Well, now I know what this thread was all about; just an excuse for Brian to remind us what a "Hawgstoppah" is!
I carry a tape, very seldom pull it out. My new cradle is 24" and is marked for easy, accurate measurements. Now
I only have to pull out my tape for the trout that hangs over the end of the cradle; I figure that tape should outlive
me, 'cuz it ain't gonna see the light of day too frickin' often.
One thing I've noticed- when I see a fish jump at the end of my line, I often underestimate the size. Many times I've
guessed a jumping fish to be a 17-18 incher, only to realize it's much bigger when I bring it to hand. So, now, if I lose
one after I've seen it fly, I just add 4" to what I think the size is! For the sake of fish stories, I prefer to lose the fish;
they're bigger that way!
-Steve-