Tape Measure

[bubblehide]

I think we should also keep in mind just how we are supposed to measure fish, i.e., from a flat surface. So don't use a tape and follow the contour of the fish. I hope this is clear.

[dsafety]

Since I release most of the fish I catch, I do not pay much attention to size limits. I am sure that someone on this forum has all the important size limit info programmed in their brain.

Would someone please post the size limit restrictions of the fish that we typically catch around here.

Thanks,

Bob

[lamb]

some great ideas. I like the paddle mounted sticker.
Tape measure from Target or Wall-mart works good.
My old gaff is is marked with electrical tape on 12", 22", 24", 28" - works too.

WSB min length is 28", halibut 22", YT has no size limit. When you see how mighty YTs grow to be, you get a kick out of letting little ones go. You've got to be aware of limits on WSB you can keep, as they change 3/15 to 6/15 where you can only keep one.

Nice DFG CA map page that drills you to summed up regs per species for your region:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/fishing_map.asp

South CA

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/mapregs5.asp

[frady]

I use a tailoring tape. Its light compact, and since its plastic coated it keeps really well. Helps with uncooperative fish who won't stay next to a ruler on the side of the kayak.

Josh

[Lets_Fish]

My brother and I have gaffs that have a scale marked on them, but i like the idea of a "sticker" on the paddle.

Lamb thanks for the info on size limits.

[dsafety]

I have never kept a calico but I am curious about size limits, (I am getting into homemade fish tacos and am considering Calicos for this). I know we are supposed to release the really big ones. Any advice on this species. I could not find it listed on the page that Lamb posted.

Bob

[Hobie-Pedaller]

C & R the calicos. we need more of them in the water nowadays, and they are avg eating anways IMO. rockfish, red snapper, lings, etc make the best fish tacos !!

[Bpcode3]

Originally Posted by bubblehide

I think we should also keep in mind just how we are supposed to measure fish, i.e., from a flat surface. So don't use a tape and follow the contour of the fish. I hope this is clear.

Yeah, but like GregAndrew mentioned, good for reference and for a quick glance, thats all its used for. You said it yourself, you can't get an exact measurement unless on a flat surface anyways, and thats not until you get back to land. Chances are, if you need to measure to make sure, probably not worth keeping anyways.

[batty1of3]

Originally Posted by Bpcode3

Yeah, but like GregAndrew mentioned, good for reference and for a quick glance, thats all its used for. You said it yourself, you can't get an exact measurement unless on a flat surface anyways, and thats not until you get back to land. Chances are, if you need to measure to make sure, probably not worth keeping anyways.

yah thats pretty much how i gauge keepers or not except calicos which i like to kepp only 14-16" one bigger go back to make more

sorry but calicos are some of the best taco fare j

[SGV Rookie]

I use a thick mop handle cut down to 26". Started by sanding a 1/4 inch flat section along it's length. I marked it every inch by transfering marks with a yard stick. I also wrote the name of the fish for it's size limit at the appropriate size. I sealed it with clear acrylic and tada. It floats, It measures and it also can be used for knocking a fish in it's nogin.
Dave

[dsafety]

Originally Posted by SGV Rookie

I use a thick mop handle cut down to 26". Started by sanding a 1/4 inch flat section along it's length. I marked it every inch by transfering marks with a yard stick. I also wrote the name of the fish for it's size limit at the appropriate size. I sealed it with clear acrylic and tada. It floats, It measures and it also can be used for knocking a fish in it's nogin.
Dave

Sounds cool. Photo please.

Bob