Fishing question for Boehr

[WEEZER]

Sorry for posting this here but I wasn't sure if you checked the fishing forums!
Just wondering if there was any way to get a hold of the "official" measuring deviced used by Conservation officers when they check size limits!?
This has bothered me for the last three years on the Saginaw river because we have suddenly seen an explosion of those 14 3/4-15" walleyes and I don't want to end up with a ticket because my tape measure didn't match yours!
Thanks

[Hamilton Reef]

Good grief! Why are you so concerned with the 1/4" or 1/2" measurements trying to keep the little bony skinny baby walleyes? Just keep two easy-to-catch perch and you'll have as much or more meat.

We keep 17" or larger walleye (no size limit problems)and only one fish over 23" to protect spawning walleye. There are plenty of meals in between 17"-23" of good quality. The smallest fish less than 17" are nothing more than large perch and the largest fish pass 23" have too much fat.

[WEEZER]

Where I fish two perch do not= 1 15"... I like keeping the smaller walleyes because they taste better! in my opinion anything over 19" looses the flavor. Also in the Saginaw river/Saginaw bay there is NO shortage of fish to take(Actually too many) and I do practice C&R! 5,6,7,8 pound eyes are pretty common where I fish but taste like crap and are released unless someone in my group wants them. I have been keeping limits of smaller sized eyes for years and I don't think I'm effecting the fish population a bit! Actually I think the catching is getting better every year.

[boehr]

CO's don't have any "official measuring device" If you have a tape measure that has not been altered, and your tape measures the fish to be legal, the CO WILL allow it. Two marks on the boat that you say was measured to be 15" though won't get it unless again, you can show the unaltered measuring device you used to make those marks.

[WEEZER]

Ok Thanks, I was just wondering because everytime I have been checked they were using a metal tape with a right angle end piece to put the fished nose against. Just thought maybe it was a DNR standard or something.

[ESOX]

I have seen aluminum measuring boards with a bent up stop piece for the nose of the fish and measurements in 1/4" increments. Check with Cabellas or Bass Pro Shops.

[SPORTSMAN]

Walmart sell's them too.

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[Shoeman]

Hey Weezer, that's pretty good question. You mean you didn't know, that a DNR inch is aproximatly 1.25 inches. Therefore you must use the 1x1.25 multiplier to be within the law. (just kidding)
I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. It's great to converse with all you guys and gals.
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The Shoeman, the only one