Paradigm Recreation Series: How to measure a fish

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Published by Admin on 13/02/2020

Paradigm Training Group Recreation Series: How to Measure a Fish

Paradigm Training Group is passionate about Australian waterways and the creatures that call them home. What happens when these creatures are over fished? There can be a multitude of repercussions that effect other ocean fauna and flora and the ecosystem can eventually break down causing the extinction of many species. When you are out recreationally fishing, spare a thought to the size of fish that you have caught and the species as these will effect whether you can take it home with you.

There are government laws in place to prevent the over fishing of Australian waters. Before you take that mighty vessel out for a recreational fishing trip ensure that you peruse your local government website for current fishing restrictions and laws relating to the following:

Species size (length) limits
Possession limits
Waterway closures
Threatened fish species

So you’ve caught a fish, what now?

How to Measure the Size of a Fish

Step 1:

Extend your tape measure or ruler on a flat surface and lay the fish next to it. Whether the fish has a fork or round tail, its overall measurement should be taken from the snout to the very end of the fish’s tail.

Step 2:

To measure the girth of a fish, you may need also a fabric ruler or a piece of twine. Take your measurement from the widest part of the fish. You may determine this by looking straight down at the fish’s back.

Ensure that your fish is handled securely during the entire measuring process.