Fishing scales are pretty much a must-have if you intend on going fishing. If you want to measure any game you might catch accurately, you absolutely need to use the best fish scale.
Besides, if you were to post your catch on any social media, then you better have some solid proof to silence those who might doubt your feat. Sure, you can just post a picture to show off how big your catch is, but there’ll always be that one guy who will say that it’s fake and that it’s photoshopped. This is why you should always bring along with you a fishing scale.
In this article we’ll be telling you about some of the best digital fish scales you can find on the market, none of the cheap stuff that will break in mere months.
We’re talking about high quality, top of the line fishing scales here that will be more than enough to accurately measure any fish you catch no matter how big it is. These digital fish scales will last you several years. We’ve organized these scales into different categories, so you know exactly what each one excels at.
And now, without further ado, let us take a look at some of the best fishing scales you can find in today’s market.
Best Digital Fish Scale – Our Picks
#1 – Digital Hanging Hook Scale from Dr. Meter
- 【Extreme Accuracy】: The Dr.meter Fishing Scale can weigh both small and large catches alike, from a mere 0.2 lbs to a jaw dropping 110 lbs. The state of the art weight sensor provides precise measurements and can convert from lb to oz or kg.
- 【Bonus Built-in Tape】: Maybe you also want to know the length of your catch besides weight. We've got it covered! The included measuring tape is ideal for measuring items in either cm or ft. (up to 3 ft.).
- 【Stainless Steel Hook】: Crafted from premium stainless steel, the large and durable hook concealed in the back slot is convenient for you to hook up and remove from fish's mouth, luggage and everything in between.
- 【Endless Possibility】: The Dr. meter Electronic Fishing Scale boasts the specialized functions like weighing unit conversion, data lock, and auto-off function, definitely good news to the amateur and avid fishermen alike!
- 【On-the-go Tool】: Go easy on your hands even after long-term use. This lightweight and portable comes with a built-in carrying strap for easily carrying and using. Better yet, we've included 2 AAA batteries for your convenience.
Dr. Meter’s Digital Scale is pretty much one of the best digital scales out there. It excels in so many areas and is surprisingly very affordable when you look at how great it is. It’s very durable and robust thanks to the high-density ABS it’s made of. It also has a stainless steel hook and a solid handle made from metal. In addition, it can measure up to 110 pounds and has a big LCD screen. It can measure in pounds, ounces, grams, and kilograms.
If you happen to be fishing at night, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to read the scale since the screen is backlit, so visibility is not a problem. It’s also equipped with an auto turn-off function in case you forget to turn it off. This can save you some battery life and prolong the device’s life.
Another, very impressive function is the tare function which allows you to measure things that are in buckets without accounting for the weight of the bucket. All you have to do is weigh the bucket when it’s empty, reset your scale to zero, and you’re good to go.
The Dr. Meter Digital Hanging Hook Scale also comes with a built-in tape which helps in measuring the size of the fish in order to make sure that it meets, at the very least, the minimum size restriction. Did we mention that the scale is also very portable? Yeah, even with the tape, the hook, and the handle altogether, the scale still manages to rather compact so you can take it with you on your fishing trips without thinking much of space management.
It also comes with a couple of AAA batteries when you purchase it so you can start using it right away. What else could you possibly ask for in the best digital fish scale?
Pros
- Portable thanks to its compact size
- Versatile thanks to the tar feature
- Clear and readable digital display
Cons
- The screen locks fast
- The device isn’t waterproof
#2 – Digital Fish Scale from ReelSonar
- Large LCD screen with digital display
- 39 in built-in tape measure
- Maximum weight 99lb / 45kg
- Tare (net) weighing
- Stainless steel hook
Out of the best fish scales on this list, ReelSonar’s Fish Scale separates itself from the rest by being extremely ergonomic, impressively accurate, and surprisingly quite affordable. It features a large LCD screen that’s backlit, so it’s effortless to read it. This scale can measure in kilograms and pounds. However, it has a lower weight capacity than the previous two scales at around 99 pounds. It’s designed in a way to fit in your palm comfortably, so you can always have a firm grip on it, no matter the catch.
Similar to the Dr. Meter Digital Hanging Hook Scale, it has a stainless steel hook you can use along with an integrated tape to measure the length of the catch. If you’re planning to release the fish, then you can use the tare feature of the scale to weigh the fish in a bucket or net. Either that or you can use the adjustable fish lip grabber, so you don’t damage the gill plate while weighing the fish.
The ReelSonar Digital Fish Scale, like both of the aforementioned scales, works on batteries and has an auto power off feature. The cells on this scale can live for long, which is pretty nifty as it allows you to worry less about buying more batteries.
Pros
- Compact size to boost portability
- Accurate measurements
- Affordable
Cons
- The lip gripper could use some improvements
#3 – Digital Touch Screen Scale from Rapala
- Large Digital Touch Screen. Heavy-Duty Composite Weigh Clamp or Stainless Steel Hook. Back-Up Memory.
- 8 Piece Culling System. 3 Weight Display Options. Water Resistant.
- Back Light
- Ambient Temperature
- Tare Weight
When it comes to Rapala digital fish scales, this is as top-of-the-line as it gets, which is why we’re including it I our roundup of the best digital fish scale. The Touch Screen Scale can come in weight ranges of 15 pounds and 50 pounds. Additionally, it’s equipped with a lot of convenient features.
For instance, the screen is pretty easy to read as it is backlit. It also has a temperature indicator and 8 data boxes for you to save your top catches in. This is very useful as you can use this as part of bass tournament culling systems, or just for keeping track of your records. In order to use this feature, just tap a data box while weighing your fish, and it will be saved to your total.
The 15-pound model comes with eight cull tags that are numbered. Each of them corresponds to the data boxes that are on the Touch Screen Scale. Another thing to note is that the composite jaws can prove to be very handy when hanging your fish. They’re better than steel hooks when it comes to keeping the fish from slipping off.
If you’re a casual fisher, then the 15-pound Rapala Touch Screen Scale is your best bet. The 50-pound version is more suited for Catfish, Carp, and Saltwater fishing in general.
Pros
- Compact size
- Strong clip
- Accurate
Cons
- There’s a learning curve
#4 – LCD Digital Fish Scale from Mango Spot
- Measures up to 110 lbs/50KG, division 0.01lb/10g
- Hang hook scale with tare function, data lock function, powered by 2 AAA batteries (included)
- Over load indication, auto power off after 120 seconds without any operation
- Muti unit display (lb/oz/kg/jin)
- Stainless steel hook for durable to use.
Despite its low price tag, you’ll be surprised at how much value you’ll get with this scale. This is a hanging digital scale that’s capable of measure some pretty large game. Just like the Dr. Meter Digital Hanging Hook Scale, it can measure up to 110 pounds, and it pretty accurate at that. It also displays two decimal numbers so you can very accurately measure your catches. The Mango Spot LCD Digital Fish Scale also has an overload indicator and, just like the Dr. Meter Digital Hanging Hook Scale, has an auto shut down feature that kicks in after two minutes.
The Mango Spot LCD Digital Fish Scale is capable of measuring in pounds, ounces, grams, kilograms, and jin. It also comes with two AAA batteries so you can start using right away. With all that said, there have been some reports that the measures on this scale can vary a bit from other scales. However, if you’re just a casual fisher, then this shouldn’t bother you much, and the LCD Digital Fish Scale from Mango Spot can be the best digital fish scale for you.
Pros
- Quick and accurate
- Affordable
- Small size
Cons
- The clip and balls could be stronger
#5 – Floating Fish Grip Scale from Rapala
- Country of Origin: China
- Product type :FISHING EQUIPMENT
- item package dimensions : 4.064 cm x 14.732 cm x 31.496 cm
- Package weight : 0.318 kg
The Rapala Floating Fish Grip Scale is quite unique in that it is a hybrid type of handheld fish scale. It’s equipped with big floating fish grips with plastic spring loaded jaws, along with a very clear digital scale that you would otherwise find on the traditional scales.
The scale is powered by a small battery and has an ON/OFF switch. In order to activate the jaws, just squeeze the handles. Quickly squeeze them again if you want to release them.
Similarly to the Rapala Tournament Scale, the Rapala Gripper scale resistant to water. However, it’s not completely waterproof, so don’t be callous when using it. Generally speaking, the Rapala Floating Fish Grip Scale is a decent alternate choice to the 50-pound Rapala Touch Screen Scale. It’s perfect for weighing bass, catfish, carp, musky or saltwater fishing. That alone should explain why this model made it to our roundup of the best digital fish scales.
Pros
- Easy grip and release
- Decently accurate
- Low price
Cons
- The ends of the grips are a bit large
Choosing the Best Digital Fish Scale – Buying Guide
If you’re looking to buy a fish scale, there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind in order to be able to buy the proper fish scale for you. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the best digital fish scale.
Intended Use
The best factor that you need to consider when looking for the bets digital fish scale is what you’re going to use it for. Fish scales can be very versatile. Be it weighing luggage, fish, or any other object, a fish scale can do the job. Before you make your decision on a given fish scale, you need to know what you’re going to use it for and how frequently you’re going to use it.
If you’re planning on using it frequently, then it’s better to go with a durable fish scale that is sure to last for a long time. What you intend on using the scale for can drastically influence your choice.
Another thing to keep in mind is the weight capacity of the scale. You wouldn’t want to weigh something that exceeds the maximum weight capacity of a scale otherwise you’ll break it.
Readability
Being able to read the scale properly is very important. Some scales are digital, some scales are not. Some digital scales have a backlit screen while others don’t. It all comes down to the circumstances you’re going to use the scale in.
If you prefer to go fishing at night or at dawn, where visibility is low, then you’re better off with a fish scale that’s highly readable and clear. However, if the clarity is not an issue, then you can be less demanding. However, it’s best to get a fish scale that will serve you in well in any place and time.
When it comes to digital fish scales, the better ones usually come with an LED or LCD display. They’re very clear no matter the time of day. What’ so great about digital scales is that they give you an accurate measure of the weight of the catch. Some even show you upwards of two decimal numbers.
Larger scales are generally more accurate and readable. These scales are a must have if you intend on selling your catches as you’ll need to be as precise as possible.
Terrain
The place you’re going to use the scale in matters a lot when you’re buying a fish scale. If you’re going to use it in harsh environments that are humid and unfavorable for electronic equipment, then you’re better off with a scale that’s waterproof or has some level of water resistance. You need to also look for scales that are durable as that will save you a lot of money, time, and the frustration of losing a fish scale.
Each scale is meant to be used in a certain place, and it will be indicated on the scale, so you don’t have to do any speculation or any uneducated guesses on the viability of a given scale.
Power Source
When it comes to the source of power, there are two main types of scales, one that is manual, and the other that run on batteries. If you’re planning on fishing for a number of consecutive days, then you would be better off with a manual scale.
However, if you have the money to spare, you can invest in both a digital scale and a mechanical one. You can use the digital fish scale in situations with low visibility and use the mechanical fish scales for the rest of the time.
Weight Range
Each fishing scale has a weight capacity. Go beyond it, and you’ll risk breaking the scale. However, you shouldn’t immediately jump to the scale with the highest weight capacity, if you know what you’re going to use it for you can pick a scale with the proper weight range without spending more money than you need.
For instance, if you’re planning on catching bass that weighs no more than 5 pounds, then you only need a 15-pound scale. There’s no need to buy one that can measure up to 50 pounds.
Attachment Mechanism
The majority of cheaper digital fish scales come with a circle-shaped hook that slides under the fish’s gill plate. However, attachment mechanisms like this aren’t very good at keeping the fish steady.
As you might know, fish tend to flop around a lot (surprising, I know), and simple mechanisms just don’t do the job properly. In order to circumvent this problem, try finding digital scales that have closed hooks. Or you can go with a fish grip style scale instead.
Quality and Durability
Quality and durability go hand in hand when it comes to fishing scales. A good fishing scale is generally made from aluminum or pure stainless steel. If you’re going to use it in an environment with unfavorable conditions, then you better be prepared and well equipped.
If you bring a flimsy scale to rough terrain, don’t expect it to last so long. Another thing to take into account is how accurate the scale is. Like we mentioned before, larger scales tend to be more precise, but that doesn’t mean that smaller, more portable scales aren’t good enough. It all comes down to what you’re planning to use it on.
Customer Reviews
A good way of spotting a trustworthy brand is by checking out what their customers say about their products. It shouldn’t be hard to tell a bad fishing scale from a good one. All you need to do is read the comments.
With that said, there are some names that you just can’t go wrong with. Rapala, for instance, has an outstanding reputation. The MadBite Multi-Function Grip Scale also has excellent reports.
Price
You probably saw this coming from a mile away. However, when most of the fish scales are already cheap, knowing when you’re getting a good deal can be rather tricky. A good rule of thumb is to inspect the model and see what it’s made of.
A good indicator of quality is whether or not the scale is made from pure stainless steel or aluminum. Scales that are made from these materials will generally cost more than the scales that are made from plastic or other metals.
You’re not obligated to buy aluminum or stainless steel fish scales in order to get a good deal. It all comes down to your budget, and how much you fish.
Picking the Best Digital Fish Scale – Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weight Limit of a Digital Fish Scale?
When you’re searching for the best fish scale, you should take the weight limit into consideration. In order to avoid the situation where your scale’s weight limit is below the weight of your catch, you should know exactly what you intend on using the scale for.
A good rule of thumb is to take into account the worst case scenario, or in other words, overestimate what you actually need and use that as an indication of the weight limit you’ll need. Sure, scales with higher capacities might cost you more, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Besides, fishing scales are versatile so you can use them for all kinds of things.
Each product will accurately indicate its maximum weight capacity, so be sure to check the product before picking the best digital fish scale.
How Do I Weight Fish Using A Gripper?
Generally speaking, there are two ways you can about doing this. You can either weigh the fish from the gill plates, or you can weigh them from the mouth. If you’re going to use a gripper, then it’s going to be attached to the mouth of the fish and hung from there.
On the other hand, if you use a digital scale with a hook, then it’s recommended to hook it in the upper of the gill plate for the most accurate reading. Knowing where to place the gripper/gripper is very important as you risk getting injured otherwise.
There isn’t a “best method” to weigh a fish. Each way is very effective. However, it usually comes down to the product you’re using. The hook method seems to be more common since it’s easier to make reliable mechanisms that use it. However, the gripper solution is better at securing the fish and keeping it from slipping away.
Are Digital Fishing Scales Waterproof?
The short answer is no. However, some digital fishing scales are water resistant. You shouldn’t go around dipping your fish scales in water, as even the best digital fish scales won’t survive such a stunt, but there are some scales that can take on a few splashes of water or some rain without breaking in the process.
If you’re looking for something that’s 100% waterproof, then your best bet is to get a mechanical fish scale. However, if you choose to do so, you’ll be sacrificing readability and accuracy in favor of durability and sturdiness. This is not necessarily bad, but you need to know what each option is good for.
Verdict on the Best Digital Fish Scale
Now that you know how to pick the best digital fish scale for you, you should be able to make a confident choice that will suit your preferences and budget. We hope you found everything you needed in this article.
Happy fishing!
References:
- https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/181641-where-to-put-the-scale-when-weighing-a-fish/
- https://pvmikesfishing.com/calculate-a-fishs-weight-without-a-scale/
- Our own experience
