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.
For more information please
visit the
Fish Length Measurement FAQs.
Watch a Public Service Announcement about Measuring Fish.
(wmv 1MB)
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 |
|
|
Click here for a
more detailed list |
|
|
Fork Length Measurement
Fish regulated by fork length are measured from the tip
of the jaw or tip of the snout with closed mouth to the
center of the fork in the tail.
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
 |
|
|
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)
Fish regulated by lower jaw fork length are measured in
a straight line from the anterior most part of the lower
jaw (tip of the lower jaw) to the fork in the tail.
|
 |
|
|
Lower Jaw Fork
Length Species
Include: |
|
· Sailfish |
|
· Blue
Marlin |
|
·
White Marlin |
|
|
|
How to Measure Stone Crab
and Spiny Lobster
|
|
Stone 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.
|
|
Bits & Bytes
