Measuring Girth???

Hope this is not a really stupid question, but how do you folks think a person should measure the girth of a fish? I guess at what point on the fish do you feel is the most accurate point to take the measurement? I carry a flexible rule with me for this purpose. It is really a fabric measuring device that my wife (ha! I stole it from her!) used for quilt making! Just curious as to how you get an "official field measurement". Thanks!

C&B,

With the fish in the water, get three quick measurements from behind the pectoral fins to the caudal fins. The largest of the three is what I go with for girth.

You would be surprised that some fish are quite a bit bigger up front and some are thicker in towards the mid-section or caudal fins.

A fish with a bigger girth by the caudal fins is ussually a real horse and will weigh more than a thicker fish up front.

This is what I do when I girth fish. Definitly do it in the water, it's a pain if your alone, almost impossible, so I don't girth fish if I'm alone.

Good Luck,
Brett Waldera