Funny thing is, a similar occurence happened to my friend. He caught a spring on the Vedder one day (his first salmon ever) and I told him to mark it on his license right away before fishing again. In all the excitement, he must have forgotten or didn't hear me clearly. Anyways, while walking back to the parking lot after our day was over I see a CO checking fish and licenses. I quietly ask my friend whether he marked his fish and he said he forgot. I told my friend to explain his predicament to the CO and hope for the best but be prepared to accept a ticket and take your lumps. I guess the CO was in a good mood that day because he just gave my friend a warning. Maybe they aren't as lenient anymore?
Why should they be lenient? That is why we are in the mess we are with the stave and the vedder... I'd like to see some cars impounded, gear impounded as well... There is no excuse for not following the law. We need habitat restoration money in a big way, so there are fish to fish for in the future. I'd like to see law breakers pay for a portion of it.
However your friend sounds like an honest mistake, he was lucky to get a warning...
Just my 2 cents.
Nicole