Things a scale needs :
1) A weight that easily plugs into an Excel spreadsheet. If your Relative Weight spreadsheet measures in LBS. and OZ., the scales that weigh fish as 1.89 lbs are useless without calculating the conversion.
2) The scale needs to be handy as you walk the shoreline, if you catch a fish, it should be right there.
3) Easy on/off function
4) A large display that performs well in direct sunlight
5) Digital for accuracy reasons.
The Berkley 50 lb. Digital Fish Scale (about 20 bucks) meets the top 5 requirements for me. I weigh and measure each fish most of the time.
6) A roll out tape measure that functions in the "fish hanging" position. I haven't found a quality scale that has this, but I will buy one if someone can recommend a scale that meets all 6 functions I like
I carry the Berkley with me by looping the dull hook thru a beltloop. When I catch a fish, I lip the fish with my left hand and remove the hook, slide the scale off and hit the ON button, hold it up, slide the hook gently up under the gill and let go. the weight is instant, as I remove the fish from the scale, I have it lipped again with my left hand, place the scale back on the belt loop and remove clamped tape measure off by belt and get the length.
4 seconds...the hard part is remembering it
I can usually remember 4 or 5 fish, but like to carry a pen in my pocket to even up the odds when there is a lull. You will be surprised at what a 9oz. fish can tell you. I run RW's for both BG & LMB
