Snagging is illegal (obvious, I know) but NOW the rules are precise and SPECIFIC.
So no arguing with the fish cops about how that spark plug "has special feesh attractin' qualities" and "only works if I rig 'er up like this"
The "in the mouth" part means if yer linin' and the hook catches the gill plate or eye socket or nose, "FOUL BALL"

Which, in the spirit of sportsmanship, is not truly a "take"- no arguing that the fish "turned" or "swatted" or whatever, "FOUL BALL"

And yes I have kept a few hooked in the side of the face or nose, since at that time on that river the rule was "gill-plates forward". I have gently reminded ("YOU DUMBA$$, That's illegal...") many folks that the anal vent is not the mouth and surely isn't "gill-plates forward"
Nor are pectoral, dorsal or belly hooks.
To me the specifics make sense; they have spelled it out!

The Irony is thus:
Those that the rules are aimed at don't read the reg.'s anyway!


That's my take.