How accurate are crappie fish checkers?

[Bronson]

Others have posted how the fish checkers they buy aren't always accurate. With the money I spent on these, I assumed mine were right. I checked today to make sure and sure enough they weren't where I thought they should be.

On mine, if you bumped the crappie's lip against the board, the 10" mark is almost exactly 1/2 way between the 10" mark and the #1 where it says 10. Not sure the game warden would be too understanding so I went ahead and made my own line with a magic marker.

Do not understand why the companies that make these don't move the line up because they the boards were made to insert your fish until the closed mouth hits the bottom of the board and then you pinch the tail and measure.

Those who measure to the 10" mark can probably get away with it as long as the fish measures 10" to the mark w/o pressing the tail together.
Don't like to keep a 10" fish even though it is excellent eating because it doesn't have that much meat on it.

If there are any game wardens out there, please weigh in on this one.

[usafret99]

I put a ten inch piece of electrical tape on the front and back of the boat

[badbrad]

A golden rule is what we use in the field. I have a Frabil EZ Check'R and a Grip N Check in my personal boat. I've measured all three and they are accurate.

[hair jig]

If they aren't over the line throw them back it's not worth the chance I got checked twice last week he had his ruler a said can I check you're fish u said sure when he looked in my bucket he said nice fish no need to measure them those are clearly over ten!!!

[M R Dux]

I have the Frabil crappie measures in my boat. I wrapped electrical tape around them just a hair above the 10 inch mark. I don't squeeze the tail to measure. All are put in flat, if they hit the tape, they are good to go. Much of the time my crappie are put in the livewell with a good helping of ice in the water. I don't want any issues with F&W on a short fish. I make my living on F&W licenses and sure don't need any issues.

Hey Brad, thanks for the measure pics. Coming from a game warden, those should make folks feel more confident with them.

[kickingback]

You have to watch out for the frabill or other crappie checker that you slide the fish into. Sometimes the body is too fat for the lip of the fish to touch the bottom to get an accurate readiing. You have to watch out for htis on the ones that measure ten to 11 inches as it will take away anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch off the length!

[BoarBuster]

I use the golden rule. I haven't checked it for accuracy but I will remember to check it now for sure.

[sacriverjim]

i put a piece of blk tape on the back of my grip and ck a tad above the 10'' line. if the pinched tail isnt on the blk i dont keep it. i forget to wear my glasses bout half the time so the blk tape makes it easier for me to see.

[crappielimits]

A Talquin 10 incher will not fit in the regular sized checkers. I agree the Golden rule is nice and can be used on multiple species. I also can get measurements of trophy fish.

[Majesticman]

Heck I don't need it guys. All my fish are at least 14 inches.