MEASURING FISH

Use these guidelines to measure fish correctly:

 1. Place the fish on its side
     on a flat board with the
     jaw closed.

 2. Squeeze the tail fin
     together or turn it in a
     way to obtain the
     maximum overall length.

 3. For species with total
     length requirements,
     measure in a straight line
     from the tip of the snout
     to the extreme tip of the
     tail fin.

 4. For species with fork
     length requirements,
     measure in a straight line
     from the tip of the snout
     to the fork of the tail.

 5. For species with lower
     jaw fork length
     requirements, measure
     in a straight line from the
     tip of the lower jaw to the
     fork of the tail. 


                                                                                In federal waters: 
  
 6. For species with curved
     fork length requirements,
     measure from the tip of
     the upper jaw to fork of
     tail along the contour of
     the middle of the body. 

 7. For species with carcass
     length requirements,
     measure curve from 
     posterior edge of gill
                                                                                opening to anterior
                                                                                portion of caudal keel.

For complete requirements regarding the taking of fish in federal waters obtain a Recreational Fishing Regulations for Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters pamphlet from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, The Commons at Rivergate, 3018 U.S. Hwy. 301 N, Suite 1000, Tampa, Florida 33619-2266; 813-228-2815, toll free 1-888-833-1844; e-mail: gulf.council@noaa.gov; webpage: www.gulfcouncil.org.