Pitch peace...I don't think I assumed anything incorrectedly about the legal system....yes the judge will give consideration to anything relevant you may wish to present. but it still comes to what is written as law. He needs only ask you and the officer one question...only one very simple question...where was the fish hooked? In the mouth or not? Now there's no written definition in the reg's so then you revert to what ever source of common accepted definitions the court uses...Websters dictionary for instance. As for Mr. Jacoby's e-mail and his apparent followup to ultimate...I think the judge will have some sympathy for you receiving poor advice from a lawyer. Ultimate when you talk to him how about asking for letter signed by him specically stating that the gill plate forward thing is either the intent of the law as written or just someones policy or guidelines? these are not law. Please scan and post this reply showing his signature? Sure would hate for you or any other honest citizen to cough up $500 and potentially lose your gear...and I'm not flamin on this one!

gooose