Length refers to “total length,” measured from the most forward projection of the snout, with the mouth closed, to the tip of the longer lobe of the tail (caudal) fin, measured with the tail compressed along the midline, using a straight-line measure, not measured over the curve of the body”
This is from https://www.mrc.virginia.gov/Forms/2020/2020_Recreational_Reporting_Form.pdf
Does not seem to be correct to “squeeze the tail” but it makes more sense when you think it through. The fish to be measured multiple times by various people would need the same method of measurement and the fish will never be longer than with the tail compressed to it’s longest point.