How accurate are crappie fish checkers?

**crappieseeker** · 04-01-2014, 03:52 AM

I have even checked different tape measure-rs against each other before and have gotten different results even with several different ones, so you are better off just to turn all fish back. Just kidding on the turning back part, but I would just make sure they are a little over whatever mark you have.

**arkansasbowhunter** · 04-01-2014, 01:07 PM

I use the golden rule as that is what the wardens use.

**Cray** · 04-01-2014, 02:53 PM

Those won't be accurate down here on our big 4. The fish are so thick from spine to belly they won't go down into the checker all the way. Especially with our 12 in limit on 3 lakes and 11 on Sardis. I use a golden rule and scribes a mark 1/4 in over 12. They can't be just 12 they have to be over. Our Wardens use a golden rule and if your fish is close and measured on a Golden rule they will use your checker.

**skeetbum** · 04-01-2014, 08:29 PM

Our TWRA folks have told me that the pocket type checkers are not accurate with thick fish, and we have a 10" minimum. I now use a golden rule and seldom keep any that don't have shoulders or just look like they will only give up a small filet. Heard of a few fines given for 1/8" short fish, and I just don't need them that bad.

**Bronson** · 04-04-2014, 09:57 PM

Good posts, I agree and hate to take a crappie that is barely legal simply because there's not enough meat to justify taking it home. Another year and it should have some nice fillets. Good point about crappie with shoulders (especially black crappie), I've had them hang up too. Fortunately, I had read a previous post and caught my mistake and turned it loose.

**beagle man** · 04-06-2014, 01:55 PM

golden rule,fraibil,ezchecker,tape measure,Dept of conservation yellow tape, and sometimes when I am on arkabulta I just guess the length and toss em in the well. and I have found a bit of a difference in all of them, sept, my guessing,