Culling system and scales

I am trying to figure out what is the quickest and easiest way to cull fish? Also what hand held scales do you use? I looked into the cullem rite scales and was ready to buy them but the reviews were horrible for a scale that cost $200 any when use them?

If it's close I use a beam.

I have the Cul-M-Rite scales. Battery went bad after a little over a year of owning them. Since I live near Dallas, I took them to SW Parts off Mockingbird (the place that now owns the company). Within a week, they had replaced the battery and calibrated the scales free of charge. Gave me a sticker and taught me a few tricks about the scales when I picked them up. I've fished a few big bass tournaments and they are generally within a couple of hundredths of the tournament scales. That can mean alot. Saves gas from running in; gives confidence in the weight of the fish; helps you pick the right hour to take the fish to the scales and on and on.

One note about the cull beam. I was fishing a big bass event one year and had two fish in the last hour that literally came out even on the cull beam. Either one would take a check, but I needed to pick the biggest one. Another boat had a Cul-M-Rite and we were able to determine that one weighed a whopping .01 more than the other one. Sometimes that's the difference between $200 and $100.

That's what we are doing now but it's time consuming when all 5 look the same.

Cul-M-Rite

The Berkley Digital Touch Screen is right on with my Cull-M-Rite so I would spend 50 bucks on it unless you just want to spend 200. Plus alot of times you cant get the Cull-M-Rite to lock in on a weight.

I also use the Berkley digital touch screen...its fast and simple and very accurate. Has saved me a lot of time. I bought different cull rings from tackle warehouse as the ones that came with the scales were cheap...but the 50 bucks you pay for the scales is well worth it.

Spend 30+ years being a Butcher you can guess weights to 1/100 lb. Problem solved!!!!!!!!!!!

I have heard complaints about batteries. I have had mine 4 years and have used a bunch, but batteries still going strong.

My only complaint a couple times I've had a hard time weighing 8+ pound fish. There are a few tricks to help get in bottom of boat and keep arm braced against something.



well, my experience, I've never had a tournament not overweigh my fish, especially on big bass. I expect the tournament to weigh my fish about 5-8% higher than the CUL-M-RITE (I've never had a tournament under my CUL-M-RITE). Multiple times a year I go buy 5-10 pounds of meat and have them weigh it on 3-4 different certified scales. It is SCARRY how close CUL-M-RITE is, it usually comes in within 0.01-0.02 of certified.

I was wondering if something was wrong when I tried to weigh a 9.23. It wouldn't lock a weight at first, but eventually got it to lock. It took much longer than normal. I'll try your trick if I'm lucky enough to get another one in the boat!

I have heard the Cul-m-Rite is probably the best. I have used the Berkley Digital Precision scales. I have found they are very accurate and a lot cheaper. They operate on a 2032 type battery about the size of a nickel. I have a new set I will sell you for $25.00 or a used set for $20.00. I use the Ardent system culling rings. I had mine rust and start falling apart. They sent me knew ones to put on each ring with extras. Good people.

The Cull M Rite is the best scale on the market. Look at some of the BASS photo galleries during the Elite events and notice what unit you see the pros using. It is 3 to 1 Cull M Rite over anything else. Grigsby, Klein, Crochet, Short, McClelland etc.

The older Cull M Rites had some problems but the company was purchased several years ago by Southwester Parts and Service. They are built, serviced and warrantied in Dallas Texas. They solved the battery issue by switching to a high output Lithium battery which will last for years and years. One thing that most people don't understand is, YOU cannot exchange the battery in these units. It must be done at the factory. They are totally sealed with clear silicone to make the board and unit waterproof. Most people try to loosen the screws and attempt to change the batteries. After the battery is disconnected, the unit must be recalibrated. It must be done at the factory so dont even try it.

The Cull M Rite scales are calibrated to be within 5/100 of accuracy and I have never had one steer me wrong. Even if I doubted it, I would check with a balance beam and it was still correct. That is why it is the only scale that will be in my boat

Brady, I thought you culled 5pounders with 7's when you culled. (At least that's how it seem to those of us fishing against you)

I've been using Cul M Rite for 15yrs. Never put a battery in it until two years ago it wouldn't come on. Took it to Southwest Parts. Changed the battery & calibrated it, $50.

Also, I weigh each fish every time I catch one. Easy for me and less time culling.