This is a follow up of "SNAGGING - The Ultimate resolution - I hope?!" thread (02-06-2002). There were some unanswered questions. Please read the other thread to come up to speed. Snagging issue will ultimately comes down to "intent" and I hope this helps.

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To intentionally snag a fish is illegal in any (Salt/Fresh) water.

SALT WATER:
I don't have a Washington State Code Rule (WAC) for this but this is what I was told:

In salt water if you have a fish with snagged marks on the body, you are legal and you can also keep a fish which was hooked any where on the body as long as you did not intentionally snag it. Lets say you are trolling or casting and hook a fish on the body. You can keep it as long as you did not "intend" to snag.

FRESH WATER:
WAC 220-56-215 Unlawful possession of snagged salmon. It shall be unlawful to possess salmon taken for personal use from freshwater areas that were not hooked inside the mouth or on the head.

If you are not intentionally snagging and have a fish which is hooked on the head (gill-plate forward) you are legal. Body shots are illegal. When I asked about the definition of "snagging" on page 13 of WDFW sport fishing rules which clearly indicates "hook(s) must be in the mouth", I was told sometimes in the process of taking the lure, the fish is hooked outside the mouth (due to hook set and other timing related issues) and they allow that as long as it is gill-plate forward. See WAC 220-56-215.

As far as keeping a fish with fresh snag marks on the body. Now that becomes very technical. Let say you have a legally hooked fish on the bank with fresh snag marks on the body and the officer walks by. What does he think? You know you are legal but do you want to take that risk? How bad do you need the fish? No easy answer. I would let it go but you have every right to keep it. Your call.

Also to "floss" or "line" a fish is illegal. Theoretically the fish is not "voluntarily taking the lure".

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