Weighing Fish

[throwback]

What type of scale do you use to weigh fish in the boat? Is there a "no brainer" scale that everyone likes?

[clayton86]

I usually measure them and do the L x L x G / 1200 and I just have a cheapo scale I use some times both are pretty accurate iv found.

[dulouz]

I have a question.... I have a couple of cheap scales but I am not sure how to use them. The both have some sort of "hook" to put the fish on, but I don't know where or how.

[J Francho]

Here's your best bet:

http://www.chatillon.com/Our%20Products/Chatillon%20Weighing%20Scales/fish%26game_product/IN_fishscale.html

[BASS fisherman]

I personally use the spring scale from Rapala. I like the spring model better because it is less likely to break from being banged around or from getting wet.

The very first scale I had was the $20 electronic scale from Rapala which at the time was $30. I had it maybe 2 months before I had it out in the rain and fried it. Thats why I like the spring scale. I can put it into my bag and not have to worry about it getting wet or bumped around.

As far as how to use the models with the hook, all you do is place the hook into the gill slit, without touching the gills. Its important that you dont touch the gills.

 

[bassmajor]

If you're going to get a digital scale I say spend a few extra bucks, get a nice one, and take care of it. Mine (can't remember the brand name) has lasted me a long time and is working fine. If you're going to get a spring scale make sure you get one that covers the weight range of the fish you're catching (probably 1-25#). You don't need one that goes up to 40 or 50#. I had one of those once and it was pointless, not very accurate for weighing smaller fish.

dulouz: With the hooks on the scales: I usually try to gently hook it on the inside of the mouth (lower jaw works for me) without piercing the skin. I haven't caught anything over 7# but that method has worked for me without hurting the fish at all.

[SausageFingers]

I have a hand held berkley scale. It works great.

I check it every couple of weeks with 5 lb and 10 lb weights to check its accuracy. So far, the scale has always read 5-0 and 10-0.

[Hyrule Bass]

i have one of the spring scales with the hook on the bottom of it. i hate it because you have to hook fish under the gills, though i have seen some people punch a hole in the bottom of a bass's mouth where that soft transparent tissue is, but not every kind of fish has that. another problem is when the fish decides it wants to thrash around they easily flop off the scale hook and fall off. when i do decide to purchase another scale im definately getting one with the grips on it...

[Grey Wolf]

Boga grip.

[Fat-G]

I have a 1-15 Econoscale for bass and a digital 1-50 for bass and cats. The digital is more accurate, but they are both great.