WAC 220-355-050. Puget Sound bottomfish — Drag seine requirements and seasons

(1) It is unlawful to operate drag seine or beach seine gear without possessing a valid food fish drag seine fishery license. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor or class C felony, depending on the circumstances of the violation, punishable under RCW 77.15.500 Commercial fishing without a license—Penalty. (2) It is unlawful to take, fish for, and possess bottomfish with drag seine or beach seine gear, unless the gear meets the following requirements: (a) Seines must be 350 feet or less in length; and (b) Net mesh must be 1/2-inch stretch measure or larger. (3) Violation of subsection (2) of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.520 Commercial fishing—Unlawful gear or methods—Penalty. (4) It is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess bottomfish with drag seine gear for commercial purposes except in the following Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas during the seasons designated below: (a) Areas 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D - Open January 1 through April 30. (b) All other areas - Open September 1 through April 30, except that Areas 27A, 27B, 27C, and 29 are closed year-round. (5) Violation of subsection (4) of this section is either a gross misdemeanor or class C felony, depending on the circumstances of the violation, punishable under RCW 77.15.550 Violation of commercial fishing area or time—Penalty.