Ebay Fish Scale, What do you think about this one?

[ib_of_the_damned]

I just saw this scale on ebay and wondering if it would work well for weighing bass, I want to get a scale but dont want to fork out $20-30+ for one.  Also how do you use the little hook for weighing fish? It does not appear to be sharp, so how would a fish stay on while weighing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330369545988&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Check it out and let me know your thoughts on this scale. Thanks!

[SharkHat]

It doesn't look like it was designed for use as a fishing scale to me. Even if it was sharp, piercing that hook through the fish wouldn't be very friendly either - which is why most of the fishing scales that I'd consider decent have a clamp of some sort, not a piercing hook. I'm sure better alternatives could be found.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LIPPER-FISH-GRIPPER-GRIP-50-LB-SCALE-STAINLESS-LIP-NIP_W0QQitemZ140359116389QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20ae0e2665

If you don't want to shell out for a usable fishing scale, I'd say it's probably not that important for you to weigh the fish.

[D4u2s0t]

couldn't tell you if that one is any good or not.  But with that type of "hook" you can put it through the gil and weigh it that way.  You don't want to ever pierce a fish for the sake of weighing it unless you plan on keeping it.  (which is frowned upon)

Any time I get a new scale, I measure it's accuracy with a few weights.  That was I know if it's accurate, and if it's not what it's off by.

[Jake.]

It would probably be about as accurate as guessing. If you want a decent scale, you are going to have to pay the price for one.

[Matt Jungblut]

thats pretty close to the 1 i have and it works good for me

pretty dang accurate to i had a rapala scale and the other 1 was way more accurate

i grind down the hook to a good point works great

but to each there own i guess

[Infidel.]

Even if it was sharp, piercing that hook through the fish wouldn't be very friendly either

Neither is poking out out a bass' eye when a spinnerbait hook comes up through the roof of it's mouth but that doesn't keep us from fishing.

Most of the culling buoys I've used poke another hole in the lip of a bass. I've had jigs and spinnerbaits rip bigger holes in the lips of bass than that scale would cause.

That being said, I would go with a gripper type just for the ease of use, not because I am worried about the bass. Plus, electronic scales are known for being unreliable and to go with an unknown cheep one you find on Ebay will just give you misleading readings.

[ib_of_the_damned]

Thanks for all the great answers guys! So if I rule out this scale, does anyone have any suggestions on a decent scale that wont break the bank?

[Marty]

Thanks for all the great answers guys! So if I rule out this scale, does anyone have any suggestions on a decent scale that wont break the bank?

I want to get a scale but dont want to fork out $20-30+ for one.

If your price limit is less than $20, your choices are limited. I don't know if there are any digitals for less than $20, so you might need to get an inexpensive spring scale, which may or may not suit your needs.

If you decide to spend the $20-30 on a digital, it's still a crapshoot. You could get a very accurate one or one that's not so accurate, but you can always return it if bought from a good retailer.

Regardless, whatever you do, make sure you test it for accuracy a few times each year. I use a 50# Berkley.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_57950____SearchResults

[cart7t]

Save your money, take pictures and post them on the board here and we'll take a shot at guessing the weight.

We're normally within 3-4lbs, + or - .

[MSPbass]

That looks like a luggage scale. You can always pick up a Zebco De-Liar for just a couple bucks.

http://www.all-americanoutdoors.com/inc/sdetail/11334

[Wayne P.]

I use the Rapala scales in the 15# and 50# sizes. Both are accurate to within 1 oz of known weights. I use the 15# mostly and have the 50# just in case I catch a bass over 14#. I use the 50# also to verify a fish's weight in case the 15# seems off from my guess.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0012974014817a.shtml

[.dsaavedra.]

Thanks for all the great answers guys! So if I rule out this scale, does anyone have any suggestions on a decent scale that wont break the bank?

berkley digital lip grip. $50. lip clamp. accurate within an ounce for me. good scale.

[L a r r y]

Thanks for all the great answers guys! So if I rule out this scale, does anyone have any suggestions on a decent scale that wont break the bank?

I have this scale and it is a 50lb scale at Academy for an amazing $14.99.  Sorry about the crappy pic, it was above my head and I was trying to steady the phone to snap it