Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

How Big Was It?

Fisherman are habitual liars and that is part of what makes our sport fun. Large fish always seem to grow even larger with each telling of how they were caught. There's nothing like a big fish to generate a good fish story. How often have you been telling a buddy about catching a big fish complete with pictures only to have them doubt that the fish is really as large as you claim? Many people are just too polite to do such a thing, but others can be downright ornery about it. Not too long ago I found the perfect solution to this problem.

A few months ago, I was making a routine stop by Little River Outfitters when Daniel Drake told me he had something for me to try out. Upon returning from the back of the store, he handed me a device called the Handi-Measure. I had seen pictures of the product before but never actually tried one. Basically it is a tape measure that attaches to your net. When you catch the fish, you can simply pull out the tape while cradling the fish in the net and get a measurement.

Since Daniel gave it to me, I have found myself using it more and more when I want to know the length of a fish. To me, it is a lot easier than carrying a measuring tape in a vest pocket and having to rummage around for it while the fish is wondering what just happened. If you have been looking for a good way to measure your fish quickly and efficiently, I would highly recommend that you check out the Handi-Measure.

5 comments:

  1. Ok, so have you been over/under estimating your fish? Everyone does it - my buddy without a measure net will consistently add 1.5 to 2 inches to his fish.

    I personally have been pretty close to on - most fish are +/- 1 inch.

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  2. I can estimate very well up to around 20 inches but after that I start struggling...

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  3. I would tend to agree on estimating, I am fairly accurate up to around 20" or so, but I tend to lose focus beyond that size. However, I also double check any sizable fish caught against my fly rod, as the butt to the end of the logo is just under 15" for the one I usually use (a 9'5 wt St. Croix), and a photo of the fish on its side in the water, against the rod, provides photo documentation that is hard to dispute (not to mention an opportunity for the fish to rest, maximizing the chance of survival when it is released). I haven't used a Handi-Measure myself, but it makes sense that it would be an easy and effective way to measure a fish, as you mentioned.
    Iain

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  4. I tape takes all the fun out of the story telling part, If your honest one in a while and call an 18 incher "just under" people who know you will know how big the fish is. dont we carry enough stuff?

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