Maybe I am not reading the rules correctly but I would like some clarfication on the 45 inch max length rule. Does it mean that if you catch a fish longer than 45 inches, you only get 45 inches toward your two fish total (i.e. a 47 inch or 49 inch fish only get 45 "points") or does it mean that a fish greater than 45 inches is not eligible as one of your two fish?

Yea I was wondering about that too.

That means the tape measure you are using in the tournament reads 0-45", and if its 50 inches long you will get 45" and if your buddy catches one that 47" long, then whoever gets their fish to the measure in first will be the one with the longer Red.