Hobbies And Interests
Tape Measure
The tape measure is the most crucial tool for measuring fish. Avoid rigid tape measures like the kind used for home renovation projects; the rigidity will make it difficult to get an accurate measurement of the girth, or width, of the fish. Instead, opt for a softer tape measure, like the kind used by tailors to measure people for clothing. That flexibility will allow the tape measure to easily wrap around the fish.
Gloves
A sturdy pair of gloves will help protect hands that are handling a fish. Look for gloves that are durable and thick enough to protect against sharp scales or other prickly parts of the fish. Avoid gloves that are so thick it makes it difficult to handle the fish; the gloves need to provide enough hand dexterity that the fish can be easily handled and quickly measured.
Flat board
Make sure that any place where fish will be measured has a flat board where the fish can be laid out for measurement. Getting a board specifically for that purpose may not be necessary, but make sure there is room either on the dock or the fishing boat for the fish to be laid out.
Calculator
While length is the most common fish measurement, some fishing regulations also require the fisherman to determine the weight of the fish, which can play a factor in whether it can be kept or needs to be tossed back. An estimate of the weight of the fish can be reached simply by taking the length and girth measurements, and applying them to a specific formula. The formula is total length in inches squared, multiplied by the girth in inches, and then that sum is divided by 1,200.