CCLME.ORG - Personal-use fishery
Loading (50 kb)...'
(continued)

(6) Commencement Bay: Those waters east of a line projected from the Sperry Ocean Dock to landfall below the Cliff House Restaurant on the north shore of Commencement Bay are closed July 1 through August 12.

(7) Southern Rosario Strait and eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca: Waters of Area 7 in Rosario Strait and the eastern portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca southerly of a line running true south from the westernmost point on Fidalgo Head to Burrows Island, then westerly and southerly along the shore of Burrows Island to the Burrows Island Lighthouse, then to Bird Rocks, then westerly from Bird Rocks to the southernmost point on Decatur Island, then across Lopez Pass to Lopez Island and following the shore of Lopez Island southerly and westerly to Iceberg Point, then from Iceberg Point to Cattle Point, then south southwest to the Salmon Bank Buoy, and then true south from the Salmon Bank Buoy to the Area 7 boundary - Closed to fishing for salmon July 1 - September 30.

(8) Kydaka Point - waters south of a line from Kydaka Point to Shipwreck Point are closed to fishing for salmon July 1 through September 30.

(9) Port Angeles Harbor - waters westerly of a line from the tip of Ediz Hook to the I.T.T. Rayonier Dock are closed to fishing for salmon from July 1 through August 31.

(10) Port Susan - waters north of a line from Camano Head to a boundary marker approximately 1.4 miles northwest of Hermosa Point closed to salmon fishing August 1 through August 31.

(11) Grays Harbor Control Zone: Waters within a line from the lighthouse one mile south of the south jetty, thence to Buoy number 2, thence to Buoy number 3, thence to the tip of the north jetty, thence to the exposed end of the south jetty, thence following the south jetty and shoreline to the lighthouse closed to fishing for salmon August 1 through September 18.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 05-17-007 (Order 05-168), § 220-56-195, filed 8/3/05, effective 9/3/05; 04-24-030 (Order 04-306), § 220-56-195, filed 11/23/04, effective 12/24/04; 02-15-097 (Order 02-158), § 220-56-195, filed 7/16/02, effective 8/16/02; 01-14-001 (Order 01-107), § 220-56-195, filed 6/21/01, effective 7/22/01. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-16-091 (Order 00-134), § 220-56-195, filed 7/31/00, effective 8/31/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. 99-15-081 (Order 99-102), § 220-56-195, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99; 98-15-081 (Order 98-122), § 220-56-195, filed 7/15/98, effective 8/15/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 75.12.040. 97-18-035, § 220-56-195, filed 8/27/97, effective 9/27/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 96-11-078 (Order 96-44), § 220-56-195, filed 5/13/96, effective 6/13/96; 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-195, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; 94-14-069, § 220-56-195, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-14-043 (Order 93-36), § 220-56-195, filed 6/29/93, effective 7/30/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-195, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 90-06-026, § 220-56-195, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-195, filed 3/16/89; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-195, filed 4/26/88; 87-09-066 (Order 87-16), § 220-56-195, filed 4/21/87; 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-195, filed 4/9/86; 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-195, filed 4/9/85; 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-195, filed 3/17/83; 82-13-040 (Order 82-61), § 220-56-195, filed 6/9/82; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-195, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-196
Closed areas — Pink salmon angling.
Pink only closures -- None.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-196, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-196, filed 3/16/89; 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-196, filed 4/11/84; 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-196, filed 3/17/83.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-197
Closed areas — Coho salmon angling.
Coho only closures -- None.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 90-06-026, § 220-56-197, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-197, filed 4/9/85.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-199
Closed areas — Chinook salmon angling.
Chinook only closures - None.



[Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-16-091 (Order 00-134), § 220-56-199, filed 7/31/00, effective 8/31/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. 98-15-081 (Order 98-122), § 220-56-199, filed 7/15/98, effective 8/15/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-199, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-199, filed 4/26/88; 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-199, filed 4/9/85.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-200
Salmon angling unlawful from commercial vessels.
It shall be unlawful to take, fish for or possess salmon for personal use by angling from any vessel engaged in any type of commercial fishing or having commercially caught food fish aboard.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-200, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-210
Fly fishing.
(1) It is unlawful to fish in waters restricted to "fly fishing only" with the use of:

(a) A fixed spool reel.

(b) Fishing line other than conventional fly line, except that other line may be used for backing and leader if it is attached to not less than 25 feet of conventional fly line.

(c) Hooks that exceed 1/2 inch when measured from point to shank.

(d) Not more than two flies each with a barbless single hook.

(e) Bait.

(f) Weight attached to the leader or line.

(g) Violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

(h) It is unlawful to possess fish taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of fish while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the fish were taken with such gear. Possession of such fish is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree -- Penalty, unless the fish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree -- Penalty.

(2) "Fly" means a lure on which thread, feathers, hackle, or yarn cover a minimum of half the shank of the hook. Metallic colored tape, tinsel, mylar, or beadeyes may be used as an integral part of the design of the fly pattern.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, persons who have a permanent disability that significantly limits the use of one or both upper extremities may use spinning gear in fly fishing only waters as provided for in this section.

(a) A fisher with a disability must apply for a fly fishing special use permit by presenting a letter from a physician stating that the fisher's disability is permanent and that, because of the inability to use one or both upper extremities, the fisher is physically incapable of using conventional fly fishing gear.

(b) The fisher will be issued a fly fishing special use permit in the form of a wearable tag. The fisher must have the special use permit in his or her possession at all times while using spin casting gear in fly fishing only waters, and may display the permit on outer clothing.

(c) It is lawful for persons in possession of a fly fishing special use permit to use the following gear:

(i) Fishers may use spin casting gear with a casting bubble.

(ii) Monofilament line is permitted with no limit on the breaking strength of the line.

(iii) Hook size and barb restrictions, fishing fly requirements, and bait and weight prohibitions as provided for in this section apply to both conventional fly fishing and spin-bubble fly fishing.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-210, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-210, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; 01-06-051 (Order 01-31), § 220-56-210, filed 3/6/01, effective 4/6/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-210, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-210, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-215
Unlawful possession of snagged fish taken in freshwater.
It is unlawful to possess fish taken for personal use from freshwater areas that were not hooked inside the mouth or on the head, the head being defined as all parts of the fish anterior of the rear margin of the gill plate, except this rule does not apply to forage fish taken with forage fish jigger gear.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-215, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-215, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-220
Salmon eggs — Unlawful acts.
It shall be unlawful to remove eggs from any salmon for the purpose of using or preserving them for bait without retaining the carcass of the fish from which they were removed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-220, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-230
Bottomfish — Closed areas.
It is unlawful to fish for or possess bottomfish taken for personal use from within an eastward facing "C" shaped closed area defined as: Beginning at 48°N, 124°59'W, thence to 48°N, 125°18'W, thence to 48°18'N, 125°18'W, thence to 48°18'N, 124°59'W, thence to 48°11'N, 124°59'W, thence to 48°11'N, 125°11'W, thence to 48°04'N, 125°11'W, thence to 48°04'N, 124°59'W, thence to the point of origin.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-230, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 90-06-026, § 220-56-230, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-235
Possession limits — Bottomfish.
It is unlawful for any person to take in any day more than the following quantities of bottomfish for personal use. The possession limit at any time shall not exceed the equivalent of two daily limits in fresh, frozen or processed form. Unless otherwise provided bottomfish fishing is open the entire year.

(1) Coastal (Catch Record Card Areas 1 through 4) - 15 fish in the aggregate of all species and species groups of bottomfish, which may include no more than:

(a) Lingcod - 2 fish minimum length 24 inches.

(b) Rockfish - 10 fish. Release all canary and yelloweye rockfish.

(c) Surfperch (excluding shiner perch) - 15 fish.

(d) Wolfeel - 0 fish from Catch Record Card Area 4.

(e) Cabezon - 2 fish east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.

(2) Inner Puget Sound (Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 13):

(a) Catch Record Card Areas 5 and 6 - 15 fish in the aggregate of all species and species groups of bottomfish, which may include no more than:

Rockfish except 1 fish May 1 through September 30
in Marine Area 5 west of Slip Point 3 fish of which no more than 1 may be other than black rockfish
Surfperch 10 fish
Pacific cod 2 fish
Pollock 2 fish
Flatfish (except halibut) 15 fish
Lingcod 1 fish
Wolf-eel 0 fish
Cabezon 2 fish
Pacific hake 2 fish
(b) Catch Record Card Area 7 - 15 fish in the aggregate of all species of bottomfish, which may include no more than:

Rockfish 1 fish May 1 through September 30
Surfperch 10 fish
Pacific cod 2 fish
Flatfish (except halibut) 15 fish
Lingcod 1 fish
Wolf-eel 0 fish
Cabezon 2 fish
Pollock 2 fish
Pacific hake 2 fish
(c) Catch Record Card Areas 8-1 through 11 and 13 - 15 fish in the aggregate of all species and species groups of bottomfish, which may include no more than:

Rockfish in Area 9 May 1 through September 30 and in Areas 8-1, 8-2, 10, 11 and 13 when lingcod or salmon seasons are open. Rockfish closed in Area 12 1 fish
Surfperch 10 fish
Pacific cod 0 fish
Pollock 0 fish
Flatfish (except halibut) 15 fish
Lingcod 1 fish
Wolf-eel 0 fish
Cabezon 2 fish
Pacific hake 0 fish
(d) Catch Area 12: Closed.

(e) It is unlawful to possess lingcod taken by angling less than 26 inches in length or greater than 40 inches in length.

(f) The daily limit taken by spear fishing may include no more than one lingcod. There is no size restriction on the one lingcod allowed in the daily limit if taken by spear fishing.

(g) It is unlawful to retain cabezon taken from Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 11 and 13 from December 1 through April 30.

(h) It is unlawful to retain six-gill shark taken from Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 13.

(i) It is unlawful to retain canary or yelloweye rockfish taken from Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 13.

(j) It is unlawful to take rockfish by spear fishing in Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 13.

(k) In Catch Record Areas 5 through 11 and 13, the daily limit for rockfish is the first legal rockfish caught, except in Area 5 west of Slip Point the daily limit for rockfish is the first three legal rockfish caught, provided that no more than one of the three may be other than black rockfish. After the daily limit of rockfish is caught, all subsequent rockfish must be released.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 04-17-098 (Order 04-218), § 220-56-235, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04; 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-235, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; 03-16-100 (Order 03-178), § 220-56-235, filed 8/6/03, effective 9/6/03; 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-235, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03; 02-09-001 (Order 02-53A), § 220-56-235, filed 4/3/02, effective 5/4/02; 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-235, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-17-016 (Order 00-139), § 220-56-235, filed 8/3/00, effective 9/3/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-235, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00; 99-15-081 (Order 99-102), § 220-56-235, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 98-15-032 (Order 98-119), § 220-56-235, filed 7/7/98, effective 8/7/98; 97-07-078 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-235, filed 3/19/97, effective 5/1/97; 96-05-004 (Order 96-13), § 220-56-235, filed 2/9/96, effective 5/1/96; 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-235, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 94-14-069, § 220-56-235, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-235, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-235, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-235, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; 90-06-026, § 220-56-235, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-235, filed 3/16/89; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-235, filed 4/26/88; 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-235, filed 4/9/85; 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-235, filed 4/11/84; 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-235, filed 3/17/83; 80-07-017 (Order 80-45), § 220-56-235, filed 6/11/80; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-235, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-240
Daily limits forage fish and other food fish not otherwise provided for.
It is unlawful for any person to retain more than the following quantities and sizes of food fish taken for personal use. Unless otherwise provided, other food fish fishing is open the entire year:

(1) Forage fish: 10 pounds in the aggregate. The possession limit is two daily limits in fresh form. Additional forage fish may be possessed in frozen or processed form.

(2) All other food fish not otherwise provided for in this chapter: No limit.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-240, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-240, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 1998 c 191 § 40. 98-24-042 (Order 98-241), § 220-56-240, filed 11/24/98, effective 1/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. 98-06-031, § 220-56-240, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 97-08-017 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-240, filed 3/25/97, effective 5/1/97; 96-05-004 (Order 96-13), § 220-56-240, filed 2/9/96, effective 5/1/96; 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-240, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 94-14-069, § 220-56-240, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-22-004 (Order 93-125), § 220-56-240, filed 10/20/93, effective 1/1/94; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-240, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-240, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-240, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; 90-06-026, § 220-56-240, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-240, filed 3/16/89; 88-10-012 (Order 88-14), § 220-56-240, filed 4/26/88; 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-240, filed 4/9/86; 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-240, filed 4/9/85; 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-240, filed 4/11/84; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-240, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-250
Lingcod — Areas and seasons.
It is unlawful to take, fish for or possess lingcod for personal use except during the seasons and within the areas herein provided:

(1) Coastal area (a) Catch Record Card Areas 1 through 3 - the Saturday closest to March 16 through the Sunday closest to October 15, (b) Catch Record Card Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line - April 16 through October 15 or the Sunday closest to October 15 if that Sunday is previous to October 15, whichever is earlier, (c) Catch Record Card Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line - April 16 through October 15.

(2) Catch Record Card Areas 5 through 13 - May 1 through June 15 by angling and May 21 through June 15 by spear fishing.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-250, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-250, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-17-016 (Order 00-139), § 220-56-250, filed 8/3/00, effective 9/3/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-250, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-250, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-250, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; 89-10-032 (Order 89-26), § 220-56-250, filed 4/27/89; 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-250, filed 4/11/84; 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-250, filed 3/17/83; 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-56-250, filed 3/18/82; 80-07-017 (Order 80-45), § 220-56-250, filed 6/11/80; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-250, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-255
Halibut — Seasons — Daily and possession limits.
(1) It is unlawful to fish for or possess halibut taken for personal use except from the areas or in excess of the amounts provided for in this section:

(a) Catch Record Card Area 1: Open May 1 through September 30. By-catch restriction: It is unlawful during any vessel trip to bring into port or land bottomfish except sablefish if the vessel has brought halibut into port or landed halibut.

(b) Catch Record Card Area 2:

(i) Those waters south of the Queets River, north of 47° and east of 124°40'W - Open May 1 through September 30.

(ii) All other waters in Area 2 - Open May 1 through September 30, except closed to fishing for halibut 12:01 a.m. of each Friday through 11:59 p.m. of each Saturday.

(c) Catch Record Card Areas 3 and 4 - Open May 10 through September 30, except closed to fishing for halibut 12:01 a.m. of each Sunday through 11:59 p.m. of each Monday. The following area southwest of Cape Flattery is closed to halibut fishing at all times:

Those waters within an eastward facing "C" shaped closed area defined as: Beginning at 48°18'N. lat.; 125°18'W. long., thence to 48°18'N. lat.; 124°59'W. long., thence to 48°11'N. lat.; 124°59'W. long., thence to 48°11'N. lat.; 125°11'W. long., thence to 48°04'N. lat.; 125°11'W. long., thence to 48°04'N. lat.; 124°59'W. long., thence to 48°00'N. lat.; 124°59'W. long., thence to 48°00'N. lat.; 125°18'W. long., thence to the point of origin.

(d) Catch Record Card Area 5 - Open May 26 through July 31, except closed to fishing for halibut 12:01 a.m. of each Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. of each Wednesday.

(e) Catch Record Card Areas 6 through 13 - Open April 14 through June 20, except closed to fishing for halibut 12:01 a.m. of each Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. of each Wednesday.

(2) Daily limit one halibut taken from state and offshore waters, except Canadian waters. See WAC 220-56-156 for limits on Canadian-origin halibut.

(3) The possession limit is two daily limits of halibut in any form, except the possession limit aboard the fishing vessel is one daily limit. See WAC 220-56-156 for rules on Canadian-origin halibut possession.

(4) It is unlawful to land halibut outside the catch area in which the halibut were taken, except for Canadian-origin halibut. See WAC 220-56-156 for rules on landing Canadian-origin halibut.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-17-057 (Order 06-199), § 220-56-255, filed 8/10/06, effective 9/10/06; 05-14-035 (Order 05-130), § 220-56-255, filed 6/24/05, effective 7/25/05; 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-255, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. 99-15-081 (Order 99-102), § 220-56-255, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99; 99-08-029 (Order 99-13), § 220-56-255, filed 3/30/99, effective 5/1/99; 98-06-031, § 220-56-255, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 97-07-078 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-255, filed 3/19/97, effective 5/1/97; 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-255, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; 94-14-069, § 220-56-255, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-15-011, § 220-56-255, filed 7/8/93, effective 8/8/93; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-255, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-255, filed 3/16/89; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-255, filed 4/26/88; 85-10-062 (Order 85-39), § 220-56-255, filed 5/1/85; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-255, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-071.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-262
Atlantic salmon.
It is unlawful to fish for or possess Atlantic salmon except as provided in this section.

(1) There is no minimum size limit for Atlantic salmon taken from anadromous water, and no daily or possession limit.

(2) Atlantic salmon may be taken from all anadromous waters open to trout fishing under Title 77 RCW except marine waters that are not open to salmon fishing under this title, and may be taken from all anadromous waters open to salmon fishing for salmon other than Atlantic salmon.

(3) Once the daily limit of salmon other than Atlantic salmon has been retained, it is unlawful to continue to fish for Atlantic salmon or salmon other than Atlantic salmon.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. 98-06-031, § 220-56-262, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-265
Forage fish — Lawful gear.
(1) It shall be unlawful to take, fish for and possess herring, candlefish, pilchards, anchovies and smelt taken for personal use except with hand dip net gear not exceeding 36 inches across the bag frame having a maximum mesh size of five-eighths inch stretched mesh size, and forage fish jigger gear having not more than three treble or nine single hooks.

(2) It is unlawful to use a dip bag net to take forage fish unless the operator of the net holds the handle at all times the netting is in the water.

(3) It is unlawful to operate a dip bag net to harvest forage fish from a vessel under power, or to use more than one forage fish dip net at a time.

(4) Only persons with a disability license may use a hand-operated gate on a dip net while fishing for forage fish.

(5) Forage fish jigger gear hooks may not have a gap between the shank and the point exceeding 3/8 inch.

(6) Use of gear in violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

(7) It is unlawful to possess forage fish taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of forage fish while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the forage fish were taken with such gear. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree -- Penalty, unless the forage fish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree -- Penalty.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-265, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-265, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-265, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-265, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. 98-06-031, § 220-56-265, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-265, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-265, filed 4/26/88; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-265, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-267
Herring — Areas and seasons.
Herring fishing is open in all state waters year around except:

(1) Those waters of Catch Record Card Area 6 south of a line from Ediz Hook to Partridge Point are closed January 16 through April 15.

(2) Those waters of Catch Record Card Area 7 north of a line from Sandy Point through Patos Island to the United States-Canada boundary are closed year-round.

(3) Catch Record Card Area 12 is closed year-round.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 04-17-098 (Order 04-218), § 220-56-267, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. 99-08-029 (Order 99-13), § 220-56-267, filed 3/30/99, effective 5/1/99.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-270
Smelt — Areas and seasons.
(1) Smelt fishing is permitted the entire year on Pacific Ocean beaches and in all rivers concurrent with a salmon or gamefish opening, except closed in the Columbia River and tributaries.

(2) Smelt fishing is open in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca the entire year except closed weekly from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to 8:00 a.m. Friday for all types of gear except forage fish jigger gear and closed year-round in Catch Record Card Area 12. Violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

(3) It is unlawful to possess smelt taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of smelt while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the smelt were taken with such gear. Possession of such smelt is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree -- Penalty, unless the smelt are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree -- Penalty.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-270, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; 04-17-098 (Order 04-218), § 220-56-270, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-270, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. 99-08-029 (Order 99-13), § 220-56-270, filed 3/30/99, effective 5/1/99; 98-06-031, § 220-56-270, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-270, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-270, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-070.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-275
Smelt — Unlawful acts.
It shall be unlawful for any person taking smelt for personal use to fail to retain all smelt caught up to the daily limit.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. 98-06-031, § 220-56-275, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-275, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-070.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-280
Carp — Lawful gear and seasons.
(1) It shall be unlawful to take, fish for and possess in any quantity carp taken for personal use except by angling or spearing or with bow and arrow. Violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160. It is unlawful to possess carp taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of carp while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the carp were taken with such gear. Possession of such carp is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree -- Penalty, unless the carp are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree -- Penalty.

(2) It is unlawful to fish for or possess carp taken from water not open to the taking of gamefish or salmon.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-280, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-280, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-280, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-282
Sturgeon — Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts.
(1) It is lawful to fish for sturgeon the entire year in saltwater, but open in freshwater only concurrent with a salmon or gamefish opening unless otherwise provided.

(2) The daily limit is one sturgeon, with the following size restrictions:

(a) Minimum size 48 inches in length in the Columbia River and tributaries upstream from The Dalles Dam.

(b) Minimum size 42 inches in length in all other state waters.

(c) Maximum size 60 inches in length.

Once the daily limit has been retained, it is lawful to continue to fish for sturgeon in the mainstem of the Columbia River downstream from where the river forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington, provided that all subsequent sturgeon are released immediately.

(3) The possession limit is two daily limits of fresh, frozen or processed sturgeon.

(4) There is an annual personal-use limit of five sturgeon from April 1 through March 31, regardless of where the sturgeon were taken. After the annual limit of sturgeon has been taken, it is lawful to continue to fish for sturgeon in the mainstem Columbia River downstream from where the river forms the common boundary between Oregon and Washington, provided that all subsequent sturgeon are released immediately.

(5) It is unlawful to fish for sturgeon with terminal gear other than bait and one single barbless hook. It is lawful to use artificial scent with bait when fishing for sturgeon. Violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160. It is unlawful to possess sturgeon taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of sturgeon while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the sturgeon were taken with such gear. Possession of such sturgeon is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree -- Penalty, unless the sturgeon are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree -- Penalty.

(6) It is unlawful to fish for or possess sturgeon taken for personal use from freshwater, except the Chehalis River, from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.

(7) It is unlawful to possess in the field sturgeon eggs without having retained the intact carcass of the fish from which the eggs have been removed.

(8) It is unlawful to use a gaff or other fish landing aid that penetrates the fish while restraining, handling or landing a sturgeon.

(9) It is unlawful to fail to immediately return to the water any undersize sturgeon.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-282, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-282, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-282, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; 03-21-133 (Order 03-273), § 220-56-282, filed 10/21/03, effective 4/1/04; 03-18-006 (Order 03-209), § 220-56-282, filed 8/20/03, effective 9/20/03; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-282, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-282, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-282, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-282, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; 90-06-026, § 220-56-282, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-282, filed 3/16/89.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-285
Shad — Areas and seasons.
It is lawful to fish for or possess shad taken for personal use concurrent with a salmon or gamefish opening, except Columbia River waters downstream from Bonneville Dam are closed to shad fishing April 1 through May 15.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-285, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-285, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. 98-06-031, § 220-56-285, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-285, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; 94-14-069, § 220-56-285, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-285, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-285, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 88-10-012 (Order 88-14), § 220-56-285, filed 4/26/88; 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-285, filed 3/17/83; 82-13-040 (Order 82-61), § 220-56-285, filed 6/9/82; 81-05-027 (Order 81-13), § 220-56-285, filed 2/17/81, effective 4/1/81; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-285, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-072.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-310
Shellfish — Daily limits.
It is unlawful for any one person to take in any one day for personal use more than the following quantities and sizes of shellfish:

(1) Cockles, borers and clams in the shell, other than razor clams, geoduck clams and horse clams, 40 clams in the aggregate, or 10 pounds, whichever is achieved first except:

(a) In Skagit Bay, east of a line projected from Browns Point to Swinomish Slough entrance - diggers may additionally retain up to 20 pounds of eastern softshell clams in the shell.

(b) Willapa Bay - diggers may additionally retain up to twenty-four cockles.

(2) Razor clams: 15 clams.

(3) Geoduck clams: 3 clams.

(4) Horse clams: 7 clams.

(5) Oysters: 18 oysters, shucked and the shells left on the beach. Minimum size before shucking two and one-half inches along the longest dimension of the shell.

(6) Rock scallops: 12 scallops.

(7) Weathervane scallops: 12 scallops (over 4 inches).

(8) Spiny and pink scallops: 10 pounds or 5 quarts in the shell, in the aggregate.

(9) Shrimp: In all waters - First Saturday in May through May 31, daily limit 80 shrimp. During all other open periods total weight 10 pounds, maximum 80 spot shrimp as part of the 10 pound limit. Spot shrimp: First Saturday in May through May 31 in all waters and in Areas 1 through 3 and Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line during the remainder of the year, no minimum size; June 1 through October 15 in Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and Areas 5 through 13, minimum size one and three-sixteenths inch from the base of the eyestalk to the top rear edge of the carapace.

(10) Octopus: 1 octopus.

(11) Pinto abalone: Closed statewide.

(12) Crawfish: 10 pounds in the shell. Minimum size 3 1/4 inches from tip of rostrum to tip of tail. Female crawfish with eggs or young attached to the abdomen must be released immediately.

(13) Squid other than Humboldt squid: 10 pounds or 5 quarts. In addition a person may retain up to 5 Humboldt squid per day.

(14) Sea cucumbers: 25 sea cucumbers.

(15) Red sea urchins: 18 sea urchins.

(16) Purple sea urchins: 18 sea urchins.

(17) Green sea urchins: 36 sea urchins.

(18) Dungeness crabs:

(a) In Area 1 except when fishing from the north jetty of the Columbia River and Areas 2, 3, and 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line - 6 male crabs.

(b) In Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, and Areas 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 - 5 male crabs.

(c) In the Columbia River upstream of a line from the outermost end of the north jetty to the exposed end of the south jetty, or when fishing from the north jetty of the Columbia River - 12 male crabs.

(19) Red rock crabs: 6 crabs.

(20) Mussels: 10 pounds in the shell, in the aggregate.

(21) Goose barnacles: 10 pounds of whole barnacles or 5 pounds of barnacle stalks.

(22) Ghost and mud shrimp: 10 dozen.

(23) King and box crab: Closed statewide.

(24) Tanner crabs: 6 crabs.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-310, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-12-007 (Order 05-102), § 220-56-310, filed 5/19/05, effective 6/19/05; 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-310, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; 04-17-088 (Order 04-217), § 220-56-310, filed 8/16/04, effective 9/16/04; 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-310, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-310, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-310, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00; 99-15-081 (Order 99-102), § 220-56-310, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99; 99-08-029 (Order 99-13), § 220-56-310, filed 3/30/99, effective 5/1/99; 98-06-031, § 220-56-310, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 97-07-078 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-310, filed 3/19/97, effective 5/1/97; 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-310, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-310, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-310, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 90-06-026, § 220-56-310, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-310, filed 3/16/89; 88-12-025 (Order 88-28), § 220-56-310, filed 5/25/88, effective 8/22/88; 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-310, filed 4/26/88; 87-09-066 (Order 87-16), § 220-56-310, filed 4/21/87; 86-24-046 (Order 86-190), § 220-56-310, filed 11/26/86; 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-310, filed 4/9/86; 85-12-046 (Order 85-57), § 220-56-310, filed 6/5/85; 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-310, filed 4/11/84; 83-04-027 (Order 83-06), § 220-56-310, filed 1/27/83; 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-56-310, filed 3/18/82; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-310, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-312
Shellfish — Possession limits.
It is unlawful for any one person to possess at any time more than one daily limit of fresh shellfish. Additional shellfish may be possessed in a frozen or processed form.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-312, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-312, filed 4/9/86.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-315
Crabs, shrimp, crawfish — Unlawful acts.
(1) It is unlawful to take and possess crabs, shrimp, and crawfish taken for personal use except by hand or with hand dip nets, ring nets, shellfish pots, and any hand-operated instrument that will not penetrate the shell.

(2) It is unlawful to use more than two units of gear at any one time except:

(a) In Puget Sound waters it is unlawful to use at any one time more than two units of crab gear and two additional units of shrimp gear.

(b) It is unlawful for the operator of any boat from which shrimp pots are set or pulled in Catch Record Card Areas 4 through 13 to have on board or to fish more than four shrimp pots.

(c) In the Columbia River it is unlawful to use more than three units of crab gear.

(3) It is unlawful for any person to operate a shellfish pot not attached to a buoy bearing that person's name, except that a second person may assist the pot owner in operation of the gear.

(4) It is unlawful to salvage or attempt to salvage shellfish pot gear from Hood Canal that has been lost without first obtaining a permit authorizing such activity issued by the director, and it is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions of such permit.

(5) It is unlawful to fish for or possess crab taken for personal use from the waters of Fidalgo Bay within 25 yards of the Burlington Northern Railroad trestle connecting March Point and Anacortes.

(6) It is unlawful to fish for or possess crab taken for personal use with shellfish pot or ring net gear from the waters of Padilla Bay or Swinomish Slough within 25 yards of the Burlington Northern Railroad crossing the northern end of Swinomish Slough except from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.

(7) It is unlawful to dig for or possess ghost or mud shrimp taken for personal use by any method except hand operated suction devices or dug by hand.

(8) One unit of gear is equivalent to one ring net or one shellfish pot. It is unlawful to have more than one unit of unattended gear attached to a buoy line or to fail to have a separate buoy for each unit of gear.

(9) In waters open only on certain days or certain hours during the day, except for the night closure set out in subsection (10) of this section, it is unlawful to fail to remove gear from the water when fishing for shellfish is not allowed, and it is unlawful to fail to remove gear from the water by one hour after sunset if fishing is not allowed on the next calendar day. In waters that are open continuously except for the night closure set out in subsection (10) of this section, gear may be left in the water during the night closure.

(10) It is unlawful to set or pull shellfish pots, ring nets or star traps from a vessel in Catch Record Card Areas 1-13 from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.

(11) It is unlawful to possess soft-shelled crab for any personal use purpose. Violation of this subsection shall be an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 05-12-007 (Order 05-102), § 220-56-315, filed 5/19/05, effective 6/19/05; 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-315, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-315, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; 02-19-014 (Order 02-224), § 220-56-315, filed 9/6/02, effective 10/7/02; 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-315, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; 01-07-024 (Order 01-39), § 220-56-315, filed 3/14/01, effective 4/14/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-315, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00; 98-06-031, § 220-56-315, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-14-069, § 220-56-315, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-315, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-315, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-315, filed 3/16/89; 81-05-027 (Order 81-13), § 220-56-315, filed 2/17/81, effective 4/1/81; 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-315, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

220-56-320
Shellfish gear — Unlawful acts.
(1) It is unlawful for the owner or operator of any personal use shellfish gear to leave such gear unattended in the waters of the state unless said gear is marked with a buoy to which shall be affixed in a permanent visible and legible manner the first and last name and permanent mailing address of the operator. It is unlawful for more than one person's name and address to appear on the same marker buoy. It is unlawful to violate the following provisions regarding unattended shellfish gear:

(a) Unattended shellfish gear must have the line attaching the buoy to the gear weighted sufficiently to prevent the line from floating on the water's surface.

(b) All buoys must consist of durable material and remain visible on the surface at all times except during extreme tidal conditions. It is unlawful to use bleach, antifreeze or detergent bottles, paint cans or any other container.

(c) All buoys attached to shrimp gear must be yellow or fluorescent yellow in color. Flags and staff, if attached, may be any color.

(d) All buoys attached to crab gear must be half red or half fluorescent red in color and half white in color. Flags and staff, if attached, may be any color.

(2) It is unlawful for the maximum perimeter of any shrimp pot to exceed 10 feet, and the pot shall not exceed 1-1/2 feet in height.

(3) It is unlawful to fish for or possess crab taken with shellfish pot gear that are equipped with tunnel triggers or other devices which prevent free exit of crabs under the legal limit unless such gear is equipped with not less than two escape rings located in the upper half of the pot which are not less than 4-1/4 inches inside diameter in all waters except in the Columbia River the escape ring minimum size is 4 inches inside diameter. It is unlawful to use mesh size for crab pots less than 1-1/2 inches.

(4) It is unlawful to take, fish for or possess shrimp taken for personal use with shellfish pot gear during the month of May in Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and in Areas 5 through 13, and year-round in Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and Areas 1 through 3 unless such gear meets the following requirements:

(a) The entire top, bottom, and sides of the shellfish pots must be constructed of mesh material and except for the entrance tunnels have the minimum mesh opening size defined below.

(b) The minimum mesh opening size for shrimp pots is defined as a mesh that a 7/8-inch square peg will pass through each mesh opening except for flexible (web) mesh pots where the opening must be a minimum of one and three-quarters inch stretch measure.

(c) All entrance tunnels must open into the pot from the side.

(d) The sum of the maximum widths of all entrance tunnels must not exceed 1/2 the perimeter of the bottom of the pot.

(5) It is unlawful to fish for or possess shellfish taken for personal use with shellfish pot gear unless the gear allows for escapement using at least one of the following methods:

(a) Attachment of pot lid hooks or tiedown straps with a single strand or loop of untreated, 100 percent cotton twine no larger than thread size 120 so that the pot lid will open freely if the twine or fiber is broken.

(b) An opening in the pot mesh no less than three inches by five inches which is laced or sewn closed with untreated, 100 percent cotton twine no larger than thread size 120. The opening must be located within the top half of the pot and be unimpeded by the entry tunnels, bait boxes, or any other structures or materials. (continued)