Originally Posted By: Carcassman
In reading the regs, fishing FOR bottom fish is prohibited beyond certain depths. While not clear, I bet that the descender rule is when fishing FOR them. Now, if like Bob, you are fishing FOR salmon and catch one it becomes incidental and the only bottom fish rules that would apply are open season and limit.

I doubt too many prosecutors or judges would look kindly on prosecuting somebody who accidentally caught something if what they did afterwards was legal.


I should have been more clear in expressing my concern which is not tied to descenders.

If one is fishing for salmon in Puget Sound in waters deeper than 120 feet you are legal but what is the requirement if in that endeavor you accidentally hook an otherwise legal bottomfish? Can you legally retain said bottomfish?
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