Measure Saltwater Fish

Most finfish size limit regulations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) use either Fork Length or Total Length.

These measurement methods provide a consistent, well defined measurement technique. These methods encourage angler compliance with fishery management regulations.

Total Length Measurement

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

Total Length Species Include:

Snapper Family
Tripletail

Grouper Family
Bonefish

Red Drum
Sheepshead

Black Drum
Flounder

Snook
Several ornamentals

Spotted Seatrout
(Angelfish, etc.)

Weakfish

Fork Length Measurement

Fork Length Species Include:

Amberjacks
Bluefish

Rudderfish
King Mackerel

Hogfish
Spanish Mackerel

Dolphin
Permit

Cobia
Pompano

Mullet African Pompano
Gray Triggerfish

Lower Jaw Fork Length Measurement (Billfishes)

Lower Jaw Fork Length Species Include:

· Sailfish

· Blue Marlin

· White Marlin

How to Measure Crab and Spiny Lobster

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.

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 and soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace.

Calculating Fish Weight

Practice Catch and Release

Have you ever wondered how much the one that got away weighed? While the one that got away will always be fertile fodder for tall tales, now you can accurately estimate the weight of the ones that you let get away. By gently taking some simple measurements of the fish before it is released and employing the formula below, you can know exactly how much the fish weighed. Any further exaggeration is purely discretionary.

The Formula:

((Girth x Girth) x Length) / 800 = weight in pounds

(girth and length are inches)

Example:

If the fish’s girth is 15 inches and its length is 29 inches, the formula would be used as follows:

15 x 15 x 29, divided by 800 = 8.16 pounds

Then the ".16" or "16/100" is converted to ounces (multiply by 16)

.16 x 16 = 2.56 or 3 ounces

so this fish is 8 pounds 3 ounces