Measuring Fish Properly Important for Anglers

Jackson – Slot limits are a tool used to manage fisheries in a variety of species and on specific lakes. It is important that anglers know how to properly measure a fish to insure their catch is a legal one to keep, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Fish measurements for length limit regulations shall be taken with the total length being measured using a flatboard with fish mouth closed and tail squeezed together to give the maximum over-all measurement. Paddlefish are measured from the back of the eye to the fork of the tail.

With regard to minimum length, all fish on or less than the regulated size length in inches must be returned to the water immediately after capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters. All fish over the minimum length limit in total length may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

Where slot limits are in place, all fish on or between the designated range of lengths in inches must be returned to the water immediately upon capture and may not be in possession on designated waters. All fish shorter than the lowest length limit and all fish longer than the highest length limit may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

Information about proper fish measurement, minimum length limits, slot limits and creel limits may be found in the Mississippi Outdoor Digest or calling 601-432-2400.