I'd release it anyway.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.