Best Fish Ruler
Brian 
Marko Fish rulers are used by anglers to measure the fish they catch. It is important that you choose the proper fish ruler. This is to make sure the fish that does not meet the legal length is freed. Keeping a fish that is shorter than the standard length might result in getting a ticket and cost you a fine. Stretching and folding tape fish rulers that are made of plastics have tendencies to shrink when exposed to high temperatures. As a result, it could give you an erroneous measurement. Like any other purchase, buying a fish ruler has many considerations. It is always important to choose the right fishing ruler for you. Nowadays, there are countless fish rulers on the market and finding the best one that will suit your style and requirement is never easy.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 17 hrs of research
Does not easily wear out
No bubbles formed when sticking
Sticks easily
Top 10 Picks
1. Rapala Adhesive
Does not easily wear out
No bubbles formed when sticking
Sticks easily
Some users complain it’s a little too wide for their preferred size
This adhesive fish ruler from Rapala is one of the best fish rulers designed for outdoors. You can stick it on any surface especially on the boat for ease and convenience when measuring your catch.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Rapala Adhesive Fish Ruler is made of industrial-quality vinyl. This means that it can resist moisture and humidity. It is also hard-wearing compared to stickers made of paper. It is also resistant to fading and does not easily lose its necessary stickiness.
Product Features
The Rapala Adhesive Fish Ruler has bold and legible markings for easy identification. This fish ruler can measure in both centimeters and inches. It has a strong adhesive quality that allows it to stick to any smooth surface longer. It is 36-inches in length so you will not have to worry about measuring a massive catch.
Overall Components
This type of adhesive fish ruler from Rapala easily sticks and can be placed on your boat just like any other sticker. It uses two types of measurements, you can use either inches or centimeters when measuring your catch. You will not have a hard time converting the units of measurement since both are provided. It is legibly written so even if you are reading the measurement at a certain distance, you can still see it. In addition, because it is made of vinyl, it resists water preserving the markings. Most customers noted that they are still using their Rapala fish ruler even after three years with its color slightly faded.
Product Description
The Rapala Adhesive Fish Ruler has a product dimension of 11.8 inches x 3.2 inches x 0.3 inches. It has a shipping weight of 1.6 ounces.
2. Oregon Rule Co.
Two rulers of varying sizes
Water resistant
Easy to stick
Some users requests for a longer ruler possibly 60-inches in length
This set of adhesive fish rulers is especially intended for anglers who would like to measure their catch fast.
Read moreBuild Quality
This set of sticker fish ruler from Big Fish is made from tough polyester that can withstand outdoor elements. Its top is coated with a protective classy gloss to protect the markings from the water. This set of rulers is adhesive so you can easily stick it in your boat, oar, or tackle box.
Product Features
Each set of this Big Fish adhesive fish ruler is composed of 2 pieces of rulers. One is a 1x20-inch ruler and the other is a 1 1/4 x 56-inches ruler. Both rulers offer a measurement reading from left to right. It has big markings that measure 1/8-inches.
Overall Components
The Big Fish adhesive rulers easily stick to smooth surface so fishing enthusiasts can easily place it wherever they want. It also has large measurement markings so it can be read easily and accurately. The Big Fish adhesive fish ruler comes in two lengths, which provides convenience to users. They can use the shorter ruler for measuring smaller fish and the longer one for bigger fish.
Product Specifications
This set of fish ruler comes with one 1x20-inch ruler with 1-inch width and one 56-inches ruler with 1 1/4-inch width. The shipping weight is just 4 ounces.
3. Predator Marine
Resists Water
Easy to stick
Does not easily wear out
Some users complain that the regulations are not updated
This fish ruler from Predator Marine is for those who prefer to measure their catch with pictures and colors.
Read moreBuild Quality
This adhesive fish ruler from Predator Marine is built from 3.2 millimeters high-quality cast vinyl. Since it is vinyl, it can resist water and is very durable. It is also coated with protective UV lamination that protects it from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Product Features
The Florida Saltwater freshwater fish ruler has updated pictures of 37 varying reef and game fish. It also contains details about federal and state fishing regulations. It is adhesive so it easily sticks on a smooth surface.
Overall Components
While other rulers can easily measure your catch, this type of fish ruler also tells you about the updated fishing regulations of each fish. It is 36-inches in length so you are assured that it can accommodate a wide range of fish size. In addition, because it is adhesive, you can stick it anywhere you want provided that its surface is smooth. It’s very convenient and very accessible. The colors and markings also offer an easy reading.
Product Specification
This adhesive fish ruler from Predator Marine is 36 inches in length and 3 inches in height.
4. Berkley Aluminum
Resists rust and water
Very sturdy
With Pre-drilled holes for easy mounting
L-shaped bend for ease of measuring
Some users complain that the marking is very light in terms of color against a gold finish which is hard to see at a distance
This type of fish ruler is perfect if you want to have a solid and sturdy fish length measurement. It is best for those who have limited slot size.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Berkley Aluminum fish ruler is made from high-quality aluminum that has undergone the anodizing process. It has white markings and its body is gold in color.
Product Features
This aluminum fish ruler has pre-drilled holes that you can use to mount it on boats or docks, or wherever you want. It also features an L-shaped bend. This helps you place the fish properly and will give you ease in taking its measurement.
Overall Component
The Berkley Aluminum fish ruler is very easy to use. Is gold finish allows you to easily spot it in the boat and its white markings allow you to easily read the measurement. Since it is made from high-quality aluminum, it is easy to maintain, easy to clean, resistant to rust and lasts longer. The L-shaped feature allows you to place the head of the fish easily allowing you to get the right measurement of your catch.
Product Specifications
The Berkley Aluminum fish ruler has a product dimension of 22 inches x 3 inches x 0.5 inches. It only weighs 1.4 pounds and has a total shipping weight of 3.4 pounds.
5. Hurricane
Very durable
Easy to mount
Easy to use
Some users complain that is minimum measurement is 10-inches
The Hurricane 40-inches Aluminum fish ruler is perfect if you want a measuring tool that has two measurement units.
Read moreBuild Quality
This fish ruler from Hurricane is made of high quality aluminum. It has an attractive bright color. It is sturdy and will not accumulate rust.
Product Features
The Hurricane Aluminum fish ruler offers two measurement units namely inches and centimeters. If you do not like converting, this is the best fish ruler for you. Since it made of aluminum, you are assured that it will last well. It also comes with pre-drilled holes. Unlike other aluminum rulers, the markings and numbers are etched on the metal.
Overall Components
This aluminum fish ruler is perfect if you prefer catching fish in saltwater. Because of its aluminum construction, you can be assured that it will not accumulate rust and will withstand other outdoor elements. Its markings are engraved on the aluminum body so it will not be easily erased unlike decals and imprinted rulers. Its large markings allow you to easily read the measurement even at a distance.
Product Specification
The Hurricane Aluminum fish ruler has a product dimension of 1.8 inches x 41.5 inches x 2 inches. It only weighs 1 pound.
6. Fishing Measuring Tape
Strong adhesive property
Easy to use
Comes with a reminder about legal fishing
Markings have the tendency to get erased through use because it is not etched on the ruler
The Fish Rule Adhesive fish ruler is for those who like a ruler that can stick to almost anywhere.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Fish Rule Adhesive fish ruler is made of high-quality vinyl. It is a decal that can measure up to 36-inches. Because it is made of vinyl, it resists water and easy to clean. It is also overlaminated to ensure that it is protected from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Product Features
This fish ruler boasts of its strong adhesive feature that easily and permanently sticks on your boat, cooler, or any smooth surface. It comes with a quote to remind you to return your undersized catch to the ocean. The slogan also encourages legal fishing by using accurate measurement.
Overall Components
Aside from the adhesive ruler, you will also receive a small fish rule decal when you purchase the product. The small ruler can accommodate measuring smaller catch. You will also get a free alcohol to wipe clean the surface you plan to stick the adhesive ruler.
Product Specification
The Fish Rule Fish Measuring Tape 44.5 inches in length with a width of 2.25 inches. The small rule is 1.25 inches x 2.75 inches. It has a shipping weight of 1 ounce.
7. Release Ruler Florida
Easily sticks
With slots for specific types of fish
Can withstand outdoor elements
The details about regulations should be updated all the time
This is the perfect type of fish ruler for enthusiasts who do not like to stress their catch and would like their released fish to have a greater survival.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Florida Inshore Release fish ruler is made of high-quality 3M cast vinyl decal. Because of its material component, you are assured that it can resist water and can withstand harmful outdoor elements like exposure to sun, rain, and saltwater. It will not also easily shrink since the material is ultraviolet rays-resistant and laminated to protect the material from the harmful ultraviolet rays. This ensures that the fish ruler will give you the accurate measurement that you desire to have.
Product Features
This type of fish ruler provides slots for easy and fast measurement of a particular type of fish. It also contains the most recent details on the regulations on bag limit. This will make catching, measuring, and releasing fish easier and since details are readily available. You will not take time checking on the allowed length of the fish, thus lessening the stress and increasing the survival rate of your catch.
Overall Components
This ultraviolet-resistant release ruler will last longer than other vinyl decal ruler. It is easy to clean and maintain because of its material component. It can also resist water and since it is made of vinyl it will not corrode, unlike other metal fish rulers. With the ready information on fishing regulations including bag limit, you can be assured that you are not violating any fishing laws.
Product Specification
The Release Ruler measures 3 inches x 37 inches. It has a shipping weight of 0.3 ounces.
8. Salty Bones
Very durable
Can be folded
With fishing regulations
The details about regulations only includes seven states in the US
The Salty Bones Fish Ruler is perfect for those who want to have a folding and colorful fish ruler. It easily folds so you can instantly store it.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Salty Bones Folding fish ruler is made of durable and high-quality plastic. Its printed areas are covered and laminated to protect it from the harmful ultraviolet rays. It is resistant to water and is not prone to shrink, unlike other plastic fish ruler.
Product Features
This fish ruler has imprints of the fishing state laws of seven states in the United States. This includes Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia. It also features colorful pictures of fish.
Overall Components
The Salty Bones Fish Ruler is great for easy and fast fish measurement. Since it can be folded to a smaller size, you can easily store it in smaller box or container.
Product Specification
The Salty Bones Fish Ruler measures 2 inches x 36 inches. When it is folded it measures 2 inches x 12 inches. It has a shipping weight of 2.4 ounces.
9. Tackle Box I.D.
Can be folded
With fishing regulations
Real-Life Color
The details about regulations is only for Florida fishermen
The Tackle Box ID fish ruler is perfect if you want to have a measuring tool that offers slots for different types of fish.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Tackle Box ID fish ruler is made of premium quality polyvinyl material. It is 2 millimeters thick and is waterproof. It is very durable and flexible.
Product Features
This type of fish ruler features 27 images of usual saltwater fish species with real-life colors. It also contains the state waters regulations released by the FWC last February 2018. In addition, species like snook, sea tout, and red drum, among others are featured in their own color-emphasized brackets. You can also find variances between the juvenile mutton snapper and lane snapper. Images in their vibrant colors are printed on the plastic so it will not easily peel off.
Overall Components
The Tackle Box ID fish offers ease of use and accuracy of measurement to anglers. It can be folded so you can easily store it. It is made of PVC so it is durable and can withstand outdoor elements. It contains state rules to promote legal fishing and to provide easy identification if fish species to its users. It also comes with eyelets made of brass so you can mount it anywhere you want and can also remove it easily.
Product Specification
The Tackle Box ID fish ruler has an overall dimension of 2 inches x 11.75 inches when closed. It has an overall size of 2 inches x 33.75 inches when opened.
10. Yak-Gear
Can be folded for easy storage
Can float in the water
With raised bump board
Many anglers complain that it is pricey
Yak Gear Fish Ruler is perfect for fishing enthusiasts with limited or tight spaces who needs a fish ruler that can be easily stored. It amazingly floats so you will not have a hard time finding your fish ruler when it gets in the water.
Read moreBuild Quality
The Yak Gear Folding fish ruler is made from premium quality of perfectly blended plastic and PVC. This combination makes it almost indestructible. Since it is made of plastic, it is water-resistant and easy to clean. It can also withstand long exposure to sun and rain
Product Features
The Yak Gear folding fish ruler is specially designed to aid meticulous anglers. While it is easy to store because it can be folded, it basically floats. So you will not have to worry about finding your fish ruler the next time it slips and jumps to the water. It also features an elevated bump board which is 3.5 inches. It also comes with a line slot to improve the accuracy of your measurement.
Overall Component
Aside from its floating ability, the Yak Gear folding fish ruler takes pride in its line slot. This built-in design enables you to pull the line on the slot located in the bump board so you can proceed with your measurement efficiently. You can also use the bump board to place the snout of the fish.
Product Specification
The Yak Gear folding fish ruler measures 12 inches when it is stowed or folded and 36 inches when it is open or expanded. It has a shipping weight of 1.5 pounds.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
In choosing the best fish ruler, the most crucial factor to pay close attention to is the durability, quality and accuracy. A good quality fish ruler will not only produce accurate measurements but also save you from getting penalized. For example, you want to ensure that the ruler along with its components is made of superior materials that will not break, peel off, or disintegrate while you are using it to stay legible. Making sure the ruler offer a permanent and attractive alternative to even stickers is important for legibility and its lifespan. Look out for features such as laser-etched numbers that will not fade or break down to help with the durability of the fish ruler.
Accuracy
While fishing is a good and a rewarding hobby or recreation, there are certain rules that must be strictly followed. The fish ruler plays a vital part in one of these regulations. So in order to avoid getting penalized, a reliable and accurate fish ruler is needed.
It is vital that you choose the proper fish ruler to make sure that fish that does not meet the legal length should be freed. In other words, the fish ruler is crucial in making sure that you do not keep undersized fish. Keeping a fish that is shorter than the standard length might result in getting a ticket and cost you a fine. Stretching and folding tape fish rulers that are made of plastics have tendencies to shrink when exposed to high temperature. As a result, it could give you an erroneous measurement.
Size
There are different options when it comes to the size of your fish ruler model. Many different rulers come in 2 options one is regularly 1x20-inch ruler and the other is a 1 1/4 x 56-inches ruler. Depending on the size of fish you are looking to catch you can know which ruler to bring with you. Keep in mind both rulers measurements read from left to right so they are all similar in design. On the ruler the measurements have big markings that measure 1/8-inches for you to be able to read easier. So make sure you known which type of fish you are going to be fishing for to bring the proper size and measurements.
Advanced Features
Many of the fish ruler models on our list have very specific features that make them unique. Before making a decision on which fish ruler to get you should be asking yourself questions such as does it have good markings that can be read even at a particular distance? Is it easy to use? Is it ergonomically designed? What could you benefit from it if you use it? There are many questions to ask yourself. Keep a look out for fishing rulers that have specific features such as the ability to fold into half or even its ability to float on water. So you will not have to worry about finding your fish ruler the next time it slips and jumps to the water.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Accuracy Advanced Features Durability Size
There are two measurements needed when measuring freshwater fish. These are measuring the girth and getting the total length of the fish. The total length refers to the utmost length of the fish. When getting the total length measurement, make sure that the mouth of the fish is closed while its tail is closed. It is not advised to use a flexible fish ruler and measure the fish by its curve. The perfect way to achieve the total length of the freshwater fish is to move up its snout on a vertical surface with tail shut. The freshwater fish should be positioned along a fish ruler.
In some cases, the rules require the angler to get the fork length of the fish. This is also called the standard length and is measured up to the last fleshy part of the fish. Some anglers prefer the standard length since it is not easily affected by slight damages to the tail.
On the other hand, to get the girth measurement, it is best to use a fabric fish ruler like the ones used by tailors. The girth measurement is the same as taking the circumference of the human waist. To do this, you can lift the fish and put a piece of the flexible fish ruler under it. Make sure that the fish is lying flat while the ruler is positioned on its deepest part. Wrap the flexible fish ruler or measuring tape around and fold its fins if necessary. Spot the point where the line of the flexible ruler crosses. After that place the marked spot on the ruler and get the girth.
Other Factors to Consider
Style
There are many fish rulers on our list that even have pictures, names, and descriptions of the type of fish above its measurement. This helps you know the average size of the fish you have caught and is a good reference while you are out fishing to have. Those rulers have been created to help benefit even beginner fishermen to reference from.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How Do I Fish in Murkier Waters?
There are many types of lures for different kinds of fishing conditions. If you are fishing in dark and murky waters, it is very useful to use a lure that will create vibrations when in the water. The vibrations create a movement for the fish to sense. Most likely, the fish will strike seeing or feeling something moving in the water.
On the other hand, if you are fishing in dark water but not murky, use a white lure. This is best on a cloudy or sunny day. While it may appear dark to you, in the water, your white-colored lure is very visible. If you do not have a vibrating lure, you can use dark-colored lures. Murky water is lighter in color so it is best to use dark-colored lures so it could be more visible to the fish.
q: Do I Need a License In Order to Go Fishing and is there laws on fishing?
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a fishing license is a requisite for any individual who would like to take fish and other creatures found in ocean waters or inland. In addition, there are report cards needed for particular areas and species. In case that you are exempted to possess a sport fishing license, you are still required to present the right report card while you are fishing. You also need to make sure you, follow the laws on fishing in the state you are living in. In many places there are laws regarding too small of a fish or even the quantity of how many fish you are allowed to catch.
q: Can I not just use a measuring tape?
When it comes to fishing it is very important to have a license and follow all of the rules. Making sure you are able to be fishing the size of the fish accurately is very crucial. Using a measuring tape especially fishing alone is hard to do when holding your fish. Many of the fish rulers on our list offer a foot holder or have the ability to be laid straight out to see the measurement properly and easily.
q: How Do I Fish in Murkier Waters?
There are many types of lures for different kinds of fishing conditions. If you are fishing in dark and murky waters, it is very useful to use a lure that will create vibrations when in the water. The vibrations create a movement for the fish to sense. Most likely, the fish will strike seeing or feeling something moving in the water.
On the other hand, if you are fishing in dark water but not murky, use a white lure. This is best on a cloudy or sunny day. While it may appear dark to you, in the water, your white-colored lure is very visible. If you do not have a vibrating lure, you can use dark-colored lures. Murky water is lighter in color so it is best to use dark-colored lures so it could be more visible to the fish.
Sources
- , Best Fish Ruler Models Reviewed & Rated 2018, Article
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