§ 29-1001. Use of certain mechanical fishing devices prohibited - Penalties.

A.  It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in any waters of this state by:

1.  Leaving visibly unattended for a period of more than six (6) hours any mechanical fishing device which automatically recoils when a fish strikes, including, but not limited to, the device commonly known as a "yo-yo";

2.  Use of any mechanical fishing device which automatically recoils when a fish strikes, including, but not limited to, the device commonly known as a "yo-yo", that does not have the name of the owner and the owner's address attached thereto; or

3.  Stringing or suspending any device, described in paragraph 1 of this subsection, from any horizontal line across any channel or navigable waterway, or attaching more than ten of any such devices from any one line or support.

B.  Any line or lines to which mechanical fishing devices are attached shall be:

1.  Made of nonmetallic material only;

2.  No greater than 50 feet in length; and

3.  Placed or suspended without restricting or impeding boat navigation between any two such lines.

C.  Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

D.  Any mechanical fishing device being used in violation of this section shall be confiscated as contraband.

E.  No line or lines to which mechanical fishing devices are attached shall be placed in any body of water used by boats, unless marked so as to be visible to such boats using any such body of water at any time of the day or night.

Laws 1974, c. 61, § 1; Laws 1986, c. 56, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986; Laws 1993, c. 214, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 85, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.