A guy could eat at some of the best stake houses in the country for that much Brother! I always check unless they are 14 or 15 inches. And it they are right on the mark or a fraction over I usually let them go. As stupid as it sounds I have had fish, bass in particular, seem to draw-up in a live well and measure under. I was fishing a small tournament up by the Moors and saved a 14 incher (when the limit was 14). It was right at the mark mouth closed and tail drawn together. But the stupid thing was a 1/4 inch under when I got to the scales. I think he tensed up in the livewell. I need a come-along, chain, and a tree. Or drop a couple Prozac in the livewell water.