Managing Fish

• Fish are measured three different ways, and saltwater fishing regulations specify which method is to be used when measuring length.
  
  Overall length is the distance across a flat surface from the lips to an imaginary perpendicular line across the tips of the tail.
  
  Fork length is the distance across a flat surface from the lips to the fork of the tail.
  
  Curved fork length (CFL) is a measurement taken across the body of the fish from the lips to the fork of the tail.
  
  

Current Regulations

• Size limits for saltwater fish are a management tool. Each year fishery managers review stock assessments and adjust season, bag and size limits to reflect the needs of each individual species.
  
  

National Marine Fisheries Service

• NMFS is the national regulatory agency for marine fish. Several regional councils work together to represent the states, but their regulations must always be in compliance with NMFS.
  
  

Current Regulations

• For the most current fishing regulations, including size limits, contact your state department of environmental conservation, department of environmental protection, or fish and game department.
  
  

Releasing Short Fish

• When you catch a fish below the established size limit, return it to the water as soon as possible. Any unnecessary delay could diminish your fish's odds of survival.