Do u know if Maine allows u to 'pinch an inch'? Some Atlantic states (not just NJ) allow this:
Pinch the tail together and measure from the closed mouth to the end of the pinched tail. Make sure the tail is stretched out as far as possible when you pinch it together, see the image for guidance. This is a straight line measure so it is recommended to use a measuring board or lay the tape on the ground. Do not measure along the body of the fish, the curve will skew the actual length.
Yes, Maine instructs anglers to "Pinch", something I routinely do. BTW, there's NFW it adds a full inch, just ~0.5" on fish at either end of the current, restricted slot. I also pinch when I'm looming against an "Over", so I'm 100% compliant.
On 27.5" fish, I'm often tempted to step on them, but I relent. The best "stretching" I've heard of is a trick that certain commercial tuna fishermen make, taking their "Close" fish and using their gin pole as a Medieval Dungeon Rack to stretch out a good 2-3" to legit size.