I'm probably gonna take a pounding for this, but---if it's "borderline" it should go back.
I don't mind people taking a fish home. But geez, if it's that close, why try to squeeze every last millimeter out of it?
And just FYI---that method is gonna get you a ticket sooner or later. Here's why--the LEGAL way to measure a fish is to lay it flat on top of a tape or measuring device. That way, the girth of the fish doesn't affect the length. DEC measures them that way, and that's how it's determined whether a fish is "legal"--flat, on a tape, with the girth not affecting the length. If you want to mark your rod, make 30" the spacing in question to be on the safe side.
I don't mind people taking a fish home. But geez, if it's that close, why try to squeeze every last millimeter out of it?
And just FYI---that method is gonna get you a ticket sooner or later. Here's why--the LEGAL way to measure a fish is to lay it flat on top of a tape or measuring device. That way, the girth of the fish doesn't affect the length. DEC measures them that way, and that's how it's determined whether a fish is "legal"--flat, on a tape, with the girth not affecting the length. If you want to mark your rod, make 30" the spacing in question to be on the safe side.
