What does foul hooking mean?

Foul hooking refers specifically to the act of hooking a fish in a part of its body other than inside the mouth. This is considered a violation of fishing regulations in many areas, including New Hampshire, because it often leads to unnecessary harm or stress for the fish and compromises both ethical fishing practices and conservation efforts. By hooking the fish in the body rather than the mouth, it may not be a legitimate catch, and it usually means the angler did not engage with the fish in a manner consistent with responsible angling techniques.

This definition aligns with proper fishing practices and highlights the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect fish populations and promote sustainable fishing activities.