Glossary

Fork length

Answer in brief

Length from the tip of the snout to the center fork of the tail.

In more detail

Used for some saltwater species, where tail tips are easily worn or damaged.

Applying it

The linked entry puts the term in context, and your state’s rule book gives the exact definition it uses.

Questions & answers

What does fork length mean in fishing regulations?

Length from the tip of the snout to the center fork of the tail. Used for some saltwater species, where tail tips are easily worn or damaged.

Sources for this entry

CatchVault state regulations: Company-published summaries for 48 states, each linked to the agency.

Practical guidance is original editorial writing. App details come from the developer’s published descriptions, checked 9 November 2026.

Continue this reading path

How to measure a fish for the rules Glossary CatchVault as a regulations app

How the related websites connect

This reference is published alongside CatchVault. State-by-state summaries and license guides live on the CatchVault website, and sister references cover fish identification and fishing apps in general.

Cite this entry

Best Fishing Regulations App. “Fork length.” Content reviewed 9 November 2026.

https://bestfishingregulationsapp.com/glossary/fork-length/