Measuring a fish

[Frank Bradfield]

I've been fishing all my life but lately i heard some confusion between people about measuring a fish. When i Bass fished in tournments you could put the fish on the golden rule, swipe the tail side to side and if it touched the line you were good. I have heard different saltwater tales about it. # 1 i always make sure everything i keep is at least 1/4 over policy, which i think ends the discussion but i know lots of people who are sliding a grouper tail from side to side to get the minimum length. I have heard that all u can do is put the fish on the board and let it lay normal without trying to make it stretch. Any imput on this would be good since i have to listen to them always telling me their right and i'm wrong. I also know that i've measured a fish and kept him on ice for 8 hrs and he will draw up a little so where does this leave you when the man starts measuring your fish. I would think, ticket time.. Who knows the law ? thanks , frank

[tin can]

The written fishing law describes how fish are to be measured. I searched but did not find the actual law. You can call FWC, and they'll tell ya.