Sign in Pro
Best Fishing Scales Reviewed & Rated For Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
The very first thing that you want to take into consideration when you are looking to buy a fish scale is whether you want a digital or a mechanical scale. There are many good options ranging from cheap to very expensive in both camps, some of which are listed in our top 10.
The advantages of a digital scale are numerous. First off, they are much easier to read. You grip your fish our put in in the net on the hook and BAM weight. It’s quick and easy and there is no guesswork involved. Another advantage of a digital scale is that some of them have a memory as well. This will greatly work in your favor because sometimes our memories aren’t perfect and this gives you the option to store and recall if needed. You can even get quite fancy and get one that is touch screen and can add weights together as you go as well as recalling past weights. If you do tournament fishing, this is absolutely something you should consider.
We just talked a lot about why a digital scale is a great thing so why would you even want to consider a mechanical one? There are actually a lot of reasons here too. First off, it won’t get ruined when it gets wet. In fact, you can get yourself a hook and hang it off the side of your boat if you want. It won’t be phased sitting in the water all day – be that water fresh or salty. Big perk. Most mechanical scales also come with tape measures of some sort and also include grippers rather than a hook, if that is more your style.
Both options are good, valid options it’s just a matter of what works best for your specific set of circumstances.
Ease of Use
Do you want a gripper or a hook on your scale? Like all things, there are pros and cons to either side.
A gripper is super helpful and will come in handy for far more than just weighing your fish. It will help you hold the fish far better than your fingers can and grippers tend to cause far less trauma to the fish. If you are planning to catch and release a gripper instead of a hook is almost a no-brainer. The downsides of a gripper are that they can be a little complicated to work. They may be hard to open or work with one hand. Grippers will also limit your ability to weigh more beyond fish, limiting your scales use to fishing only.
So what will a hook do for you good or bad? Let’s start with some of the good. You can hang things on your hook to put the fish in. Netting, or even luggage straps, making it multifunctional. Almost every single scale that comes with a hook, and for sure all of the ones on this list, also comes with a tare function so that the weight of whatever it is that you are attempting to weigh your fish it won’t interfere with the actual weight of the fish. The downsides of a hook include the trauma it causes to the fish – many times causing damage that the fish will never recover from, hooks are more prone to breaking, and they often run small which makes them useless or complicated to use.
Style
How serious of a fisherman (or woman) are you? Do you or whomever you are buying a fish scale for competing in tournaments? Or do you simply like to get out of the lake for a good time relaxing and unwinding? There’s nothing quite like fishing to help you get re-centered. While most fish scales that are used in tournaments can also be used for recreational use, the same is not true in reverse.
If you are looking for a fish scale to use in a tournament, you are absolutely going to want something that gives a reliable, accurate weight every single time. You don’t want a lot of variabilities and don’t want to have to wonder if the weight is accurate. What this means is that you’re likely going to end up spending more money on a scale than you otherwise would. However; there is a good chance that spending more money is a non-issue if you are participating in tournaments. Something that is also helpful for tournament use is the ability to store and recall previous weights. There are also fish scales that will allow you to keep a running weight total which can be a very helpful tool.
All of those characteristics are helpful and neat, but do you need something that fancy if you fish largely for recreation? Probably not and you can absolutely find less expensive, less fancy options out there and on this list. There are many products that will simply produce a quick weight that you can write down or take a picture of for storage purposes and be done with it. They may be a little less accurate, but that’s not necessarily as big of a deal if there is nothing but bragging rights on the line.
Water Resistance
This is a big one, and maybe a seemingly obvious consideration, but will ultimately weigh in on what you decide to go with. Very often fishing involves going out on a lake or in a kayak and very much guarantees that your scale will get wet one way or another. This is an important thing to be aware of.
Many scales, indeed some on this list, are easily ruined to never work again if they get the slightest bit wet. That’s a big buzz kill if you are out and hoping to use your scale all day/weekend/trip. If there is any possibility that your scale will get wet, you will be well served to spend a little bit more money and get a solid, functional, mechanical scale where this is a non-issue. If you are wholly committed to a digital scale, you’ll have to spend considerably more to get a water resistant scale but ultimately will be glad that you did because it will last you a lot longer and won’t need to be replaced regularly.
However; if your intention is to largely stay on land and fish from there, you have many more options. Even the cheapest digital scales will serve you well if you can guarantee that it stays dry. Those same scales are often times multipurpose and will give you more useful than just fishing if you so choose.
Accuracy
There is also the benefit of having proof of your big catch with more than just a picture. It just adds an extra measure of validation to have the scale weighing your fish in the same frame. There is no room for an argument there. Plus, we all know that catches seem to get larger and larger as time goes on and this is an accurate way to truly represent how much your fish weighed when you caught it.
10 Best Fishing Scales
1. Mango Spot Digital
This is a small, compact scale that functions very well. While it’s not tournament ready, it’ll certainly get you a reasonably accurate weight for any other purpose up to 110 lbs/50 kg. The hook is stainless steel and includes a tare function to help make weighing fish easier.
Automatically Powers Off
A great function of this scale is that it will automatically shut itself off after 120 seconds if it isn’t actively being used. This is great for your battery life and will make sure you are getting the best longevity possible.
Overload Indication
This scale includes an overload indication. This is essentially a way for the scale to protect itself from breaking and protect you from having to replace it too early. It lets you know when its over capacity so that you can promptly remove whatever it is you are attempting to weight without getting inaccurate results, or worse, ruining the scale.
Cost and Value
This little scale offers great bang for its buck. It comes with the 2 AAA batteries needed to operate it and barely costs more than the batteries alone would cost if you were to simply go out and buy them. You might as well spend a few more dollars and get a scale to go with them! Great value at a great price here.
2. Dr. Meter 110lb/50kg
This little scale does exactly what it is advertised to do. It is digital and lit by blue light. It will weigh up to 110 pounds/ 50 kilograms and does so quite accurately. The hook is strong and sturdy so there is no need to be concerned about it breaking. As an added bonus, it even comes with the two AAA batteries it needs to function included.
Zero Function
One of the most exciting features on this scale is the ability to zero out. What that means for you is that you can hang a net or bucket on the hook, zero it out, and get the actual weight of your fish without having to do any sort of calculations to account for the weight of your bucket. It also prevents you from having to stab the fish with the hook in order to get an accurate measurement.
Added Tape Measure
When you catch a prize fish you don’t just want to know its weight, you also want to know its length! With this scale, you can quickly and easily get both out of the same too. It’ll measure whatever you need in cm/in/ft as long as it is less than 1 meter.
Cost and Value
This little gem is very inexpensive. It will do everything that the expensive fish scales will, will last you a long time, and barely makes a dent on your pocketbook. You definitely get good quality at a low price with this Dr. Meter Scale.
3. Piscifun Portable
This handy little scale is multipurpose. You can grip your fish with it - removing the opportunity for your hand to be snagged or injured. It is corrosion resistant and good in both fresh and saltwater. It’s obviously good for weighing your fish, but also provides a ruler to measure it as well.
Ergonomic Design
This fish gripper, holder, and scale are built with you in mind. It has a comfortable, non-slip EVA handle with an adjustable wrist strap that will help you hold things better and be less likely to lose it. Even the thumb hold on the gripper is built ergonomically for ultimate comfort and function.
Portable
For a tool that has so much functionality, it is small and very easy to carry around. It is barely longer than your hand and weighs less than 5 oz. You’ll barely notice it in your pack and it won’t get in the way.
Cost and Value
This is a little more expensive than others on this list, but it is still very affordable. Considering the fact that it’ll hold up in the water - both freshwater and saltwater - it is spending a little more so minimize replacing. If you want something that can both grip and weigh your fish you will be happy you spent a little bit more and went with this scale.
4. ReelSonar Digital
This fish scale makes our list for a number of reasons. It is compact, accurate, and easy to read. It is perfect for both tournament usage and bragging rights usage. It offers a tare function and comes with a stainless steel grip. It can be used up to 99 lbs/45 kgs. It also includes a lip gripper and tape measure.
Gentle Fish Lip Gripper
A big perk of this fish scale is that it comes equipped with a gentle fish lip gripper. This protects the fish and prevents you from injuring it in order to get a weight. It also works in your favor as you don’t have to grip the fish with your hands.
Works for All Fish
You can use this scale for all of your fishing needs. Do you like to fish in saltwater and routinely catch salmon? Or is fly fishing more your style which results in your catches looking more like trout? Maybe you like to kayak? Good news for all of you - this scale will live up to all of your expectations.
Cost and Value
This is the most expensive one on the list so far, however; that doesn’t make it very expensive all things considered. You get a lot out of this little guy - you can weigh and measure your fish and not worry about it getting ruined on your kayak. It also works for tournaments - which is helpful. Overall, it’s worth its cost.
5. Hinpia Digital
This is a compact and well lit digital fish scale. It measures accurately down to 5 or 10 grams but also has an option for ounces. It is capable of measuring up to 110 lb/50 kgs. It also features a tare function and includes a tape measure.
Large LCD Screen
This fish scale has a large screen that offers to ease reading and a blue LCD backlight. It is backlit and makes it easy to see in darker conditions. This will come in handy for early morning or late evening fishing excursions.
Unit Conversion
Do you like to measure in different units for different occasions? Or perhaps there are times that you catch small fish and need an accurate weight? No worries - this scale has you covered. It can measure in ounces, jin, kg, and pounds. This will satisfy all your weighing needs and will even make this scale functional outside of the fishing realm.
Cost and Value
The Hipnia Digital Fishing Scale comes at a very reasonable price. The scale itself is a low end as far as price goes, but it doesn’t come with batteries like others in the same price point do - making that an added expense. Still, all things considered, it’s not too much even if you add in the price of batteries. You’ll still be getting your money’s worth here.
6. Entsport Fish Lip
This stainless steel fish scale is no frills and all function. It is corrosion resistant and offers a comfortable handle with attached lanyard. It is easy to use and will quickly, accurately, and successfully weigh all fish you catch up to 40 lb/15 kg.
Long Lasting
You will get a lot of use out of this fish scale. It is capable of surviving harsh heat and cold. It is easily and successfully used in both salt and freshwater. It is corrosion resistant and because it’s not digital, won’t quit working when it gets wet because it’s only just a matter of time before your fish scale gets wet.
Non-Slip Handle
Since you’ll largely be weighing fish while holding your scale, you’ll need the handle to be non slip in order to avoid tragically dropping it and risk losing both your scale and prize fish. This one comes equipped with a non-slip EVA handle that offers an adjustable wrist strap for added comfort and protection.
Cost and Value
This scale offers a lot of bang for its buck. It is marginally more expensive than the cheapest ones on this list but is a lot more durable than they are. It can get wet and withstand harsh conditions - both hot and cold - without being ruined. It’ll last a long time and satisfy your weighing needs while also offering a good gripper.
7. NEXT-SHINE
This fish scale is nice and compact. It offers an easy to read digital screen with a blue backlight. It will weigh up to 88 lb/40 kg and will very accurately measure your fish - or whatever you want to weigh with it. It has a plastic shell and rust resistant metal.
High Precision Scale
As far as the scales on this list go, this one is easily the most precise. It will measure down to 0.01 lb or 0.005 kg. It will display in grams, kilograms, ounces or pounds. In addition, it will do pounds plus ounces - for example, 4 lbs 6 oz.
Automatic Lock Weight
This fish scale will automatically lock one the weight stabilizes. This is a nice feature that will get you accurate weights even if your fish starts to move around again. It locks quickly, which is very helpful for wiggly fish. However; that may also be a problem if you don’t want it to lock right away.
Cost and Value
This is a very inexpensive fish scale and ranks among the cheapest on this list. It will serve you well and is absolutely worth the money you’d be spending on it.
8. Eastaboga Tackle
This fish scale is among the fancier ones - with a price to reflect that. It is easy to use one-handed and will grip your fish like a dream. The scale can go up to 60 lbs depending on the exact size you end up buying. It is stainless steel and can be used in salt water with no issues.
Rotates and Spins
Very often, the fish you just caught and want to weigh doesn’t want to hold still. This fish scale accounts for that by rotating and spinning with your fish. It goes all 360 degrees and will keep spinning as long as your fish does.
Minimal Trauma to Fish
The gripper causes minimal trauma to the fish. You can successfully pick it up, much easier than you can by hand, and weigh, keep, or release without harming the fish. There are no messy hooks and no piercing involved.
Cost and Value
This is hands down the most expensive fish scale on our list. However; it has the reviews and the functionality to consistently sell and impress buyers at that price. You’ll be spending big bucks here, but if you’re a big-time fisher it will make your life a lot easier and you will appreciate its functionality.
9. Ultimate54 Portable Digital
The Ultimate54 Portable fish scale is a very functional little scale. It will weigh accurately from as little as one pound all the way up to 110 pounds. It measures in pounds, ounces, kilograms, and jin. It has an auto-off function, zeros easily, and will data lock. As a bonus, it comes with a luggage strap so that you can make it multipurpose if you so choose.
High Quality
This fish scale comes at a relatively small price point but functions as well as one that cost much more. It is reliable and will serve you well for a long time.
Customer Service
Often times people will buy a product simply because of who is selling it. This is one of those cases. You get a 30-day money back guarantee - something relatively unheard of on a product that costs almost as much as the shipping does. The company is very responsive and if you happen to get a defective product, they will promptly replace it with a functional one.
Cost and Value
As mentioned earlier, this scale is fairly inexpensive considering its capabilities. It is a sturdy, reliable, scale that can work in a whole slew of circumstances. It’s middle of the line as far as price goes compared to others on this list.
10. Rapala Touch Screen
This fish scale combines a lot of the best elements of the other scales on this list into one. It is digital, but also water resistant. It has three weight display options and comes with the option of a hook or a clamp.
Large Digital Touch Screen
We live in a digital world that has touchscreen everything. Why not have a touchscreen on your fish scale as well? It makes things easier to control and combined with the water resistance of this scale, will last a long time. It gives you the ability to store 8 different weights and track weight totals.
Back Up Memory
Not only does this scale offer a touchscreen, but it also has the ability to store previous weights and will maintain that data even if battery power is lost. There is no need to worry about losing important weights with this scale because it will remember them even if you forget.
Cost and Value
Considering all that you are getting with this fish scale, you will be paying more. It is worth the investment though and you will be happy you splurged. You’ll get the water resistance of a mechanical scale, the ease of reading you get with a digital scale, and all the convenience of a touchscreen and memory. This does rank second on our list as far as price goes, but it is well worth the splurge.
