Although I can not fish the Redfish tournament this month I do have a question about the rules.
Rule #7 states:
7. Each team will be allowed (2) Red Fish at weigh-in time. Each fish will be measured for legal lengh (18"-27")The fish will be measured with mouth closed and the tail pinched. The center of the tail will determine the fish's total length. Any illegal fish brought to the scales will be the responsibility of that team. Team will be disqualified. Each team possess a "golden rule" and verify its accuracy prior to blast-off. The official tournament ruler will be used for an accuate mesurement , provided upon request prior to the weigh-in procedure.
The center of the tail is not the measuring point per FWC regulations. The farthest tip of the tail is.
from FWC;Total Length is now measured from the most forward point of the head, with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
http://myfwc.com/marine/Fishing_Measurement.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Additionally the TEAMSEATROUT measurement rules state; a fish touching the measurement line will be considered over the line.
IMO touching is NOT over.
Like I said. I am not fishing it anyway.