Measuring Length

[rigzz]

Hi all,
Just a short query to clarify how people are measuring length ( in the unlikely event I ever get one to brag about!). I've always measured length as a straight line from nose to tail (fork) ie. the length you would get if you laid the fish on or beside a ruler/tape. Some of the length to weight ratios I occasionally see suggest that some people might be (inadvertently perhaps) measuring the fish from nose to tail OVER the body ie. including the deviation over the shoulders and body and getting a longer length than the first method. Could someone please let me know the generally accepted approach.
Cheers,
Rigzz

[Dave W]

Hi rigzz :)

In the comps, the fish are always laid flat on a ruler or similar to judge legal length, and it is from the tip of the nose, to the fork of the tail.

Using a tape measure over the fish can give you an extra 2-3cm of length on a good sized Bream - not that there's anything wrong with that :D

My measurements are always stated nose to fork, with the fish laid on a NSW Fisheries measuring tape.

I posted an ideal way of measuring fish earlier in the year, here's what I wrote:

Get yourself a meter length of the widest plastic drainpipe you can find, cut it in half lengthways then put one end on it (make it out of anything you want, perspex is nice)

Get the fisheries tape, remove the clear plastic bit, then glue it inside the pipe, with the '0' against the end.

When you get a fish, just lay it in the pipe and slide it towards the end, the shape stops them moving around, keeps them comfortable and they lay flat - it also seems to calm them a bit.

You then have yourself an easy area to remove the hook etc.

When you're done you just slide the fish over the side of the boat and away she goes (or into the livewell)

Hope this helps :)

[rigzz]

Dave,
Yeah, thanks very much for that. I thought it was straight length but was starting to wonder. I like the measuring rig you described- very nifty and would also speed up the catch and release process which is the aim of the game.
Thanks,
Rigzz

[yellow door]

My measurements are 1cm infront of the nose to 1cm past the tip of the tail just in case the fish is a little tense after the fight.

Will stretch to 2cms if the water is cold and shrinkage is an issue.

3cms is pretty standard when emailing mates who slept in instead of fishing.


;)

[rigzz]

Yellow,
Yep, thanks for that. Could come in handy at, er, some time I guess. Good tips re cold water shrinkage and muscle tensing. I like your lateral thinking approach to piscatorial issues ie. allowing for all eventualities! Good work (have you ever considered a career in politics?)
Cheers,
Rigzz

[yellow door]

I believe the shrinkage issue is widely overlooked by the general fishing public but one that demands attention. I'm from Victoria and I'm sure if you transplanted one of our bream to sunny W.A. the injustices we suffer from occasional misguided comparisons would finally vindicate our assertions that our bream, can and would, eat their bream for afternoon tea.

Before you W.A. blokes counter with well thought out arguements, I have conducted clinical tests in the bath on shrinkage and the results are irrefutable.

[peter bear]

ahot shower might let you get the full lenght of whatever you measuring. :D ;)

[yellow door]

I'd be interested to hear from any Taswegians. According to the clinical tests conducted you will all have to increase your PB's depending on which state your comparing to.

All the data is yet to collated but a general rating system will soon be posted. Sorry Queensland but due to issues concerning latitudinal advantages and the assoiciated benefits with relation to fish size, prepare to get out the liquid paper.

After I finnish this bottle of bourben a new national rating system will have been formulated, with water temps being the sole factor influencing the biggest fish

Early figures cant be relied upon, but the trends are pointing towards broken hearts for those in the northern climes

[yellow door]

Originally posted by peter bear
ahot shower might let you get the full lenght of whatever you measuring. :D ;)

I didnt expect public recognition of the theory so quickly. Admittedly the tests conducted werent initially solely for the purpose of explaining the little fish I catch but it amazing how 3/4's of a bottle of bourben can help draw a straight line from A to B.