BigBendFishing.Net

Since this thread seems to be slowing down just a bit... and since it seems as though I've been blessed with the ability to raise some heifer dust on occasion how about this interpretation. Measuring to the fork doesn't seem to be a problem, however...

Total Length Measurement
Total Length Max is 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.

Why could not the criteria as written be interpreted to be ... HAVE It YOUR WAY..... you can compress (ie push down) the tail .. OR...you can squeeze/pinch the tail together??

That being said..I agree with Catchin1 and others who have indicated they will follow the "in force" FWC rules and the Club can do what ever it feels the need for.

catchin1 wrote:If its not legal by Fl Law the day of the tourney then I wouldn't be keeping it regardless of club rules.You should measure exactly like FWC and change when they change.

The point being, FWC has no set way to measure saltwater fish. The method is upto the individual officer until 7-1.
Therefore, if there is no set procedure and the procedure is very clear beginning 7-1 why not use it now. It currently qualifies as a acceptable measurment by some officers.

Total Length Max is 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.

The Commission approved the Total Length max measurement method. This new method will take effect July 1, 2006.


Thats from the link you posted. I ain't no lawyer but it reads to me that you can only pinch the tail starting 7-1. I post that only for the sake of argument. Your the td and what you say goes as far as I'm concerned. I'm gonna keep only fish that "I feel" are legal. My first concern is getting a fish past" the man" if I don't measure up for the club then I've still done what I thought was right. I know different officers enforce differently. But thats just how I read that rule.

Just to egg this on...If you look at the websit under measurements, they are showing the pinch tail method as appropriate. But as you guys mentioned, the website also lists start date as 7/1/06. But then again, it doesn't say jack about the flat tail method either. I, as much as it pains me, agree with our esteemed TD that the FWC doesn't know what the hey their doing. I did email them though so I'll see if I get a response.

I emailed them also. I asked them what would happen if we measure according to their 7-1 rules and got checked before 7-1. I also asked them if they would speak at a club meeting before 7-1 about measurement and any other subject they chose.

Just about the time I'm get'n comfortable with rag'n on the ole TD... he goes and does something that makes sense!

I'm not a member of the club, but figured I'd post my opinion and knowledge on the subject. I'm also not officially an FWC officer yet so take this for what it is worth. From talking to a number of officers on the subject, most seem to be pinching already. Before it was at their discretion which method they used, but since a new standard has been set they seem to all be using it. You should be safe if pinching, just explain to the officer that you were using the pinching method of measurement if needed. Personally I wouldn't keep a trout that only pinched to 15", but that's because I choose to set myself to more stringent size and limit restrictions.

Nathan

Measurements don't make a difference if you don't have any in the cooler...

For what it's worth, if anything. My general rule of thumb is if it has to be measured, it's too close to keep.

Of course, I haven't been fishing tournaments either. If I were, I would measure.

Oh yeah, and those molded in cooler top rulers? They're increasingly inaccurate. In that the longer, the more error. It's not a lot of error on a 52 qt. cooler, but enough to get a ticket if the fish is close.

Everybody seems to be focusing on the short end of the measurement issue... if the FWC folks are pinch'n NOW...that sure could lead to a citation for having more than 1 over 20inches!

Looks like were going to end up with keep'n 16-19 inchers with one over 20 until July 1

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
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
(850) 488-6058

Eerman wrote: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
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
(850) 488-6058

Either way doesn't comply with rule 14.