For better or worse, I used the point of the scale hook to puncture the lower lip of the fish.

When it was difficult to penetrate the skin, I summoned the assistance of my Rapala fillet knife. 

I never felt comfortable making that slot, but we were guaranteed that it caused no harm.

Then one day, after releasing a 'then' trophy bass, I noticed bubbles coming from the fish as it descended.

That raised a big red flag that I've never forgotten (broken pulmonary seal)

 

Roger

18 minutes ago, RoLo said:

 

For better or worse, I used the point of the scale hook to puncture the lower lip of the fish.

When it was difficult to penetrate the skin, I summoned the assistance of my Rapala fillet knife. 

I never felt comfortable making that slot, but we were guaranteed that it caused no harm.

Then one day, after releasing a 'then' trophy bass, I noticed bubbles coming from the fish as it descended.

That raised a big red flag that I've never forgotten (broken pulmonary seal)

 

Roger

I always hooked it at the far-forward end of the gill-plate...right under the jaw.

13 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I would bet that I'm not the only FOG on here with one of these:

I've got a set of those but I quit using them. Hated having to cut my bass in halves and thirds to weigh them. ?

Rapala. Battery (9 volt) last for years.

I've ranted on this topic previously, so I guess I'll do it again.  DON'T DO IT.  DON'T GET A SCALE.  SCALES LIE!!

Seriously, all scales lie.  Too many times, I've caught a fish that was obviously 4.5 or 5 lbs and then you put it on the scale and it weighs 3.7 or something like that.   Scales are very disheartening.   I don't carry one in my boat and don't want one.

 

Should I ever participate in a tournament where catch/weigh/ release was required, I'd probably change my tune, but I wouldn't like it.   I would have to be convinced that all the different scales that were in use lied the same.

I tested my Rapalas with meat that was weighed at the store . They  are   a little light , so if I almost catch a 6 lber according to the scale ,  I  probably did .

While some scales might be off , the better made ones are rarely if ever off by any more than a few ounces. 
I had a Brecknell scale that I had certified by the IGFA when I was chasing records back in the day. Any scale used for a world record MUST be certified by them prior to being used or it won’t count. 
I'm using a Rapala digital with an aftermarket fish grip from Amazon and it it very accurate. 

3 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I've ranted on this topic previously, so I guess I'll do it again.  DON'T DO IT.  DON'T GET A SCALE.  SCALES LIE!!

Seriously, all scales lie.  Too many times, I've caught a fish that was obviously 4.5 or 5 lbs and then you put it on the scale and it weighs 3.7 or something like that.   Scales are very disheartening.   I don't carry one in my boat and don't want one.

 

Should I ever participate in a tournament where catch/weigh/ release was required, I'd probably change my tune, but I wouldn't like it.   I would have to be convinced that all the different scales that were in use lied the same.

I thought I was the only one! 

5 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I've ranted on this topic previously, so I guess I'll do it again.  DON'T DO IT.  DON'T GET A SCALE.  SCALES LIE!!

Seriously, all scales lie.  Too many times, I've caught a fish that was obviously 4.5 or 5 lbs and then you put it on the scale and it weighs 3.7 or something like that.   Scales are very disheartening.   I don't carry one in my boat and don't want one.

 

Should I ever participate in a tournament where catch/weigh/ release was required, I'd probably change my tune, but I wouldn't like it.   I would have to be convinced that all the different scales that were in use lied the same.

 

This is why I measure my fish instead. I know the ruler is accurate. I do have a digital scale but measuring a fish is easier to do and it’s easier on the fish.