Certifying Weight Scales

It's about time to get ready for "The Giant" (a monster Op) on my end here. I am about to order two different digital fish scales. Instead of combing & combing back, I figured it would be simpler to just start a new thread for this query.

I think somebody mentioned a place in Bastrop in the last discussion, as to getting weighing scales certified. I am looking at getting one of each- 300 & 400 pound scales:

Mougerk Digital Hanging Scales Portable Heavy Duty Crane Scale 150 kg 300 lb

Klau Portable 150 kg / 300 lb Heavy Duty Crane Scale

Klau Portable 200 kg / 400 lb Heavy Duty Digital Fish Scale

Mougerk 200 kg / 400 lb Digital Fish Scale Portable Hanging Scale


I may also decide upon this one too (I forget if it was digital or not):
Hanging Scale, Up to 100Kg or 220lb (I am not sure of the brand)


Running Branch Marina at Lake Limestone is an official TP&W weigh station. But I recall Darrell only went with the 99 pound scales. If "The Giant" is as I estimate, over 115 pounds, I will need a larger certified scale than RB's 99 pounder. And from my last encounter during Cinco de Mayo weekend, I updated my estimate to possible about 150 pounds. To be safe, I figured a scale that was at least 200# might be the best & safest option.

So if you know of a place that certifies scales, be sure & post it. If you have an idea of costs, note that as well. I would appreciate it.

I've got certified scales that go up to 120lbs, Reuben Heaton. It measures in 4oz increments. I've been looking at either upgrading to a 2oz increment scale or going digital, although I don't like digital scales. Keep in mind that oftentimes as your scales go up in capacity the increments will often increase as well. It would suck to lose out on even a few ounces!

I am a certified weigh station for Parks&Wildlife and I use P&S Scale Company in San Antonio to calibrate my scale yearly to maintain my certification with Parks&Wildlife. The cost to calibrate my scale is $125.00.




Side Note: The Angler Recognition Program of the Texas Parks&Wildlife Dept. is a great program to be part of. I would suggest to get your scale registered (after you get it calibrated) with the Angler Recognition Program and become a certified weigh station in your area. I have met some super people being part of the program. TPW Web Site has all the information on registering scales. You can also give Ron Smith-Program Supervisor TPW a call for any help and questions that you may have.

Appreciate the input!!!

Anybody else, as I am "weighing" the options? Sorry for the pun, but I could not resist.

The reason for getting two scales, was that I might leave one at RB, plus the spare would be a back up. I might get another (non-digital) down the road, but I have to watch the funds.

It would be neat to be a weigh station, but the problem with me is time and availability.

I hope you have a big net

Yep, I do! Larger than the one I landed "Big'Un" in back in July 1985. She almost succeeded in taking me out of the boat in August 1983. "Big'Un" weighed 59# on the meat locker slide scale at Madisonville Meat Locker Plant. They rolled it out to my truck. But it was not tall enough. So the tail lay on the bottom floor of the scale. The guy said it should weigh in at 65 or more, due to that. Not only that, but I & my almost 5 year old daughter (Kristina) caught it between 10 & 10:30 AM. We did not leave the river & camp until Monday morning. It was just over 24 hours later that it weas weighed. Chances are she lost some weight while in captivity. I made up a trough in the back of the pickup.

But if I find out it is not big enough, I might get lucky enough to put "The Giant" to sleep. I also have 3 or 4 gaffs. My biggest worry, is since I plan to catch it while using the new 12 foot flat bottom, it could try to take me out of the boat or turn it over. So I am making up a sort of pontoon on the side to extend out maybe 4 feet & be about 10 feet long. I will run my trotline between the boat & pontoon. Details on my makeshift pontoon coming soon in- <Catfish Tails/Tails-- "The Giant"> thread.

If you're releasing them you might want to look into a weighing sling to help you weigh them safely. Here's one specifically designed for catfishing! Bottom Dwellers Weigh Sling

And here's a review:

Gary Kincaid scale in Forney will certify your scale for free. Mail it to him with a return shipping address and a note telling him what you need and they will mail it back to you. Also, TPWD only requires that the scale be certified every two years.

The scale has to be calibrated yearly as set forth by the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the IGFA. Texas Parks&Wildlife did have a two year period for scale calibration but changed the rules a few years ago.

Very much appreciated, as to all of the input!!! I found another one I am looking at. It is a 660# digital scale with hooks. I have been on the go, so I am low on Vitamin Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Due to the storm, we lost power from 5:15 PM to 7:45 PM out here (NE of Bryan about 16 miles). Lots of rain. Coming home, over half of the 40+ vehicle caravan had their emergency flashers on. Ranging from 30 to 55 MPH. A couple of times, lost sight of the hood, if that gives you an idea of how much was coming down. on the property past the first hump, both tire trails werte like running rivers. After the 2nd hump, it was like the old Prince Charles Tube Chute (from New Braunfels on the Comal River back in 1979). blasting across the drive and under my slide-in camper. I'm bettin' that I will soon have to reset the stands and/or blocks.

Generally, if you purchase 2 scales get one that weighs over 100 pounds and one that weighs 10 pounds. That way if you catch a small record fish the small scale will give you a more accurate reading and potentially a record. My 300 pound scale weighs to 0.1 pounds (1.6 ounces) while my 10 pound scale measures to a tenth of an ounce. Using the more accurate smaller scale has resulted in a state record on several occasions. For a more detailed discussion of this issue you can read my book, “The Art of Fishing for Records.”