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How To Measure fish

Do you know how to measure fish?

Did you know that there are different ways to measure certain species of fish?

A couple inches could make the difference of getting a heavy fine if stopped!

Most size limit regulations of the FWC use either Fork Length or Total Length. (See Below)

Hot To Measure A Fish’s Total Length

Total Length Measurement

Total Length is measured from the most forward point of the head, with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed, squeezed, or pinched, while the fish is lying on its side.

Total Length Species Include:

Snapper Family  

Grouper Family  

Red Drum  

Black Drum  

Snook  

Spotted Seatrout  

Weakfish

Tripletail

Bonefish

Sheepshead

Flounder

Several ornamentals

(Angelfish, etc.)

Hot To Measure Fish To The Fork

Fork Length Measurement

Fish regulated by fork length are measured from the tip of the jaw or tip of the snout with closed mouth to the center of the fork in the tail.

Fork Length Species Include:

Amberjacks  

Rudderfish  

Hog Fish  

Dolphin  

Cobia  

Mullet  

Bluefish

King Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel

Permit

Pompano

African Pompano

How to measure a Billfish

Lower Jaw Fork Length Measurement (Billfishes)

Fish regulated by lower jaw fork length are measured in a straight line from the anterior most part of the lower jaw (tip of the lower jaw) to the fork in the tail.

How to Measure Stone Crab

Stone Crab Measurement

Stone Crab claws must measure at least 2 3/4-inches in length measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger. The forearm (propodus) shall be deemed to be the largest section of the claw assembly that has both a moveable and immovable finger and is located farthest from the body of the crab.

Lower Jaw Fork Length Species Include:

Sailfish  

White Marlin

Blue Marlin

How to measure Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster Measurement

Spiny Lobster must have a minimum carapace length of greater than 3-inches and the measurement must take place in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding any soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace.