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The Angler's Buying Guide to Weighing Scales
Ask any angler about what he or she has caught, and most likely the first thing they’ll tell you is the weight of their catch. Knowing the weight of your catch is one of the most important things for many anglers and essential for those anglers who compete in match fishing.
With the widest range of scales at the most affordable prices in the UK – Angling Direct makes it easy to get your hands on the fishing gear you need but we are also here to explain the basics so you know what to look for in your fishing weighing scales.
Types of Weighing Scales for Fishing
The first thing novice anglers will come across is choosing between digital and analogue scales.
How Do You Use Digital Fishing Scales?
For those that want a quick, accurate reading of a fish’s weight rather than watching a needle bounce between pounds, digital scales are the way to go. Many digital scales are easy to use with a simply 2 or 3 button format to which you turn on your scales when you need them, off when you are finished, convert units to your preference (lbs or kilos) and reset ready for the next weigh-in.
The only negative of the modern alternative to the traditional needlepoint is that it requires batteries to work which will need replacing as they wear out.
What are the Best Fishing Scales?
As anglers, we all need honest, reliable scales. We all assume that they are incredibly accurate, but realistically, how precise are they? When you catch that brute you have been dreaming of, you want to make sure it is weighed accurately and precisely so that you know genuinely its true weight.
With accuracy in mind, we’ve scoured the market extensively to put together an unrivalled range of fishing scales from every major brand with a reputation for true excellence. From the simplest of entry-level scales, the traditional needle scales, to the most elite digital and industry-leading scales on the market, we promise to cover all bases and budgets across the board.
Our collection of weighing scales features products from leading brands including scale specialist Reuben Heaton, as well as trusted brands such as Fox, Korum, Wychwood, and our very own Advanta range – all of which have a reputation for incredible accuracy and durability that’s a cut above the average, in every way.
So, if you want to be confident on your next carp fishing session that the carp you’ve deftly reeled in is the weight it looks, makes sure you have a quality scale set with you on the bank.
Each set of scales across our range has been vetted for quality and performance, along with rugged durability for use in often harsh environments. We understand the kind of punishment fishing tackle goes through day in and day out, which is why we only ever put our name to products that are built to last.
Weighing Tips For Angling
These tips will not only help you get the most accurate reading of the fish you have just caught but will also ensure the fish's safety whilst out on the bankside.
1.) Almost ensure every item that will come into contact with the fish is thoroughly wet. When it comes to the weighing, drain off or slightly wring out any excess water from the sling.
2.) Always prepare the scales with the sling on the hook as the slight pressure on the hook takes up any slack in the springs, improving accuracy when the scales are zeroed. This also prevents mistakes from being made by trying to deduct the sling after weighing.
3.) Use a large unhooking mat or weighing sling to weigh your fish in but weigh the mat by itself first so you can measure the weight of the fish accurately after. Going to the nearest pound then makes it easier to deduct afterwards.
4.) When it comes to lifting the scales, don’t hold the main housing of the scales, as this will give you an incorrect reading. Instead, always hold or support the scales by the top ring or weigh bar.
How Do You Hook a Fish on a Scale?
You need to invest in not only a strong pair of scales that measure in the larger ends of LBs but get yourself a strong weigh sling as well and hook. For mighty big fish, you may even want a mountain clip to add between the scales and your weigh sling as these are designed to hold an average human’s weight so will ensure you do not drop the fish and cause any harm.
How Do You Weigh a Big Fish?
With larger fish and using scales, you may need to ask a fellow angler to help lift the weight sling on to the hook and even to hold the other end of the T-Bar. Alternatively, for those looking for as accurate measurements as possible you can purchase tripods designed to hook your scales and weigh sling on to. Again make sure to set the tripod up securely to ensure fish never get hurt when in your care.
