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Posts: 714
Location: Rhinelander, WI | I witnessed something Tuesday night that may have sealed up what I plan to do about a bump board.
While registering Andy and Norms 36 incher for League Norm dipped his Frabil Cradle in the water they then layed the cradle on the front deck of the boat and layed the fish down for a quick, measurement. The material the cradle is made of, made for a good slick surface to lay the fish on for an accurate measurement. With the length gradation built right into the cradle I can see this being an awesome tool for measurements in the water, or on the deck, when more accuracy is needed. Personnel best, league or tourney situation.
I think I will be getting one of these before the Canada trip this year. Added benefit is once the fish is measured you can lift it right in the cradle for an easy release. Not quite as accurate as a bump board, but I can put my current 48” gator stick on the cradle for an even more accurate bump if I am alone and want an accurate measurement, the gradations on the cradle will make it easy to get a length longer than 48 inches.
Good job Norm and thanks for the ideas.
Nail A Pig!
Mike
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | I use a rain coat dipped into the water and layed down on the back deck. If the fish was to fall off the coat it would just slide into the water. I use this when it is required to get a accurate length.
If the fish is under 40 I will usually hold a tape along side of it and get a close number.
Fish in the 50-inch class need a accurate length and girth in my boat. Thats just for my records, repo man, and the clients.
A flat wetted rain coat works great. I have been doing it for years. I do like the sstl bump boards, just might have to make one up. |
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Posts: 56
| As I read the replies to this thread I see many different ways fishermen use to measure their fish before release. I didn't see any method I thought was bad, only different from others. The method I and the group of guys I fish with use is measuring the fish in our Esox Mag's 60" livewell. We've adhered a 56" measuring sticker tape to the bottom of the livewell. After the fish is placed in the waterfilled livewell, it can be measured by bumping the nose to the zero end of the tape that starts from one end and looking down to see the length at the tail end of the fish. The fish is supported by water, receiving oxygenated water and in my opinion and experience, facing no harm or possible tail damage I've sometimes seen happen while thrashing in a net. Also, having the fish in the livewell offers time to gather photo equipment for a quick picture/video when the fish is lifted out of the livewell and returned to the water. I will note I believe using a good pair of protective gloves, such as the Berkley brand, helps in gripping the fish and protecting your hands from sharp hooks or teeth. Again, there is more than one way to safely measure and care for a fish before and during release. The method I described happens to work best for me and the guys I fish with.
Steve |
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