Gaffing and use of other body-penetrating devices—Commercial.
(1) It is unlawful to club, gaff, snag, snare, dip net, harass, spear, stone, or otherwise molest, injure, kill, destroy, or shoot with a firearm, crossbow, bow and arrow, or compressed air gun, any fish or shellfish or parts of fish or shellfish for commercial purposes, except: It is permissible to use a dip net, gaff, or club in the landing of food fish or shellfish. However, it is unlawful to use a fish pew, pitchfork, or any other instrument that penetrates the body of the fish or shellfish if the fish or shellfish will not be retained or are unlawful to possess.
(2) It is unlawful to possess fish or shellfish or parts of fish or shellfish taken using the unlawful methods described in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) It is unlawful under any circumstance to use a device that penetrates the body of a sturgeon whether the sturgeon is legal to retain or not.
(4) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW
77.15.520 Commercial fishing—Unlawful gear or methods—Penalty.
(5) It is unlawful to attempt acts that violate this section. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW
77.15.382, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
77.04.012,
77.04.013,
77.04.020,
77.04.055, and
77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-353-040, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW
77.04.012,
77.04.013,
77.04.055,
77.12.045, and
77.12.047. WSR 13-03-153 (Order 13-16), § 220-20-126, filed 1/23/13, effective 2/23/13.]