RCW 77.15.580
278 words·~1 min read·
/wa/title-77/chapter-77-15/77-15-580·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(1)A person is guilty of unlawful use of a net to take fish in the second degree if the person:
(a)Lays, sets, uses, or controls a net or other device or equipment capable of taking fish from the waters of this state, except if the person has a valid license for such fishing gear from the director under this title and is acting in accordance with all rules of the commission and director; or
(b)Fails to return unauthorized fish to the water immediately while otherwise lawfully operating a net under a valid license.
(2)A person is guilty of unlawful use of a net to take fish in the first degree if the person:
(a)Commits the act described by subsection
(1)of this section; and
(b)The violation occurs within five years of entry of a prior conviction for a gross misdemeanor or felony under this title involving fish, other than a recreational fishing violation, or involving unlawful use of nets.
(3)(a) Unlawful use of a net to take fish in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke any license held under this title allowing commercial net fishing used in connection with the crime.
(b)Unlawful use of a net to take fish in the first degree is a class C felony. Upon conviction, the department shall order a one-year suspension of all commercial fishing privileges requiring a license under this title.
(4)Notwithstanding subsections
(1)and
(2)of this section, it is lawful to use a landing net to land fish otherwise legally hooked.
[ 2000 c 107 s 252 ; 1998 c 190 s 50 .]