A good set of fishing scales are almost as important as your rods in modern angling, with many anglers chasing monster fish and others fishing in matches, you need to be confident that your scales are reliable. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, it is always nice to know what the fish you're catching weighs. There is nothing worse than landing a fish of a lifetime and having to wonder how big it really was, as you didn't have any scales.
Scales come in all shapes and sizes, with some having the ability to weigh over 100lb and others being more delicate for a more accurate reading with smaller fish. There are two main types of scales you can opt for, either digital or dial scales. The dial scales have been around for decades and are widely used by anglers all over the world, however, the digital revolution has hit scales and many anglers are turning to 'digi scales' for a more accurate, easy to read option.
The best fishing scales at a glance...
If you buy a quality set of scales, there is very little difference in accuracy between digital and dial scales. However, it is worth noting that a dial scale will never run out of battery, if you're forgetful or don't use scales very often, it may be beneficial to opt for dial scales. The only thing worse than having no scales, is scales that have run out of battery with no replacements. Here is our guide to some of the best fishing scales available to weigh your next PB on...
Best fishing scales for overall accuracy
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The ‘original’ specialist angler’s scale, that has been a firm favourite since the late 1980s. Reuben Heaton Specimen Hunter Scales have an accuracy of one part in 500 and have also found favour among match anglers. Some of the most recognisable and largest fish in the country have been weighed on these scales. Favoured by some of the best anglers, it's easy to see why they have such a great reputation.
They may not be cheap, but they come packed with features, including a steel hook with hanging points, high-visibility dials, corrosion-resistant interiors, polycarbonate body and lens, overload protection and a tare/zero facility of up to 15% of their capacity. Reuben Heaton offers a comprehensive after sales and calibration service. In metric and Imperial versions.
Pros
- Very accurate.
- Huge range to suit all anglers.
Cons
- They don't come with a carry case.
| Imperial: 30lb x 1/2oz divisions, 60lb x 1oz divisions, 120lb x 2oz divisions, 240lb x 4oz divisions. | |
| Metric: 30kg x 1/2oz divisions, 50kg x 100g divisions, 100 x 200g divisions |
Best shaped fishing scales
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The Wychwood T-Bar Fishing Scales MKII is a compact, lightweight set of scales to make weighing your catch quick and simple, while remaining small enough to fit in a bag or rucksack.
The illuminated display is suitable for use at night and can weigh in either kilos or pounds. The scales are pre-calibrated to ensure you can have confidence in the weight displayed, the other great thing about these scales is the shape. The T-bar shape is very user friendly and makes lifting larger fish up much easier and safer, with no risk of dropping the fish or your scales.
A carabiner clip ensures slings can't slip off the hook even if the fish is flapping around, a particularly good feature if you're fishing alone. There is also a top ring which allows you to attach the scales to a tripod if you struggle to lift the fish up. Powered by two AAA batteries.
Pros
- Very user friendly, great for solo angling.
- Ideal for weighing fish easily and safely.
Cons
- Exposed power button can mean it accidentally switches on in transit occasionally.
| Range: 60lb or 120lb versions available |
Best compact fishing scales
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If you like to keep weight to a minimum and travel light, the Korum Compact Digital Scales fit neatly in your hand, and take up next to no space in your luggage, seatbox, or even your top pocket – they really are that small! They are ideal for the angler who doesn't weigh every fish, but just needs a set for those special occasions. Just tuck them away in your bag and you'll almost forget they are there, until you need them. The weigh hook and hanging bar are stainless steel, and the scales weigh up to 66lb/30kg.
The simple one-button touch display/function means they are foolproof to use. They feature an ergonomic soft touch design and backlit display, and come supplied with battery and neoprene carry case. All for less than 30 quid!
Range: 66lb/30kg
Pros
- Perfect travel scales for the mobile/roving angler.
- Just as accurate as larger scales.
Cons
- One button design is a little fiddly to zero and rotate settings.
Best fishing scales for specimen anglers
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Reuben Heaton Flyweights are a pocket-sized, ultra-light and portable set of scales with a large-format dial for their size, and a range of capacities to suit most angling needs. Weighing in at only 195g, and just 25mm thick, the 3000 Series Flyweights are among the slimmest dial scales on the angling market.
Famed for their accuracy, they are very popular with specimen anglers and have almost become a cult classic with many refusing to use anything else. Super simple to use, reliable and accurate, it is clear to see why they are so popular amongst those chasing specimen fish.
They come with a dust-proof pouch, stainless steel hook and hang point, overload protection and a large tare/zero facility of 15% of its capacity. Available in metric and Imperial versions.
Range: 12lb x 1 ⁄ 2 oz divisions, 40lb x 1oz divisions
6kg x 10g divisions, 20kg x 50g divisions
Pros
- Large, easy to read dial.
- Foolproof dial for setting the scales to zero.
Cons
- Not as robust as larger Reuben scales.
| Range: 12lb x 1/2oz divisions, 40lb x 1oz divisions, 6kg x 10g divisions, 20kg x 50g divisions |
Best designed fishing scales
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The Avid Digital Scales have been designed to make the job of accurately recording the weight of big fish an easy task. Featuring a super-strong stainless steel frame encased in a reinforced over-moulded body, the retractable T-bars fold out of the way for storage. The T-bar design is great for helping you safely hold large fish up, by allowing you a more secure and comfortable grip. The fact they fold away is also great for those who don't always want the bars out and have minimal space, and need a more compact scale.
Able to weigh fish up to 132lb in 1oz increments, the three button layout is intuitive and easy to use. A black stainless steel hoop at the top can be used with a tripod, while the matching weigh hook is retractable for storage.
An on-screen low battery indicator lets you know in advance of your battery’s demise, so you’ll never get caught out on the bank. Supplied in a protective neoprene case.
Pros
- A huge 132lb maximum in concise 1oz divisions.
- Intuitive three-button design.
Cons
- A screwdriver is required to remove the batteries.
| Range: 32lb x 1oz divisions |
6.
Rite Weigh
Best scales for match fishing
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Rite Weigh are a lightweight set of scales that fits between your landing net pole and net head, allowing you to weigh each fish as you return it to the water or lower it into a keepnet.
Primarily designed to prevent match anglers from going over their keepnet limit and getting disqualified, it can also be used by pleasure anglers to quickly see the weight of their fish. They might not accurately weigh your PB, but to know the approximate weight of your fish instantly, without transferring it between nets, is incredibly useful. Each scale is calibrated to a wet standard 20ins net.
Range: 0-9lb x 4oz divisions, 0-19lb x 8oz divisions, 0-9kg x 500g divisions.
Pros
- Fast and easy way to give you an approximate weight.
- Can be left attached to your landing net, meaning you always have scales to hand.
Cons
- Can’t be zeroed to larger or smaller nets.
| Range: 0-9lb x 4oz divisions, 0-19lb x 8oz divisions, 0-9kg x 500g divisions |
Best fishing scales for reliability
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As with most things Fox make, the Fox Digital Scales are no different, they are reliable and durable. The scales are designed to make the whole process efficient and easy for the angler, and to ensure the fish is out of the water for the minimal amount of time during the weighing process. The scales are easily zeroed by attaching the weigh sling and pressing the tare (zero) button, so there is no need to weigh the sling after and subtract it from the weight of the fish.
The digital display features a backlight to illuminate the reading in all conditions, as well as a low battery indicator to make sure you don't get caught out. There is an on-off button to make sure power is only used when required to extend the battery life, but it is worth noting you need a screwdriver to remove them. The scales are chunky and well built, they won't be damaged by being Knocked about or dropped, and the rubber hardcase they come in will make sure they come to no harm in transit.
The metal loop at the top of the scales is large enough to get your finger in to hold smaller fish up but it's much safer to utilise a crook or weigh bar. The scales will weigh in kilos or pounds depending on your preference.
Pros
- Very durable, robust scales.
- Accurate and reliable.
Cons
- Batteries are encased in a screwed backplate.
| Range: 132lb |
Best Fishing scales for functional abilities
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The ever popular 'Reubens' are available in a digital scale, for those anglers who prefer their scales in a digital format. Built in a super robust plastic case that comes with an IP56 waterproof rating, as well as being totally dustproof, they are built to withstand the rigours of the bankside environment, to ensure they never let you down.
The display is large and very easy to read, great if you struggle to see or interpret the more traditional scales, they also light up for extra visibility. The scales will read in kg or lbs and feature a memory function, this is great as it stops any chance of you forgetting the weight of a fish, which can easily happen on a prolific session. It's also particularly good for match fishing, if there is any disputing of weight, they can be checked.
The tare function allows for easy zeroing of the scales and the on/off button allows you to only use the power when you need it .The scales have a great battery life and run off a 9V battery, again, you will need a screwdriver to access them, unfortunately.
Range: 66lb x 1oz / 135lbs x 1oz
Pros
- Memory function is a great addition.
- IP56 Waterproof rating and dustproof.
Cons
- Carry case not included.
| Range: 66lb x 1oz / 135lb x 1oz |
What to look for in a set of fishing scales
The main thing you should look for in a set of scales is reliability, choosing a brand that has an excellent reputation for producing accurate scales is by far the most important factor. There is little to no point weighing a fish if the weight the scales read are completely inaccurate, so getting a good set is paramount if you want to record your catches correctly.
There is then the choice between digital and dial scales. In terms of accuracy, there is little between them but certain factors can make one more appealing than the other. If you want 100% reliability, then a pair of dial scales will outperform a digital scale every time, mainly because they don't require batteries or technology to work. The simple spring mechanism will work regardless of weather or battery life. However, they can be hard to read and interpret with the increments being so close and a large, digital display can be far more user friendly. Many digital scales also feature a "lock" mechanism that will lock out at the weight, so even if the fish flaps and jumps, eventually it will read an accurate weight - great for match fishing or when fishing alone.
It is also important to buy a set of scales that are capable of weighing the fish you are looking to catch. If you're an avid roach angler, then a set of scales that weigh up to 10lb would be a great choice. They provide the finesse for accurate weighing of smaller fish and if you bottom them out with a roach, you wouldn't care anyway. If you like to fish for large fish like carp or catfish, a set of scales that can weigh in excess of 100lb are required, just make sure the scales you choose are suitable for the fish you're targeting.
Glossary
Scales: A device used to measure weight or mass.
Dial scale: A scale that uses a needle or dial to show the weight, an internal spring mechanism stretches when weight is applied which turns the needle, the bigger the weight the further the needle moves.
Bottom out: This is a term given when scales are overloaded and go past their maximum weigh point, for example, a 10kg weight placed on a set of 8kg scales.
Weigh bar: A strong metal bar, that can be slid through the eye on a set of scales to help lift up big fish much more easily, by giving anglers something to hold onto more comfortably.
Zeroing: This is a term given when an angler weighs their wet sling and pushes the scales back to zero, this means when the fish is added, an accurate weight of just the fish is recorded.
Increments: These are the increasing, numbered marks or lines on a dial scale that show the weight, whatever increment the needle rests on is the registered weight.
Tare: A button used to quickly reset a scale back to zero.
Tripod: A device used to help weigh fish. Usually metal, it is a 3-legged design and fused at the top with a hook attached. The scales are placed on the hook and the tripod takes the weight, allowing hands-free weighing of the fish.
Weigh hook: A metal eye or loop attached to the top of a set of scales to allow items like a weigh bar or crook to be attached to help lift the fish.
Read true: A term given when the weight a scale indicates is correct.
Frequently asked questions on fishing scales
Is it better to zero scales or should I just subtract the weight of the sling?
It is always better practice to zero a sling before adding the fish. This gives a much more accurate reading, as the only thing that will impact the weight after they have been zeroed is the fish. Sometimes you can forget to weigh the sling after or just assume the sling weighs the same as last time, leading to an inaccurate weight when it's subtracted from the total weight. It's far more efficient to zero the sling, then add the fish.
Can digital scales be trusted?
This is a question that comes up a lot, especially with those anglers that have a lot of faith in dial scales. When first released on the market, they weren't great. However, they are now as accurate, if not more accurate, than a dial scale, and are far more reputable than they once were. So, rest assured, as long as you buy a quality set, they will read true.
Do I need a crook/weigh bar to weigh fish?
This all depends on the size of the fish you're catching. For fish under 20lb, it is fairly easy for the majority of anglers to just lift the fish up via the eye/loop on the scales and get an accurate reading. However, after that weight, the lifting can become strenuous, especially if you can only use one or two fingers to lift the scales, which can lead to shaking, causing the weight to fluctuate. You can either buy scales that have weigh handles attached or use a tripod/weigh bar to help take the strain and allow you to read the weight accurately, especially important if you catch a large fish when fishing alone.
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.