Total Length
Total Length (TL) means the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is lying on its side. For black sea bass, Total Length (TL) means the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail (caudal fin), excluding any caudal filament, while the fish is lying on its side.
Source
50 CFR § 648.2
Scoping language
In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in 600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have the following meanings: