The majority of the time, in shallow water, if we can catch up to the sea lion, they will let loose of the fish to swim away. Deep water, just snap your line.
I just wish there was a sea lion hunting season. They are destroying the salmon in the Columbia, but until then make sure that you do not get caught using any sea lion intervention methods.
From what I understand, you can get in trouble for even chasing them down with a boat. I heard that it is called "harassing wildlife," not to mention the Birkinstock protests that you can expect if someone sees you.