87-3-204. Designation of state waters for particular fishing methods. (1) (a) The commission may designate waters within the state in which rubber or spring-propelled spears employed by persons swimming or submerged in the water or traps, seines, nets, spears, or gigs may be used for taking:

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(i)nongame fish; or

(ii)walleyed pike, sauger, northern pike, burbot (ling), and whitefish.

(b)The commission may adopt rules for the taking of fish under this subsection (1), and the rules may be specific to the water designated. The designated waters may be closed at the discretion of the commission.

(c)Except when the taking of game fish is authorized pursuant to subsection (1)(a)(ii), all game fish captured while fishing as authorized under this subsection (1) must be returned uninjured to the waters from which they were taken.

(2)The commission may designate certain waters where setlines may be used to fish for certain species of game or nongame fish, and the commission may designate the number of hooks and lines and the length of line or lines that may be used as setlines.

(3)The commission may designate waters where authorized commercial fishing operators may use approved nets, seines, and traps to fish for designated species of nongame fish.