chefjake99
9/5/2011 7:02:00 PMAccording to the WDFW you are supposed to keep fish if legal that has been hooked in the gills .
Matt
9/5/2011 7:57:00 PMCorrect. The definition of a legally hooked fish is a fish hooked anywhere in the mouth, or on the head FROM THE GILL PLATE FORWARD. So the throat, top of the head, outside of the gillplate, etc. are all legal fish to retain. Also, as Jake said, it stated in the regs that fish hooked in the gills or tongue or that are bleeding profusely should be kept "when legal to do so" meaning it is not an illegal species to retain.
Dave
9/5/2011 9:32:00 PMWhat's there to say? People are gonna fish illegally and unfortunately there are not enough WDFW Officers to be everywhere. It sucks but I don't think it's gonna change anytime soon. All we can do as ethical anglers is fish lawfully and try to set the example knowing that we are doing the right thing. JMO. Glad to hear you did well. The jig you have pictured is the same one we used with great success all of last week.