+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 28

Thread: Estimating fish size

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Richland Center, Wisconsin
    Posts
    3,354
    Blog Entries
    15

    Default Estimating fish size

    I have 2 ways to guess fairly close to the actual length of a trout

    One is the tip to tip index to thumb for me is 8 inches.

    The other is the general width of a person's knuckles across their hands.

    They vary from 3.5 inches to a huge 5 inches. This is not scientific at all.
    But is good way to "guess" Better than laying the fish on the ground and measuring.

    My bud John always measured his fish with his net. It has a bag in it with inches actually
    on the net bottom.

    GUESS to closest inch what length these fish are.







    Most people guess wrong.
    When you arise in the morning, think of what a
    precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think,
    to enjoy, to love.
    - Marcus Aurelius

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    aimless wandering
    Posts
    2,042
    Blog Entries
    12

    Default

    28, 28, 28. Definitely. Tell your clients.

  3. #3

    Default

    24...........23............24

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Richland Center, Wisconsin
    Posts
    3,354
    Blog Entries
    15

    Default These kinda nets are handy

    When you arise in the morning, think of what a
    precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think,
    to enjoy, to love.
    - Marcus Aurelius

  5. #5

    Default

    Len -

    Another, and I think more reliable, method, for larger fish, is to measure from the tip of your index finger to the inside of your elbow, and from the tip of your index finger to the upper end of your arm. For me, that is 17" and 24", respectively. Instead of putting the fish down on the ground to measure it, you can lay it on your arm and get a very good estimate of its length. If you need more than a very good estimate, you'll probably need to mark your rod or get a measuring tape.

    As to the fish in the picture, its difficult for me to estimate the length of a fish that is held at arms length, or close to it, toward the camera. I guess I would just say BIG, BIG, and BIG. Or something like 22-23".

    John
    The fish are always right.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Oklahoma City, OK, USA
    Posts
    1,041

    Smile

    Nice fish 19.5 18 18.5

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,731

    Default

    Even at arms length the distance across the knuckles can give a clue to true length. I know the type of picture where the mans hand looks 1 1/2 times his head, none of these pictures are like that, but even in those types of pictures this can be a good guide. I think that Len hinted about using this method in his original post. My guesstimate is 22, 23 and 20.

    Another comment is that measuring a fish is usually quicker and there for less stressful on the fish than weighing it. But we have all seen the very long fish with the big head vs the shorter but very stocky fish with the smaller head and huge body. Weighing them can also give you further info, but again most of us just don't want to stress the fish, especially trout.

    My carp catches for this year will be documented in not only length but also weight. I plan on weighing them in my net to reduce the stress even on the carp. I'm also enjoying documenting my outtings much better this year than last. During the winter months, hopefully I can relive some of the good times had during better weather.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alaska
    Posts
    1,728
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    I find the 3.5-5" knuckle width numbers interesting. The websites I found say the average male human hand is ~3.3" wide, or conveniently below your range. My hands are far larger than average and Jumbo Green Ape gloves are one of the few models I have found that fit. My hand is not 4" wide. Comes in a full 1/4" shy actually, yet nearly 14% over average. Large enough to go beyond large and extra large gloves from most makers.

    I admit there are lots of folks with bigger hands than mine. Polly Rosborough had enormous hands and I remember well when meeting him, how my hand disappeared inside his while I towered over him by nearly a foot.

    A great fish is a great fish and does not need stretching... or even a number.
    art

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,731

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hap View Post

    A great fish is a great fish and does not need stretching... or even a number.
    art
    Agreed. If you don't want to measure that is cool. Some like to measure so that they can keep accurate records. Some like Spinner are more concerned with a quick release than grabbing the tape measure so they use a reasonable estimate in juding the fish. I have one of the measure nets and it is very handy indeed.

    If you don't want to measure no one said that you have to. Everyone doesn't have to do it the same way. Fishing is different things to different people, as long as no one is doing anything illegal and they are showing respect for the fish, life if good.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Sheffield Village, OH
    Posts
    338

    Default

    I have a pretty simple measuring system

    Dink
    Medium
    Big
    Hog



    I'm rarely wrong. Those three would fall into the "big" category.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 11-15-2011, 11:11 AM
  2. rod wt vs fish size
    By nseereeram in forum Fly Anglers Online
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 02-27-2011, 01:38 PM
  3. How often do you fish size 20 and smaller flies?
    By Riverdancer in forum Fly Anglers Online
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 01-11-2006, 02:04 PM
  4. Hooking 2lb fish with size 22/24 flies
    By goby in forum Fly Anglers Online
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 09-17-2005, 12:50 AM
  5. Follow-up comment on "rod wt vs fish size"
    By in forum Fly Anglers Online
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 02-27-2005, 01:29 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts