Digital fishing scales are used to weigh and measure fish caught by anglers. Fishing scales are an important part of your arsenal because they allow you to check that you’re abiding by local keel laws.
Additionally, fishing scales are used for weighing tournament fish and they can be utilized for weighing household items like a suitcase.
These scales are especially important when you’re fishing for different species that require a specific size and length to keep.
Digital fish scales can store several weights at once which is useful because this allows you to keep track of your total days catch and you know which fish to cull, if necessary.
Read on to find out our top picks for the best fishing scale.
Dr. Meter PS01 Digital Scale
The Dr. Meter digital fishing scale comes with a robust, metallic hand strap for a secure grip while weight hefty fish up to 100lbs.
The elegant design and unique display provide easy-to-read measurements on the LCD screen. The measurements are available in four questions which include grams, kilograms, pounds, and ounces. This digital fishing scale includes a versatile, built-in one-meter tape. The tape has feet, inches, and centimeters for taking measurements.
The convenient weighing button, auto-off mode, and data locking are fantastic additional features. The Dr. Meter scale is portable and lightweight, therefore it takes up minimal space. The hook is made from stainless steel and is concealed in the back slot. Stainless steel is great because it’s durable, shatter, tarnish and rust-free.
Pros
- Four measurements
- Easy-to-use weighing button
- Has an auto-off mode
- Durable metallic shell
- Two AA batteries
- Portable
Cons
- LCD screen can be hard to read in the sun
KastKing Water Resistant Digital Fishing Scale
The KastKing Digital Fishing Scale is reliable and rugged. This scale can withstand falls and is the perfect tool for sport or commercial fishing.
The seamless design and ABS plastic casing make the KastKing scale highly water-resistant. The non-slip polymer handle offers a firm grip which allows for easy weighing.
This lightweight and portable scale has an enlarged digital display that comes with backlight for easy reading under low light. The internal memory can store up to nine different measurements that you can scroll through and review. Also, the design entrenches a measuring tape at the bottom of the scale for accurate weighing while still handing from the hook.
The high-capacity range of up to 100lbs and accuracy to 1/10th of a pound allows you to weigh anything from heavy luggage to monster catfish using the stainless-steel hook. KastKing included 2AAA batteries so the scale is ready to go straight out of the box.
Pros
- Supports up to 100lbs
- Enlarged digital display
- Long-lasting ABS plastic
- Stainless steel hook
- Turns off automatically after 4 minutes
- Lightweight
- Switch between pounds and kilograms
Cons
- Orange color may be jarring to some
Fishfun Digital Fishing Scale
The handle on the Fishfun digital scale is covered by a 3-inch rubber coating that provides comfortable handling. This scale is powered by 3AAA batteries that are securely covered at the back.
The Fishfun digital scale is made with high-quality aluminum alloy and sturdy stainless steel that ensures durability. This digital scale can work up to 120 hours when the backlight is off and switches off after 2 minutes of inactivity.
This digital scale boasts user-friendly features such as low-battery indication, overload indication, auto-off, tare, and data lock function
Pros
- Magnet for easy storage
- 4mm high strength stainless steel large hook
- Readable large LED screen
- Power saving circuit makes the digital scale work for 120 hours at non-backlit conditions
- 3” rubberized handle provides a comfortable grip for slimy hands
- Screen backlight is bright enough for night time use.
Cons
- Feels pretty heavy compared to the other digital scales, may be unsuitable for backpacking
- Not waterproof
Etekcity Digital Fish Scale
The Etekcity Digital Fish Scale delivers mighty durability to withstand heavy weights up to 110lbs. The small and portable design will fit perfectly in your tackle box without the fear of added bulk.
Two batteries and a carrying pouch are included in your purchase. The heavy-duty 360 degree rotating allows you to easily weigh your freshwater catch. Once you know your fish’s weight, you can conveniently find its size measurement using the included tape measure that’s stored inside the scale.
The optional data hold function keeps your measurement on screen for 60 seconds until you decide to measure something else or press TARE. Once your reading is locked, you can take the fish down and see the weight. The blue backlit screen allows you to read clearly in any environment.
To save battery, the scale will shut off automatically after 60 seconds of inactivity. Alternatively, you can press the ON/OFF button to turn it off.
Pros
- Built-in measuring tape
- Heavy-duty hook
- Batteries and carrying pouch included
- Portable and compact
- TARE function
- LCD blue backlit for easy reading in all environments
Cons
- The hook is too small for weighing suitcases
STRIKEBAIT Digital Fish Scale
This accurate digital scale has a built-in 36” tape measure for big weight catches up to 100lbs and gets down to 0.1-pound increments for accuracy. This digital scale is perfect for trophy anglers and fishing tournaments.
The STRIKEBAIT Digital Fish Scale is easy to use even with the heaviest catch. You can easily hang fish on the hook with one hand and hold the scale using the comfortable non-slip handle with the other.
The compact and lightweight design with the retractable handle and hook stowage on the back means the scale is easy and convenient to transport or stow away when not in use. The large, backlit LCD screen features an easy-to-read digital display for use during the day or evening. This digital scale is a fantastic choice for sunny days or night fishing.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Sure-grip handle
- Convenient hook storage
- Readable LED screen for use on sunny days or night fishing
- Rust-resistant stainless steel
- Suitable for recreational fishing and fishing tournaments
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Reviewers have complained of a strong perfume smell upon delivery. The smell leaves once the packaging is disposed of.
How to Find the Best Fishing Scale
Digital fish scales provide accuracy and durability, unlike their analog predecessors which rusted easily due to their metal construction. Digital scales provide technology that provides exact weights down to the ounce. They also accommodate smaller fish that were too small to be weighed by older scales.
Cost
The cost of your new digital fish scale will be dependent on the brand, specifications, and manufacturer.
To make sure that you’re getting the best deal on your fish scale, you should consider the key features such as materials, readability, hook, handle, storage and weight.
Purpose
Fish scales provide versatility, therefore before you settle on one, determine what you’ll be using it for and how frequently you’ll be using it.
If you’re using your scale daily, ensure that it’s sturdy and durable so it lasts a long time. Understanding what you’re weighing and how frequently is important. Make sure that you’ve thought about how heavy the objects you’re weighing will be. Digital fish scales have a limit that can’t be exceeded otherwise you’ll experience a breakage.
Screen Display
The best digital fishing scale will come with either an LCD or LED display which is readable during the day and at night. The readability will also determine the decimal place accuracy. If you’re weighing fish for sale, you’ll need a digital scale that’s exact and can read up to the smallest weight.
Another important factor is what measurements can be shown on the display. Fishing scales will show weights in pounds, ounces, and kilograms but some scales will show the tare weight which is very useful.
Some LCD displays are backlit which provides accurate readings in low-light conditions. This is useful for fishing at dusk or during the night.
Power
Digital fish scales are battery-powered therefore if you’re going fishing away fishing for a few days, make sure that you carry a few extra for emergencies. Fortunately, most brands provide a set of batteries upon shipping.
Gripper Handles
It’s important that your fishing scale has an easy-to-use gripper handle because if you’re putting a large amount of weight on the hook, it’s going to be uncomfortable and your hands will hurt very quickly.
Rounded, stainless steel handles are fine but a rubber handle will provide your hands with more support and a better grip.
Waterproof
Even though it’s unlikely that your scales will get submerged in water, it’s vital that your fishing scales have some kind of water resistance. This is because they’ll come in to contact with water through splashes and rain.
To ensure water-resistance, purchase a scale with a screw-in cover which will provide you with an extra level of security as there will be less chance of water getting into your batteries.
Be cautious, some products make no mention of any type of water resistance. Read through the product descriptions and read reviews to give you the assurance that you’ve got a top-quality product.
Tournament Fishing Scale
If you’re participating in world-record fishing or in a tournament, it’s important that you pick a top-quality scale and get it calibrated. Tournaments are a huge business and companies have frequent fishing promotions to attract new buyers. Plus, there are regular fishing sweeps and fishing contests online.
How to Care for Your Fish Scales
Digital fish scales don’t need a ton of special care but there are few things that you can do to keep them performing for many years.
- Make sure you always have fresh batteries
- Wipe down you fish scales and make sure they’re dry before storing
- Don’t store your batteries for long periods of time with the batteries inside
- Send them for yearly calibrations
- Test them occasionally against an item with an exactly known weight to make sure they’re still working correctly
Our Pick
Recap
Finding the best fishing scale is important because it’s important to get a quick and accurate reading so you can move on to your next catch.
Whether you’re looking for a bass fishing scale or any other type of fish, the five scales that we’ve reviewed will give you an excellent reading! Your fish scale will be an important part of your tackle box and can easily be kept on a boat or stored in your backpack.
The KastKing Digital Fishing Scale is our #1 pick! We love this fishing scale because it’s reliable, water-resistant and provides excellent accuracy.
The ABS waterproof plastic casing teamed with the non-slip polymer handle creates a durable exterior that’s easy to grip.
We love the internal memory that stores up to nine measurements. This scale allows you to scroll through and review the measurements which is great for keeping track of your catches and scores!
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