4VAC20-960-40: Gear restrictions

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set, or fish any fish pot in Virginia tidal waters for the purposes of harvesting tautog or to possess or to land in Virginia tautog harvested by fish pots which are not constructed with hinges and fasteners on one panel or door made of one of the following degradable materials:

1. Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of 3/16" (4.8 mm) or smaller diameter;

2. Magnesium alloy, timed float releases (pop-up devices) or similar magnesium alloy fasteners; or

3. Ungalvanized or uncoated wire of 0.094" (2.39 mm) or smaller diameter.