Breakaway Fish Measure

Breakaway Fish Measure: The Ultimate Match-Ready Grading Tool

In the heat of a match or during a focused session on the shore, accuracy and speed are vital when it comes to recording your catch. At Gerrys Fishing, we highly recommend the Breakaway Fish Measure. This isnt a flimsy tape measure; its a professional-grade grading board built for the harsh realities of saltwater angling. Designed to be virtually indestructible and highly visible, it ensures you are always fishing within the rules while providing a solid, stable surface for measuring your prize.

The standout feature of the Breakaway Measure is its construction. Made from number-plate quality shatterproof A.B.S. (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), this board is built to take a beating in your tackle box or on the rocks without cracking. The print is protected, meaning it wont rub off after a few encounters with fish slime and saltwater. For the night owl, the measure is reflective, catching the beam of your headlamp instantly to make those midnight measurements effortless.

Detailed Specifications

Where to Use the Breakaway Fish Measure

• Shore Fishing Matches: This measure is a staple in the match circuit. It includes the official M.A.F.F. size limits, allowing you to quickly determine if a fish is a counter for the weigh-in without having to consult a rule book.

• Catch-and-Release Angling: If you are fishing for the table, this tool ensures you stay on the right side of the law. If you are fishing for sport, it provides a quick, flat surface to measure your fish accurately before a swift release.

• Night Fishing Sessions: The reflective coating is a game-changer. When your headlamp hits the board, the numbers and increments pop, preventing the eye-strain and guesswork often associated with measuring fish in the dark.

• Pier and Rock Marks: Because the A.B.S. material is so rugged, you can lay it down on concrete or barnacle-covered rocks without worrying about destroying the tool.

Pro Tip from the Gerrys Team

The Wet First Rule: Before placing any fish on the Breakaway Measure, always give the board a quick rinse in the sea. This creates a thin film of water that protects the fishs delicate mucus coating (their immune system) while you take your measurement. Its a small step that makes a huge difference in the survival rate of the fish you return to the water!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 45cm long enough for all species?

The 45cm length is specifically optimized for the most common UK shore species like Whiting, Dabs, Plaice, Pouting, and school Bass. For much larger species like Tope or Ray, a tape measure is usually required, but for 90% of match-legal fish, this board is the perfect size.

What are the M.A.F.F. legal limits mentioned?

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (now largely superseded by DEFRA, though the name remains a tradition in match tackle) sets the minimum landing sizes for various species. Having these printed directly on the board saves you time and ensures you never accidentally keep an undersized fish.

Will the numbers fade over time?

Breakaway uses a protected print method where the scale is shielded by a clear layer. Unlike cheap stickers or surface-printed scales, this board is designed to withstand years of scrubbing and saltwater exposure without losing its clarity.

How do I store it in my tackle box?

The board is rigid and flat, making it easy to slide into the side pocket of a rucksack or the lid of a tackle box. Because it is shatterproof, you dont need to worry about it being crushed under the weight of your leads or reels.