Attention all fishing enthusiasts, beginners, and experts alike: have you ever caught a fish you were convinced was the biggest you’ve ever seen? As a beginner angler, I remember my first fishing trip, where I proudly reeled in what I thought was a massive catch. However, when it came time to weigh the fish and add it to our trophy collection, we needed help with how to weigh a fish. 

We estimated its weight based on pure guessing and guesstimating, which needed more accuracy. This led me down a rabbit hole of research and learning about various ways to weigh a fish properly. This blog post will explore different techniques for weighing a fish accurately and discuss why knowing its weight is significant for bragging rights and conservation purposes.

Necessary Items for Weighing a Fish

Before diving into the various methods of weighing a fish, having the right gear on hand is essential. Here are some necessary items you’ll need before attempting to weigh your catch:

• A reliable and accurate scale: The most crucial item for weighing a fish is a scale. Make sure to invest in a good quality one that can accurately measure the weight of your fish.
• A measuring tape: In addition to weight, measuring the length of your catch is essential. This information can be used for record-keeping and comparison with fishing regulations.
• A net or fish grip: To safely handle the fish while weighing, it’s recommended to have a net or fish grip on hand. These tools will make it easier to control the fish and reduce potential harm to yourself and the fish.
• A camera: While not necessary, having a camera can help take pictures of your catch for memories or proof of size in case you decide to release it back into the water.

10 Methods on How to Weigh a Fish

Anglers use several methods to weigh their fish, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of scale available. Let’s explore some of the most common techniques:

1. Hanging Scale

The hanging scale method is the most straightforward way to weigh a fish. You will need a hook or grip attached to your scale, which you can use to hang the fish by its mouth or gill plate. Ensure you zero out the scale with just the hook attached before adding the fish. Once you have a stable reading, record the weight and release your catch into the water.

2. Boga Grip Scale

Similar to the hanging scale method, this technique also involves using a grip or clamp-like tool to hold onto the mouth or gill plate of the fish. The difference is that the Boga grip scale has a built-in scale, making it easier to get an accurate reading without attaching a separate hook or grip.

3. Weighing Basket

For larger fish, a weighing basket can come in handy. This method involves placing your catch inside a basket with a hook attached to the bottom. The basket is lifted and suspended from the scale for a weight reading.

4. Inferring Weight

If you don’t have a scale or any of the necessary equipment, you can still estimate the weight of your fish by using its length and girth measurements. Many online calculators can help with this method, but remember that it could be more accurate than a scale. 

5. Spring Scale

Similar to a hanging scale, this method involves attaching your fish to a hook or grip and suspending it from the spring scale. The added benefit is that the spring scale also has weight markers on its side, making it easier to read and record the weight directly.

6. Digital Scale

For precise measurements, many anglers prefer using a digital scale. It’s essential to ensure the scale is calibrated correctly before use, and some models also have a tare function, which allows you to deduct the weight of any additional items, such as a net or grip.

7. Balance Beam Scale

This method involves placing your fish in a hanging basket on one side of the balance beam and adding weights to the opposite side until it balances. The total weight of the fish can then be calculated by adding up the individual weights used on the other side of the beam.

8. Platform Scale

For larger catches, a platform scale can come in handy. This method involves placing your fish on a flat platform and reading the weight from a dial or digital display. Ensuring the scale is on a level surface for accurate readings is essential.

9. Fish Ruler

As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to know the weight of your fish and its length. Using a fish ruler or tape measure, you can accurately measure the fish and compare it with fishing regulations in your area.

10. Personal Record System

Lastly, creating a personal record system can be helpful for avid anglers and those who enjoy tracking their fishing achievements. This can involve keeping track of your catches’ weight and length in a journal or using an online record-keeping tool.

Why Weighing a Fish is Important

Now that we’ve covered the different ways to weigh a fish, let’s discuss why knowing its weight is essential. Aside from bragging rights and adding to your trophy collection, knowing the weight of your catch can also have implications for conservation efforts. By accurately recording and reporting the weight of your fish, you can contribute to data collection on fish populations and help inform sustainable fishing practices.

In addition, some species have size limitations for catch-and-release fishing, and knowing the weight can ensure that you are following regulations and protecting the health of fish populations. Furthermore, knowing the weight of your catch can also help determine the best bait and techniques for future fishing trips.

8 Things to Avoid When Weighing a Fish

While weighing a fish may seem like a simple task, there are some things to avoid to ensure the safety of both yourself and the fish:

1. Avoid Using an Inaccurate Scale

Using an unreliable scale can lead to incorrect measurements, affecting data collection and potentially harming fish populations.

2. Don’t Hold the Fish By Its Mouth or Gills

This can cause harm and may even permanently damage the fish’s vital organs. Use a net or grip to handle the fish safely.

3. Avoid Excessive Handling

Excessive handling of fish can result in removing their protective slime layer, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases.

4. Don’t Weigh Fish for Extended Periods

The longer you keep a fish out of water, the higher the chances of it experiencing stress and potential harm. Quickly record the weight and release the fish back into the water.

5. Avoid Squeezing or Dropping the Fish

Squeezing a fish can cause internal damage, and dropping it can result in physical injuries. Handle with care and avoid causing any unnecessary harm to the fish.

6. Don’t Weigh Fish Near the Water’s Edge

Weighing fish near the water’s edge can increase the risk of it slipping out of your hands and back into the water. Find a flat, stable surface to weigh your catch.

7. Avoid Using Non-Fish Weighing Tools

Using tools not designed for weighing fish can lead to inaccurate measurements or harm to the fish. Stick to using dedicated fish weighing equipment.

8. Don’t Keep the Fish Out of Water for More Than Necessary

As mentioned, keeping a fish out of water can cause stress and harm. Try to minimize the time it spends out of its natural environment by quickly weighing and releasing it back into the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Weigh Every Fish I Catch?

It’s not necessary to weigh every fish you catch, but it can be helpful for record-keeping and following regulations. You can also choose to release your catch without weighing it if that is your preference.

What Is the Best Way to Weigh a Fish Without Harming It?

Using a net or fish grip can help minimize harm to the fish while weighing. Also, handling the fish with wet hands and keeping it out of water for as little as possible can reduce potential damage.

Can I Estimate the Weight of My Fish Without Using a Scale?

Infringing weight and comparing length and girth measurements can give you an estimated weight. However, it’s recommended to use a scale if possible for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Weighing a fish is beneficial for personal tracking and record-keeping and plays a role in conservation efforts. As responsible anglers, it’s important to prioritize the well-being of fish populations and follow regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices. 

With the various methods available, finding the best way to weigh a fish that works for you is just a matter of preference and availability of equipment. So next time you catch a big one, remember to record its weight before releasing it back into the water!  The methods discussed on how to weigh a fish in this guide can help ensure a stress-free and accurate weighing process.