Flossing to me is like cheating at solitaire. There is not much satisfaction in that.
I'm 60 years old and I was taught, when I was bottom bouncing that leader length does make a difference. Clear water 36 inches long, colored water 24 inches long.
I've caught plenty of fish using these methods.
The first time I saw the 12 to 14 foot leaders was on the Cowlitz. These guys were just whacking the heck out of them. I meandered over
and saw a guy beach a fish and noticed that the hook was on the outside of the mouth. After awhile all the fish had hooks on the outside of the mouth. Hmmm?
I mentioned this to another old timer and he said. "You know what the difference is between lining and flossing?" No, What? A $40,000 Jet sled!
Maybe fish and game should clarify the regs by stating Any hooks outside of mouth Fish to be released.
Just my .02