Useless ruler on new Fishcat 4 DLX stripping apron

[LostCreeker]

I just got a new Fishcat 4 DLX float tube which is a definite upgrade from my 10 year old faded blue Fishcat 4, however, the ruler numbers on the stripping apron are black on black and useless. I'm planning to attach a legible ruler to the stripping apron bar and wondering if anyone has tips on how best to do that.

 

[RCF]

Can you just get a waterproof permanent marker and use existing ruler by marking it up?

 

[Tim L]

Erik, good to see ya. I was thinking same, and silver tends to go on better than white. Permanent marker or fabric paint pen. Also I'd move the inch marks slightly closer together

 

[PhilR]

Other thing you could do is tie orange thread or yarn at one inch marks in the mesh.

 

[Buzzy]

How about a measure net? Keeps trout wet.

 

[Josh]

Are you SURE it isn't a manufacturing error? All the photos of the Fishcat aprons show white lettering.

 

[Tom Butler]

My apron is like that, with black indicator marks, but I turned it over and relaced the adjustable strap so the adjuster is on the bottom and does not grab the line when I cast. I can't remember the last time I measured a fish, they are all wonderful.

 

[Islander]

My stripping apron is the same. Kind of looks like the numbers and lines are just pressed into the plastic. Measure net it the way to go.

 

[clarkman]

you could just get a bump board if you want the most accurate measurements....

You could also hold it up to your rod to give a good idea. On my musky net, I have marks at 36", 40" & 48" that works very very well.

 

[LostCreeker]

Here's my solution:

 

[Chris M]

Try a white or gray permanent marker. Might have to touch it up every year or so, but it works.

 

[FlyRod]

Measure net. Keep 'em wet.

 

[LostCreeker]

Measure net. Keep 'em wet.

Good idea and it's time.

 

[Brute]

I use the Shaka method…my Shaka is exactly 8” long…I get excited when I get three shaka’s on a trout…

 

[onefish]

There are 4 grades of trout that can be determined by eyeballing them and keeping them wet, tiddlers ( under 14 inches), decent(14-17inches), nice( 18-22 inches), really nice 23+. Your take on the parameters of the 4 grades is likely different than mine but does it matter if a released fish is size X?

 

[DoesItFloat]

It's so your fish don't know how small they are.

 

[Bajema]

I just never measure my fish

 

[Buzzy]

I just never measure my fish

Until I had a measure net, I guessed.

 

[wetline dave]

Take the time to train yourself to measure by sight. totally accurate no but you can get darned close. Get your handy dandy tape measure and look at things and "quess" how long it is and then measure. It won't take long to determine fairly accurately how long something is.

Practice makes perfect.

Does it really matter how long is a fish really.

Dave

 

[Brian in OR.]

Go visit your favorite tattoo shop... problem solved