On the subject of lax measurements

[Jumptrout51]

According to rule #14 you can do whatever you want to do. Because,there was no method of measuring. According to what Eerman posted you have a choice between 2 methods.
That alone tells me there were no more than 2 methods before.
Since we have until 7/1/06 to keep larger fish if you fan the tail,I propose we keep bigger fish. So, fan the tail on every fish.
Chalk,that means you have to catch bigger fish. I hope you are up to the task.

[wevans]

Can I fan the bigguns and pinch the littleuns course that would imply that I am going to actually CATCH a fish aint had that problem since joining up with y'all

[Jumptrout51]

OK, here's the plan for NFGFC tournaments.
March,we pinch,April,we fan,May,we pinch,June we fan,July,we pinch,August,September,October,November,we pinch.
What do you think? or

[Eerman]

Too much pinchin' and fannin' going on...my head hurts. I just won't catch any fish, that way I don't have to worry about it. That's worked for me so far.

[Jumptrout51]

Eerman,did I see a there?

[Eerman]

I'm a very positive person.

[devans850]

I am not a tournament member yet, but with 10 years of law enforcement experience I can tell you one thing. If you go by a law before it is actually passed,IT'S ILLEGAL. You might get lucky and the officer pinches the tail, or you might get the other officer. That also works in your favor. If you have a big fish and he measure's it and says it is to big, he has to go by the current law. They can practice all they want and measure any way they want, but the current law is that CURRENT. I'm going to join the club, but I would be pretty T'd off if I came in with a 20 incher and a 22 incher and was told he was to big. The fish was legal by CURRENT law when I put it in the boat, it should be legal when I show up for weigh in. That is abiding by the law.

[Chalk]

Amen brother...

[Jumptrout51]

From the horse's mouth:

Good Morning Mr. Johnson,

Thank you for your inquiry to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management. FWC law enforcement officers are using an educational approach until July 1, 2006. You can measure your fish with the tail squeezed or relaxed (unsqueezed), but be prepared to show the officer how you measured your fish and you must be able to reproduce the measurement you used to make your fish legal. However, starting July 1, 2006 you must squeeze the tail on all fish measured as total length in order to be consistent with the definitions.

Thank you,
S. Gail Gainey
One more time.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
(850) 488-6058

[devans850]

All I'm saying is I am going by what's on the book..I don't care if the Pope says you can measure it any way you want. That is one person's interpretation, but when it comes down to it, the Judge will go by what is on the book. They have to depend on several hundred officer's to "practice" the new law. Hell ask 5 different officers what the law is on child restraints and see what you get. I just think the rules should be governed by Current Law.

[Jumptrout51]

The "POPE" said "what ever measurement you use,reproduce it for the officer,they are in a public training phase.
How clear can it be?

[devans850]

The "POPE" said "what ever measurement you use,reproduce it for the officer,they are in a public training phase.
How clear can it be?

Hey, do what you want. I know from experience there is no way all the officers in this state are going to be on the same page. If one has a bad day and you used the pinched tail method, you may get a ticket. You tell him that the "POPE" said they are in public training mode. He tells you the LAW starts JULY 1, 2006 and the "POPE" does not right the law. If you want proof of measurement just ask the net fishermen. Just about every one of them has experienced officer's measuring nets differently. I am just trying to help and keep folks from getting into trouble. The "tickets" they issue for fish are criminal citations. You can't just right a check and send it in. You have to see a judge and it is something that goes on your history. Thanks

[TroutTrent]

jumptrout, put that in your pipe and smoke it
Man your a trouble maker but if you were different I wouldn't like you as much

[Jumptrout51]

jumptrout, put that in your pipe and smoke it
Man your a trouble maker but if you were different I wouldn't like you as much

Shoulda said put it in your"POPE" and smoke it.