Matt,
I researched the Moffit Angling System years ago.
The Moffit Angling System was considered "snagging" by the DNR of several states including Alaska and that was the reason it was taken off the market. The legal definition of snagging is when the fish is hooked outside the mouth.
Sample Contracts and Business Agreements
www.lawinsider.com
"
Snagging means an effort to take fish with a hook and line in a manner that the fish does not take the hook or hooks voluntarily in its mouth."
My understanding was when beading was first used in Alaska it was also determined to be snagging under the laws that were in effect at that time. After several years, the laws were changed and now the regulations specify define how far away from the hook the bead can be.
The Moffit Angling System was patented in 2006. The Moffit Angling System was advertised in several fly fishing magazines including Fly Fisherman. It is essentially the same as beading except it can be adapted for nymphs and other non beaded flies, AND it allows flies to be exchanged without retying the rig. They are swapped out on the system.
Patrick Moffit’s argument is that flies which are hooked near and outside the jaw are easier and more quickly removed than flies hooked on the inside of the mouth. So he argues that his system is less stressful on the fish.
Here is what Patrick Moffit’s Patent states:
”In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus and methods are provided for improved fly-fishing.
Advantageously, a fly-fishing fly that does not require the line to be disconnected to change or remove a fly is presented. The flies can be added, removed, or pushed up the leader without the need for new knots thus greatly speeding and simplifying the changing of flies.
Another advantage is that two or more flies can be fished without tangles and without the potential of the free-swinging fly hooking the angler or fouling in the landing net when landing a fish.
Another advantage of the current invention is that the learned aversion of fish to the hook shape and to objects that do not orient correctly with regard to the water current is overcome.
The current invention also advantageously provides a soft fly body, which leads to a longer retention time by a fish, enhancing strike detection and hookups. The ability of the angler to detect a strike before the fish has expelled it from its mouth is a major factor in success.
An additional advantage offered by the present invention is that the flies assume a more natural shape than hooked flies, which better mimic the movement of fish food prey items in water.
The invention also offers the advantage of the use of small hooks with large flies, which reduce the mortality rate of released fish and the ability to use lighter lines and rods.
Advantageously, the invention also allows for easy alteration of the fly from weighted to un-weighted and from beaded to non-beaded flies using the same basic fly form.
Another advantage of the current invention is that the invention greatly reduces the numbers and styles of hooks that need to be carried by a fisherman.“
Complete Patent Searching Database and Patent Data Analytics Services.
www.freepatentsonline.com
One state, Colorado, even changed their laws to accommodate the Moffit system.
After a review from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife Management, the Moffitt Angling System has been deemed legal in the state of Colorado.Aquatic section manager
www.summitdaily.com
www.anglingtrade.com
There are several references to the Moffit system on-line.
Posts about Moffitt’s angling system written by SwittersB & Exploring
swittersb.wordpress.com
Is anyone trying this and is it working? It seems like it could work, however I don't like the fact that you're ripping the fly out of the fish's mouth in order to hook him. The other thing I'm thinking, if you were to catch a fish with this system, would it be considered a legal fish? For...
www.michigan-sportsman.com
As far as I know both beading and the Moffit System are still illegal in the states that I fish - Wisconsin , Montana, and Idaho.