Wat kind of scale?

[rushing]

I have a cheapo scale right now and would like to upgade. What kinda of scale do you RiverRats use? Anyone use the boga grip type scales?

Rob

[Dennis Steele]

I just use one of those digital scales that go to 50lbs.I am however looking for a good "excuse" to get a bigger scale but just haven't been able to find that "excuse" just yet!

[Hubcat]

I also have a 50lb digital, but also bought a 100# spring type because a buddy of mine caught a flat that maxed out the 50# scale and it would be nice to know what it weighed.

Dennis now you have an excuse

[Fisher Dave]

Dennis ... buy a bigger scale, you customer will be upset if they run into the same as I did last year with my 50 lb digital bottoming out. The fish (flat) was just over 50" long and was as wide as I am... and MORE than 50 lbs. (dissapointed to see scale not read)

[DARK30]

I heard good reports about a scale called a "Salter Dgital Scale". It goes to 100# in 1/2 oz increments and I understand it is very accurate. Cabelas has them for $90....Add to cart.

I'd really hate to get a fish over 50# and have to make up a big fish story!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Guest]

Don't buy one of those 50 lb Berkley Digital scales. I Have went threw a couple of them already. The first year they seem very accurate, then the following year they may work the first couple times but thats about it. Better off spending a little more money on a good spring or quality digital scale. And on the Berkley scale, its not the battery cause I've already tried that.

[rushing]

Has anyone had any luck with the Rapala 50lb Scale?

Thanks for the info guys!

Rob

[rushing]

Just some info on the scale Dark30 was talking about, if you go to Cabelas HSOforum there is a Salter Digital Scale that goes to 23lbs in the fishing section but the 55lb & 100lb Salter Digital Scales are in the Saltwater section.

Rob

[korn_fish]

I have the Normark (Rapala) 50# digital. Had the Berkley 50#, and like a post before me, I too went through a few of them. The Normark one has held up but I feel it is getting time to go new. A 50# scale should suit most of your needs. A few years back I had (actually my cousin who I took out on his first flathead trip) a 50+ but bottomed out the scale. who knows how big it really was, but then again, it wasn't the record fish so it doesn't bother me not knowing. We still call him a 50 to this day. I have been looking for a bigger and better scale, so I have to take Dark's advice and check the Cabelas scale out.

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[Perch Jerker]

I just picked up a Shimano 100# spring scale for $26 delivered. Flashman & I did some weight tests with it and his digital scale. It was very, very close to the same reading for both scales when you read the weight while the fish was on the scale and avoided using the 'tell tale' weight indicator on it. The tell tale weight indicator was a slide that showed where the scale bottomed out, but always showed a 1-2lb heavier fish. I suppose it was because it showed the heaviest mark and when a 30+lb fish is swinging it's tail it bounces a bit.
Moral of the story is to read the weight while the fish is on the scale to get an accurate weight and remove the tell tale indicator with a plyers.

I like it and would recomend it for those who chase large fish. The 50lb scales tend to bust when a 50+ fish is weighed on it, at least mine did.

PJ

[Flashman]

I was going to mention that Perch Jerker had a nice spring scale that went to 100lbs but he's already done that.

How was the Canda trip Matt?

[Dennis Steele]

I believe the peak reading is for setting your drag not actually wieghing fish.

[Perch Jerker]

Canada was great!
No big northerns this year, but plenty of 22-28" walleyes.

The best price I found for the scale is at http://tackledirect.com/shimsprinsca.html (I don't think Rick sells them or I wouldn't put the link. Support FM sponsors because that's how members make their living)

"Shimano Spring Scales

The Shimano spring scales have all kinds of fishing uses - from weighing your catch to setting the proper drag setting on big-game reels. They feature an easy-to-read 'tell-tale' that stops at the heaviest weight. Designed to withstand the elements, with anodized aluminum body and handle, and stainless steel spring and hook. Offered in 20, 50 and 100 pound."

PJ

[Boar]

I enjoy my rapala 50lb sring slider, quite accurate to with in a pound. Also for setting drag as mentioned. 22$ I think. Later boar

[Rainman]

I would have to differ on the Berkley scale! Mine is now 6-7 yrs old I'm guessing and still works like a charm! Will check out the bigger scales though!

Rainman

[Guest]

The NEW Normark (Rapala) 50# scale with the jaws is a good scale system, but it has one BIG flaw.

We tested it on big cats, guess what, the fancy jaws do not open far enough to get a grip on a sumo catfish. You can barely get the jaw to slip on the fleshy corner of the mouth of a big cat. It will not hold well there either, and often will tear the cats flesh under the cats weight.

We contacted Normark (Or tried like hell to contact them) and tried to suggest they double hinge the new jaw so you can get a good bite on the fish. They didn't return our emails or calls...ya...so screw um Eh.

So untell they re-work the jaws on the big Guide Scale I would not invest $80 in it.

The smaller one that runs up to #20 would be a good choice for most fresh water game fish. As long as they do not have chubby lips, that is.

(FYI) Berkley will have a big Game scale with the a wide jaw grabber out soon. I thought it would be out this year already? I have one of there new Guide System fish grips, it is a good fish grabber unit. It would be better with a quality scale system built in, like they plan on.

I did like the quality of the NEW Normark (Rapala) 50# scale, the scale itself is a well made and tighly machined scale. But them gripper jaws are a looser as it is configured now.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding "ED on the RED"

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 06-25-2003).]