Skillful Angler question...

[buzzbaiter]

So its says for C&R awards, two photos needed: one of the angler holding fish at the catch site and the other a side view photo of fish along side a ruler. So my assumption is this: the ruler gives the NJDFGW perspective of the fish size(s) rather than actual size(except for those under 12"). So if you lay a ruler along the side of a pike, the state will decide whether its 34" or not based upon the ruler? I honestly thought you had to have a tape measure(or yard stick) to show the actual length which is far more difficult to do when trying to properly measure than release a fish relatively unharmed(at least for me; might be easier in a boat or on a dock). Anyone get a big(>12") fish approved just using a ruler? Thanks

Still say the trout lengths are biased towards hatchery trout. No such thing as a 19" native brook trout in NJ. My best native going back to 1981 is 15" with most years the largest being 11" My largest wild bow is 16" which would still be 7" short of award sized. No love for the natives or wilds!