thats a tough one , I once caught a king in Elliot Bay trolling a herring played the fish and when I brought it to the boat I was surprized to see that I had caught the snap swivel with a flasher ,green hootchie, and a nice 15lb. king attached to it. and yes I did keep it. I don't know if that was legal or not but I don't know too many people that would have let it go. What would you have done if your situation was reversed?