I've been fishing the Samish for years, in one of the more populated areas.

Some observations;
-I didn't believe the Jig thing when it started. Checked other peoples hooked fish myself. Surprised how many were hooked IN the mouth. Had 1/2+ hr discussion with WDFW biologist about it. He had NO answer other than they were picking it up as to why fish were being hooked IN the mouth. Asked me how low on the river we were.

-I have NEVER witnessed anyone getting a ticket, warning etc for snagging. Talked to 1 guy who got a ticket for non-movement.

-Asked the Game Warden why he wasn't down checking us more (he was in the parking lot). He said he knows we do a good job at policing ourselves. He indicated that wasn't the case in other places.

-I foul hooked far more fish and have witnessed far more fish being foul hooked using eggs, corkies etc.

-Biggest problem I have seen is the increase over the last 5 years or so of people who have NO clue. They show up with Mooching rods, 50lb test etc and have no clue what a bite is. Pretend they don't understand the rules. Some don't know them and could care less.

-I have fished eggs under a float . Hooked a couple. I think the dirty water from all the people above being in the river hampers this method. And yes, I do hook other fish using a float & eggs.

-I have no doubt this will cut back on the people and it will also cause problems. The state got over 8,500 fish back to the hatchery last year.

-The Wardens better have extra tickets for this one.