I have read many posts mentioning non certified scales. So what is a certified scale?  A state certified weigh station?

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IGFA is the main sanctioning body for international record certification.  Located in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Located in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Conveniently located in the same parking lot as Bass Pro Shops!

very informative, thanks LBH

My understanding is that any scale used for commerce that has been inspected and certified by the 'U.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures' or a 'State Bureau of Weights and Measures' is acceptable for fishing records. This would include grocery store scales, deli scales. etc. as long as there is a current stamp on the scale certifying it's been inspected and tested. I believe there are some witness requirements also. This applies to state records, not sure about world records.

Ronnie

I just like saying "Pom-pa-no" : :)

My understanding is that any scale used for commerce that has been inspected and certified by the 'U.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures' or a 'State Bureau of Weights and Measures' is acceptable for fishing records. This would include grocery store scales, deli scales. etc. as long as there is a current stamp on the scale certifying it's been inspected and tested. I believe there are some witness requirements also. This applies to state records, not sure about world records.

Ronnie

Ineresting point.  I don't see how such a scale could NOT be considered certified.

to directly address the point. If you want to prove you have a record catch the scale must be certified.  The IGFA will certify certain common fishing scales.  The boga grip for example.

But as Ronnie points out if go to a deli whose meat scale has a valid certification stamp, I don't see how anyone could deny that it is certifiably accurate to whatever standards are required in that particular state.  

Unless of course LBH weighs a Pom-Pa-No.  then all bets are off.  :-/

IGFA - is in Davie, Fl

I use this scale and have for the last 2 years or so. It can be IGFA certified but I haven't done that. It is a quality scale and it is available at Cabelas.

Dan

Had heard some of the praises for the Salter before.  Thought they were even pricier.  Looks like they are in the X-Tool (scale only) range.  I have used Rapala/Normark and Berkley in the past.  After comparing them over and over to known weights, I was never absolutely positive when they were dead on, or off by X %.  I just use a tape and measure the length.  However, I would be willing to look at these if indeed they are as reliable as touted.  Thanks

I realize this is a thread about scales not records but--- what are the requirements on validation of a record? Witnesses, photos? What do you have to do to certify the catch as a certain weight to the governing body other than just certified scales??

My understanding is that any scale used for commerce that has been inspected and certified by the 'U.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures' or a 'State Bureau of Weights and Measures' is acceptable for fishing records. This would include grocery store scales, deli scales. etc. as long as there is a current stamp on the scale certifying it's been inspected and tested. I believe there are some witness requirements also. This applies to state records, not sure about world records.

Ronnie

Ineresting point. I don't see how such a scale could NOT be considered certified.

to directly address the point. If you want to prove you have a record catch the scale must be certified. The IGFA will certify certain common fishing scales. The boga grip for example.

But as Ronnie points out if go to a deli whose meat scale has a valid certification stamp, I don't see how anyone could deny that it is certifiably accurate to whatever standards are required in that particular state.

Unless of course LBH weighs a Pom-Pa-No. then all bets are off. :-/

The state/federal program qualifies. IGFA performs the same steps as any commercial scales certification process would take. FWC doesnt typically carry IGFA certified scales but they do have state certified scales. This qualifies as an accurate measurement.

IGFA governs the record books for large ctaches but they dont require that the scales be certified through them....just certified. It is cheaper to get fishing scales certified by them than it is by the state. And yes a witness is required. In the event there is one unavailable photos may be submitted. The photos have a lot of requirements and will be reviewd by their staff and biologists. Oh yeah a polygraph would be on order too.

It's the Salter Scale mentioned above, which I got at Cabelas for about $100 with s+h.

I then had it certified by the local Dept. of Weights and Measures, for $36 I think it was.

Really easy to do BTW. The next time you stop to get gas, notice the little sticker on every gas pump (similar to the one on my scale here, but probably a different color). It will have a phone number on it for "your" local Dept. of Weights and Measures. Call them to make an appt. Takes about 30 minutes. Easy. Interesting. GREAT THING TO HAVE WITH YOU DURING EVERY FISHING TRIP !

Peace,

Fish

Be prepared at all times !

My understanding is that any scale used for commerce that has been inspected and certified by the 'U.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures' or a 'State Bureau of Weights and Measures' is acceptable for fishing records. This would include grocery store scales, deli scales. etc. as long as there is a current stamp on the scale certifying it's been inspected and tested. I believe there are some witness requirements also. This applies to state records, not sure about world records.

Ronnie

True, Ronnie, but in Mexico SECOFI certifies the scales and just after being the inspectors certified the scales and leave kilograms actually begin to weight 900 grams.  :

          My understanding is that any scale used for commerce that has been inspected and certified by the 'U.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures' or a 'State Bureau of Weights and Measures' is acceptable for fishing records. This would include grocery store scales, deli scales. etc. as long as there is a current stamp on the scale certifying it's been inspected and tested. I believe there are some witness requirements also. This applies to state records, not sure about world records.

Ronnie          

You are 100% correct as usual Ronnie.   I use to work for a scale inspector many year ago.