Skillful Angler question...

[Skunk City]

I think they want as little work as possible. I think if you sent them a picture of a 34" Pike with a 12" ruler next to it, they probably would not honor it. Too much room for interpretation creates problems, especially if it came down to a tie. I keep a small, rollable tape measure in my tacklebag for when I am bank beating, and a regular retractable one every other time I am out in the yak or boat.

[buzzbaiter]

Applicants are required to submit two photos. The two required photos are:

1. The fish alongside a ruler, and
2. The angler holding the fish at the catch location.

Measurements must be taken measuring from the tip of the nose (with mouth closed) to the tip of the tail.

Not sure but seems to me they are saying measure it yourself and then submit a photo with the ruler you measured it with. I doubt anyone at the NJDEP is taking the photo, measuring the size of the ruler, then the fish and then calculating estimated length or maybe they do? I've done it in the past with objects hand, foot, reel, pole, etc) in the photo to estimate size when I have no tape measure. For instance, if the ruler in the photo is 20mm, the fish 64mm, its estimated length would be 38.4".

[Chrisper4694]

i'm not totally sure what you question is, but hopefully this answers it...and i'll post some examples of pictures (the striper isn't SA size but was used for a www.onlinefishingtournament.com contest and you can see what i mean by bumping the nose and ruler against a straight edge)

i've been doing online cpr contests based on a quick measurement picture for a few years and this is how i've been doing the skillful angler pics and it has been fine. either lay a long enough ruler or measuring tape or bumper board down and put the fish next to it (or on it if it's a bumper board) line up the nose by bumping it on a straight edge if you can, it'll be more accurate. You can use a little tackle box if you're shore fishing.

9/10 times the fish will lay still for a few seconds so as long as you're ready to take the pic and then do a quick selfie or whatever. as long as you're quick it's fine. sometimes the fish won't cooperate and if you're alone it's tough, but i still think if you're careful and prepared they fish will be fine. If you're concerned about laying it on a dirt or leaves that may wipe mucus off their skin, bring a material that you can fold up when not using and wet it then lay the fish on to measure.

I don't think they're very strict about the measurements as long as it's clear they can see you're not lying. that was the problem guys were highly exaggerating their catch sizes...not really sure why, there are no prizes haha. The program helps F&G see how certain waters are doing and what's being caught versus what they are stocking.

[buzzbaiter]

I guess I'm hung on the wording. A ruler to me is your standard 12" one not a yard stick or tape measure but technically they are all rulers.