I had the occaison recently to chat with a local game warden concerning fish that are caught and put on ice. After a while a 15" fish becomes a 14" fish (especially flounder). I couldn't get an opinion from the warden per se...he implied that it would probably be a judgement call by the warden on hand and could also depend on the circumstances. I'm listening......

Theres no question fish shrink after being on ice for even a short period of time.

And he's right, it's a judgement call on the warden's part.

Like a lot of game laws, they're left so vague and it's hard to sometimes understand them. I don't think that's unintentional.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the wardens do for the resources. And having those laws vague probably helps them get the job done.

The most important thing to remember is don't break the law, give them the respect they deserve, and be reasonable if and when you have to explain the situation.

I HAVE the answer!

Coincidentally I was watching Kieth Warren on OLN recently and they addressed this exact topic. It is true that fish (esp trout and flounder) lose mass and length after being caught and put on ice. The next time you "box" a few check the viscosity of the melted water. You'll notice that it is thicker than normal water and slimy. This is the internal fluids of your catch and the protective film that covers them that is now sloughed off. They actually measured a Spec at catch then again back at the dock. There was shrinkage but it was only 1/4". I guess the best rule of thumb is only keep fish at or larger that 17" just to be safe. (I personally only keep 2 fish a day that are over 20" but below 25") This keeps the numbers of small fish that need to grow up and doesnt take away a sexually mature fish from the spawning population. A big fish is a valuable fish.

I'll keep a "legal" fish...especially if it's swallowed the hook. If I lip-hook'em, and they're just legal, chances are I'll release it...unless it's really fat'n sassy! I eat fish at least three times a week...my wife says if I keep on like that, I'll be my own 'nite-lite' b-4 long! (fish from Galveston Bay). You're right about being reasonable with the game warden...I've never met one yet that wasn't reasonable with me.