The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife requires that gamefish be measured in a specific manner. To be certain your fish meets or exceeds the minimum measurements, please follow the guidelines in the graphic below.
However, it is always safest to check the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife web site as well. You can find that information by clicking on the following link:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/maregsum13.pdf
HOW TO MEASURE FISH IN NEW JERSEY:
1. Lay fish flat on top of, or alongside a measuring rule, not measured over the body.
2. Fish are measured from the tip of the snout (mouth closed) to the longest part of the tail.