With slot limits on nearly every Minnesota lake it is important for anglers to know the fish they keep are of legal size. What is the proper way to measure a fish?
An accurate measurement of an angler’s catch may be difficult for a number of reasons. The boat may be pitching and rolling on the lake. Fish are slippery creatures that do not like to lay still. Also, there are many obstacles in the boat like hooks, tackle boxes and other anglers. However, accurately measuring any fish caught helps sustain fish populations and evens the playing field for all anglers. And of course, an accurate measurement is necessary to comply with slot limit regulations.
To properly measure a fish, anglers should use a rigid ruler affixedto a flatsurface with an “end stop” at the zero end. Lay the fish over the ruler with the nose pressed against the end stop. Pinch the tips of the tail together. Thelength of the fish from nose to the tip of the tail is considered the legal length of the fish. While in rough water, the end stop acts as a measurement aid, preventing the fish from sliding around on the ruler.
Flexible tape measures or rubber rulers do not provide an accurate length. In addition, measuring “stickers” should not be used because they can shrink in the sun. A metal or plastic measuring device is best.
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