Snagging, also known as snag fishing, snatch fishing, or foul hooking, is a method of fishing that entails catching a fish using hooks without the fish having to take the bait with their mouth. This is achieved by pulling the fishing line out of the water very quickly as soon as any movement is felt on the line, with the intention of piercing the fish in the flesh with the hook. Weighted lures with multiple hooks are often used to increase chances of success.
Some species, such as paddlefish, are not attracted to bait or lures as they eat plankton.[1] While these fish can be taken using nets or spears, snagging is also used.
[edit]Legality [edit]United States
Snagging, like other methods of fishing, is controlled by the wildlife regulating agency of each state. A list of the legality for each state follows.
State Status
Alabama Prohibited with exceptions.[2]
Alaska Prohibited with exceptions.[3]
Arizona Prohibited with exceptions.[4]
Arkansas Prohibited with exceptions.[5]
California Illegal.[6]
Colorado Prohibited with exceptions.[7]
Connecticut Prohibited with exceptions.[8]
Delaware Prohibited with exceptions.[9]
Florida Unknown.[10]
Georgia Illegal.[11]
Hawaii Legal but prohibited in certain areas.[12]
Idaho Illegal.[13]
Illinois Legal for some species during certain seasons.[14]
Indiana Illegal.[15]
Iowa Prohibited with exceptions.[16]
Kansas Legal for Paddlefish.[17]
Kentucky Legal for some species.[18]
Louisiana Prohibited with exceptions.[19]
Maine Prohibited with exceptions.[20]
Maryland Illegal.[21]
Massachusetts Illegal.[22]
Michigan Illegal.[23]
Minnesota Illegal.[24]
Mississippi Unknown.[25]
Missouri Prohibited with exceptions.[26]
Montana Prohibited with exceptions.[27]
Nebraska Prohibited with exceptions.[28]
Nevada Prohibited with exceptions.[29]
New Hampshire Unknown.[30]
New Jersey Prohibited with exceptions.[31]
New Mexico Prohibited with exceptions.[32]
New York Prohibited with exceptions.[33]
North Carolina Illegal.[34]
North Dakota Prohibited with exceptions.[35]
Ohio Prohibited with exceptions.[36]
Oklahoma Prohibited with exceptions.[37]
Oregon Prohibited with exceptions.[38]
Pennsylvania Illegal.[39]
Rhode Island Illegal.[40]
South Carolina Unknown.[41]
South Dakota Prohibited with exceptions.[42]
Tennessee Prohibited with exceptions.[43]
Texas Illegal.[44]
Utah Illegal.[45]
Vermont Illegal.[46]
Virginia Illegal.[47]
Washington Illegal.[48]
West Virginia Permitted for certain species.[49]
Wisconsin Illegal.[50]
Wyoming Illegal.[51]