This is some good stuff. Thanks to all.

I'm thinking about buying some 10X power loops from Forestry Suppliers (They are cheep) and very portable. Being that our lake is located in Michigan is it fair to assume that the scale readings will be fairly easy and the other method will not be necessary?

Our fish species are expected to be mostly:

LMB
YP
BG
Crappy
Northern Pike
Common Carp

Anyone see any complications for aging these species?