I guess this is the best area to post this question--

I just picked up a Rapala 50lb digital scale and was wondering the best way to weigh a fish so i dont hurt it.

Ive tried one by the mouth, but that isnt too reliable...

Please let me know the best way to weigh a fish.

Thanks

keep a plastic bag from the grocery store in the boat or tackle box.  Put the fish in the bag and hook on scale through the handles.

Thanks for the tip.

Any other way aside from me having to put a fish in the bag?

Thanks for the tip.

Any other way aside from me having to put a fish in the bag?

Of course, but the bag is the best way.

Stick the hook part through the gill area resting it on the gill plate, DO NOT hook it through an actual gill.

Sharpen the hook part on your scale, and just pop it through the bottom lip...

Actually if you spend some time in the Outings section of the site, you will see that "eyeballing" the fish is the best way!! While scales can be accurate on record class fish, it appears that the combination of eye and arm gives the angler a better chance of achieving what he desires.  ;D

Actually if you spend some time in the Outings section of the site, you will see that "eyeballing" the fish is the best way!!  While scales can be accurate on record class fish, it appears that the combination of eye and arm gives the angler a better chance of achieving what he desires.    ;D

Works for me!  The length of your arm and the proximity to the camera can greatly improve your catches as well!!

Actually if you spend some time in the Outings section of the site, you will see that "eyeballing" the fish is the best way!! While scales can be accurate on record class fish, it appears that the combination of eye and arm gives the angler a better chance of achieving what he desires. ;D

Well, although LBH might have the right answer, I like flechero's better!   :

It's much easier to catch "about 5 lbs" using the eyeball method.

Berkley has a big hook and through the gills is dangerous to the fish because of sudden flops that can throw the hook into the gills and kill the fish due to gill damage.

I have taken a few of the old metal stringer keepers off.    They are tiny in comparison to the scale hook, and leave a small hole, and can be fastened in where the fish can't throw it out of there mouth.   You simply take the scale hook and hook the metal stringer hook.

Matt

I usually drop the fish in a plastic weigh bag with handles and no water in the bag.

I had problems with the scales that you had to hook the fish through the gills, you couldn't even weigh any other type of fish without poking it. I bought a rapala lock n' weigh and it is great. I can now land carp and catfish easily without having to use a net.

i sharpened the hook on my rapala digital scale roughly w/ a metal file, and then smoothed it down and fine sharpened it w/ my dremel. i just poke it thru their lower lip...safe, and secure.