MEASURING BASS LENGTH

[BAIT956]

Is the correct way to measure length with the bass' mouth open or closed?

I noticed recently that they measure a half inch or more larger, depending on the size of the fish, with the mouth open.

[HawgTide]

Closed, with the tail pinched. Yes, the open mouth will add a half inch in a lot of cases.

[musky hunter]

It's best accomplished with a device similar to what the DNR uses, a rule attached to a plate with a stop to run the mouth up to. In most cases the fisherman's ruler on the side of the boat is ok, you'll know if the fish is 16" or 18". But if you are keeping a slot fish, the fishermans rule can easily be 1/4" off or more. I had a walleye that measured 15" on my boat, but the DNR measured it at 14-7/8". The slot was 15" and above. Had a game warden been measuring, it might have cost me.

[BAIT956]

Thanks guys. I rarely keep a bass and always under 14" if I do keep one to eat.

I use the fisherman's rule for my own information and to keep myself honest. I guess now that will include measuring with the mouth shut.

A ballpark estimate is all I usually need.

Sometimes a fat 15" will look bigger than it really is.