What is the correct method to measure a fish’s legal length?

Measuring a fish's legal length in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail fin when the mouth is closed provides the most accurate measurement for regulatory purposes. This method ensures that the fish is measured in a standardized manner, which is essential for consistent enforcement of fishing regulations.

Using a straight line measurement allows for clarity in determining whether the fish meets the legal size requirements set forth by wildlife regulations. It is important to measure with the mouth closed to standardize the process and eliminate variability that could occur if the mouth is open. Compressing the fish slightly—without distorting its natural shape—ensures that the measurement reflects its true length without the influence of body curvature.

Other methods such as measuring while holding the fish vertically or in a curved line are not practical for legal measurements because they can lead to inaccuracies based on how the fish is positioned. These approaches could yield different results based on the fish's natural posture or condition at the time of measurement. Consequently, the straight line method with the mouth closed is recognized as the most reliable and consistent way to assess a fish's size for legal requirements.