Best Digital Fish Scale (2020 Buyers Guide)

Having a fish scale on the boat is a necessity for people who love to fish.  Digital and electronic fish scales do the job well and are relatively cheap.  I carry one in my tackle box so I have it whether I am finding in a boat, a river or from shore. 

Best Digital Fish Scales 2019

*** Due to COVID-19 and decreased production, some products may not be available ***

Take a look at the top 5 fish scales we recommend grabbing for yourself or as a gift for an avid fisherman!

1. Meter Electronic Digital Fishing Scale (100 LB Scale)

Pros

• Stainless steel concealed hook
• It is durable
• Backlit LCD display
• Built-in tape for measuring objects
• 110 lbs. capacity

Cons

• It isn’t waterproof
• It locks too fast

This is a great fishing scale, primarily due to its versatility. It is quite lightweight, not to mention that its weight range is up to 110 lbs. – not too bad if you ask us. You can use it to weigh literally anything from fish to luggage.

The LCD display indicates weight in g/kg and lb./oz. As for the accuracy of the digital scale, it is of 5 to 10g.

Obviously, its portability is another major pro. This takes up the minimum amount of space while being genuinely durable. We all know that stainless steel is one of the most durable materials out there, being rust and shatter free.

Being powered by 2AAA batteries, you can find replacements at any time, since they are widely available.

We also find the built-in tape to be genuinely useful. It goes without saying that you can use it for measuring the fish you catch. Still, the tape’s functionality isn’t limited to that.

2. FishFun Electronic Digital Fishing Scale

Pros

• Power saving operation
• Overload indicator
• It is comfortable to use
• Easy to read
• Sturdy

Cons

• The hook is likely to get caught on things.

Another great portable digital fishing scale is this product manufactured by FishFun. This unit is quite sturdy and durable, being suitable for a wide range of uses. The metal bearing structure ensures that the scale is both reliable and sturdy.

As a matter of fact, if you use the peak hold mode, you can test the draw weight of a bowl. Conversely, you might even assess the maximum force exerted. Moving on, you also get a built-in 1m tape measure – obviously, you’ll get plenty of use out of it when you want to measure your biggest catches.

We are also keen on the user-friendly characteristics of the unit, such as the low battery indicator, the overload indicator, and the auto-off feature. At the same time, you may switch the data hold function on and off depending on your needs.

Furthermore, the modern, sleek design is a nice feature, indicating the manufacturer’s attention to the smallest details.  

3. Yogayet Portable Fish Scale

Pros

• Water-resistant
• It is versatile
• Accurate
• Lightweight

Cons  

• The durability could be improved

Perhaps one of the greatest things about this fishing scale is its versatility. To be more precise, you get to choose from two locking options: namely automatic lock and non-automatic lock, depending on what you want to do. Next on the list is the fact that it is water resistant – which is really convenient for fishing hobbyists.

Moving on, this scale weighs up to 50 lbs., meaning that you can use it for numerous purposes. The hand grip is really sturdy, which is, of course, really convenient. Also, the included high-grade thermometer comes as an advantage.

Evidently, the large, laminated display is quite handy for both daytime and nighttime, making the scale readable.

All in all, this is a decent unit that is equally functional and versatile. Nonetheless, we believe that the durability of the product could do with some enhancements.

4. Next-Shine Electronic Digital Fishing Scale

Pros

• Precise and accurate measurements
• Overload indicator
• It comes with a range of smart features
• Adaptive display
• Durable case and hook

Cons

• It isn’t suitable for weighing luggage

As we noted beforehand, the best digital fishing scale should feature a high-quality construction, while being durable and accurate. As a result, this unit perfectly fits the requirements. This is an electronic fishing scale whose accuracy is up to 0.01 pounds.

In other words, if you want to keep track of your fishing achievements or you are a commercial angler, this scale is worth considering. It is durable, whereas the pocket size makes it easy to carry wherever you go.

We are all aware that fishing environments tend to be punishing to electronic devices. As a result, durability is of major importance. The good thing about this product is that it is designed to last.

The large display is clear and easy to read. Plus, the design adapts to various lighting conditions so that you can use the scale no matter if it’s dark or bright outside. Other smart features we should mention are the comfortable sling handle and the auto-off function.

5. Rapala Touch Screen Tourney Scale

Pros

• Water-resistant design
• Large and backlit display
• Three weight display options to choose from
• Heavy-duty construction

Cons

• The screen is likely to scratch

This scale is engineered in order to address the individual needs of fishermen, being water-resistant and really sturdy. As opposed to carrying a heavyweight, cumbersome scale with you, you can easily include this one in your fishing equipment.

You can easily weigh and hook fish without needing the help of another person – this is something we’ve tested. At the same time, the stainless-steel hook supports plenty of weight, securely weighing most fish species up to 15 lbs.

The reason why this scale is believed to be more accurate than other items is the inclusion of several add-on features that aim at enhancing its accuracy – we’re referring to the ambient temperature technology. Plus, you may use the tare weight button to assess the net weight.

How to Pick the Best Digital Fish Scale

Since not all digital fish scales are made equal, there are some things that you have to consider. We’ll enumerate the most important ones.

• Weight Range

Every digital fishing scale features a device known as a load cell. It is the load cell that senses and measures the weight of the fish. Thus, you should pick a scale whose weight range meets your fishing habits.

That being said, what are the species you usually fish? For example, if you usually fish largemouth bass, which weighs roughly five pounds or so, then you won’t get a lot of use out of a unit with a weight range of 50 pounds.

That is to say, if you usually fish bass, a 15-lbs. scale is exactly what you need. In other words, your needs should dictate your decision.

• Durability and Built Quality

The build quality of the fishing scale you get is just as important. To be frank, cheaper models are likely to break at the attachment point sooner than you’d expect them to. At the same time, the load cell might fail with extensive use.

On the other hand, durable items are equipped with better quality load cells that facilitate accurate readings. Concurrently, they are made of durable, sturdy materials such as stainless steel, which is a guarantee for longevity.

• Attachment Mechanism

Some digital fish scales feature a simple circle shaped hook. You have to slide it under the fish’s gill plate. Nonetheless, some fish might be stressed and struggle to escape the hook.

It is needless to say that fish species with sharp teeth might end up harming your hands. In this case, it might be a good idea to get a scale featuring a closed hook. Conversely, you might get a fish grip style scale.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, a fishing scale can be really helpful, not only for fishing purposes but for day-to-day use, as well. As long as you factor in the product’s durability, specifications, and you assess your fishing habits, you’ll be on the right path to getting the best unit for your needs.