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How to Measure Freshwater Fish

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All freshwater Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations and the "Big Catch" program depend on "total length."

The image below depicts the most commonly used measurements for fish.  For freshwater fish, the measurements that you need to use are total length and girth.

Total Length Measurement

The total length is the maximum length of the fish, with the mouth closed and the tail fin pinched together.  The best way to obtain this length is to push the fish's snout up against a vertical surface with the mouth closed and the fish laying along a tape measure, then pinch the tail fin closed and determine the total length.  Do NOT pull a flexible tape measure along the curve of the fish.  The photo to the right shows a bass on a measuring board with the mouth held shut.  Prior to getting a final measurement the caudal (tail) fin will be pinched shut.

Conversely, most marine (saltwater regulations) refer to the "fork length", and scientists often use "standard length" which is to the end of the fleshy part of the body. "Standard length" has the advantage of not being affected by minor damage to the tail fin, nor does it give too much credit to a fish for the relatively light weight tail when calculating a fish's condition.

Girth Measurement

"Girth" is best measured with a fabric ruler, such as tailors use. It can also be determined by drawing a string around the fish at its widest point marking where the string overlaps and then measuring the distance between the overlapping points on a conventional ruler. The measurement should be taken perpendicular to the length of the fish.  This measurement is analogous to measuring the circumference of someone's waist.  Knowing the girth is important when trying to certify a fish for a record, and provides useful information to biologists about the relative condition of a fish.

 Please remember that if you are going to release your catch, it is very important the fish be properly handled and released as quickly as possible.  See here (.pdf) for live-release guidelines.  Also don't forget if you catch a quality-sized fish that you can receive a free angler-recognition certificate and sticker from the "Big Catch" program.

(Note:  Marine [saltwater] fishes are sometimes measured using other techniques that are also used by freshwater fisheries scientists. 

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