Hey Fellas; Last summer I caught the only trophy sized bass I have ever brought to the boat, a huge smallie in the St Regis River up by the NY/Canadian border. My scale was never used before, it was a Normark electric and when I turned it on, it was all messed up and I could not trust it. I do not want this to happen again, especially because i am going to fish there again. Looking for suggestions.

Muddy,

I have a Berkley scale that my little brother got me for my birthday, I think it is 15 or 20 bucks at walmart.  I think it is accurate as I have weighed it against my buddy's X-Tools several times and always been within an ounce.  For the price it has been good to me!

Corey

Rapala Spring Scale: http://www.marinetackle.com/xcart/catalog/rapala-pro-guide-mechanical-15-50lbs.html

(I have this one)

or the BPS copy:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_60605_100011004_100000000_100011000_100-11-4

8-)

Got this one last year and have not had a problem with it. It's very simple to use and read. It seemed to be very accurate with the fish weighed. Here it is...

Rapala 15lb Digital Scale

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=60512

Thanks; Kent you know the fish I am talking about I caught it with the Fat Ika you reccomended I can't even claim bragging rights to it because while it was huge I couldnt even begin to give an estimate to it.

Question: Are the Electronic or the spring loaded scales more dependable. I am real curious about the rapala scale you put up, because i trust their stuff. That scale I had was from their parent company and I had it for years, just kept changing batteries and never had to use it.

The low-end digitals do not stand up over time. My low-tech Rapala (7 years old) can be calibrated and it's 100% accurate for general fishing, although incremental ounces have to be estimated (10-8 not 10.515).

8-)

Muddy,i'm in the same boat as you.However fast you are wanting this scale,try to save some money and get a decent one like i plan to do.I'm looking into something like the boga grip(small one,reads up to 15#).I just have a feeling if i resort to a cheap scale it won't last long.Plus i just hate the hook scale ones,i perfer the lip grips.  

I just believe if i wait a little longer and get something really nice i'll benefit from the wait.

Got this one last year and have not had a problem with it. It's very simple to use and read. It seemed to be very accurate with the fish weighed. Here it is...

Rapala 15lb Digital Scale

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=60512

x2, I've had a set for at least 5 years and they still work great. The battery life last long with these scales, for me.

I think the BPS style spring one RW mentioned is on sale now.

Thanks I am going to check the BPS site , if it is not on sale I will order the mechanical ones from Rapala , that RW posted, thanks for all your input.

i had a rapala 15lb digital scale and it was the WORST scale i have ever used.

i got a berkley 50lb digital scale for christmas, and that thing is accurate down to the ounce. i weighed a 1lb 12oz net weight bag of trailmix (printed on the bag) and my scale came up with a perfect 1lb 12oz!!!! it also weighed several other groceries to the exact ounce.

I own a couple of the 50lb berkley scales too. they are solid