Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Accurate measuring of LMB

I've read conflicting reports on how to properly measure LMB for the RW chart. Please tell me if this correct. Close the mouth and push it up until the chin touches the end of the tape. Then pinch the tail together and read the measurement at the end of the pinched tail. I've found that if the tail is not pinched together, even a small (12 inch) bass will measure 1/2 inch short, which is the difference between .78 and .9 pounds, a surprisingly large difference. My concern is that i have read to just let the tail fall, as well as to fan the tail out. Which is correct?

JB, I measure the way you described and squezze the tail. You can see on the smaller bass it does make a big diff. So does having an inacurate scale being off only 2 ozs will make a big diff. Once they reach about 14 inches the small diff does not affect the RW as much. Good luck with the fertilizer fri., let me know if you have questions. Make sure to mesure secchi disc prior to first application.

greg, thanks for the information on the measuring and the help getting the fertilizer. my disc had been measuring 30-32 inches until all the rain has made it turbid to 24 inches. last fall we had visibility to over four feet with lots of weeds and algae (as you might expect). hopefully we can improve things a bit this year. -jb