Proper way to measure a catfish

[FearNoFish]

I want to take part in the King of the cats and was wondering what the best way to measure a catfish. I measured a large channel this past wekend and came up with 2 diffrent lengths, first i set the fish on it's stomach and measured from the jaw of the fish over its back to the tip of tail measured 34 in. second I measured it on its side from the jaw along the length of the body and pinched the tail and came up with 35.25 inches. So with the discrepency in length the fish could have a diffrent point value. Just wonder which way is prefred.

[Lowblazah]

Nic piggie!! Great long arm too! lol

I usually take the largest measurement possible with keeping the tape as flat as possible. Usually by laying the tape on the floor of the boat. then measuring the fish on top on it.

[Gordie]

Great looking kitty

I will try and find some sort of stop to put the head/mouth up agaisnt on the boat then measure from that point to the tail and pinch the tail.

then measure around the thickest part of the fish for a girth.

Dont forget this either

***Important Rule Change***

http://www.kingofthecats.org/wp/?p=146

Thanks for you cooperation.

[DTro]

First great fish!

There is no "proper" way really. For length I prefer a rigid tape/ruler and then lay the fish on the belly.

You most likely "gained" an inch on the side by the curvature of the fish.

whatever you feel comfortable with entering is fine, just don't forget the rule gordie posted above.

Either way no matter its a beaut!

[TruthWalleyes]

What a Chub!

I use a stiff ruler and put the fish on top like dtro said above. This year i will be building a measuring trough for big fish. Can't seem to find what i want on the market so i'll make my own i guess.

[goblueM]

What a Chub!

I use a stiff ruler and put the fish on top like dtro said above. This year i will be building a measuring trough for big fish. Can't seem to find what i want on the market so i'll make my own i guess.

A big PVC pipe cut in half with a metal yardstick screwed to the bottom works pretty well and won't set you back more than a couple bucks.

[Gordie]

Just screwed a stainless steel 60 inch machinist ruler to the floor of my boat.

[TruthWalleyes]

I like both of those ideas.

[DTro]

I will be giving away a 60" Frabill metal bump rule sometime this season. The thing is VERY nice.

[goblueM]

Just screwed a stainless steel 60 inch machinist ruler to the floor of my boat.

only 60?

[Carp-fisher]

Most reliable way to get a length is to lay the fish as flat as possible on a flat surface and measure with a rigid ruler.

Nice straight arm btw. If you really want to get the full effect, you should combine a straight arm with a fish eye lense.