Using Fish Weighing Scales to Weigh Salmon

Fish weighing scales are one of the most important pieces of equipment for anglers as it allows for the accurate recording of their weight recreationally and for competitions.

Salmon fishing in particular is one of the most popular forms of sport fishing in the UK, and for this blog we’re going to showcase how an accurate fish weighing scale is an integral part of angling tackle.

What kind of weighing scale is used for salmon fishing?

Salmon fishing requires the use of a hanging scale as this is the easiest and safest way to weigh a live fish. Whilst other forms of fishing may opt to use IP rated industrial and commercial scales with weighing pans, recreational anglers would find this difficult and impractical to use.

If you aren't looking for recreational fishing scales, we also stock a wide range of weighing scales for fishmongers!

What scales do salmon pros use?

For pro salmon fishers, there are a number of characteristics that are important when purchasing a fish weighing scale – we’ve listed them below:

Accuracy – It’s no good having a fish weighing scale that is giving you the wrong results and it’s important you can trust the weight readings when measuring salmon.

Durability – Weighing a moving salmon in potentially wet and dirty environments means that any fish weighing scale will have to cope with rigorous working conditions.

Portability – Fish weighing scales need to be able to fit easily inside a bag without taking up too much space, and they also need to be able to stay charged for long periods of time.

What is the best way to measure a salmon?

There are two main metrics when measuring salmon; weight and length – but which one should you go by? The answer is both, although measuring weight is generally easier to achieve accurate results:            

The length of a fish can be altered by factors such as not weighing on a flat surface – something that is sometimes difficult to find on a river bank – or weighing the fish when its mouth is not closed. Some measuring equipment such as fold out mats are also susceptible to stretching or shrinking if left out in the sun, so they are often likely to give inaccurate results.

How do you weigh a salmon?

Salmon weighing is a quick and simple process, but there are some important things to consider to ensure the fish is comfortable during weighing and that your results are accurate.

Begin by setting up your fish weighing scale and selecting the correct units. It’s also recommended that your scale is already in the correct weighing function - i.e. peak hold function – before handling the salmon. It can be a good idea to test the fish weighing scale on another object so that you are comfortable with using it and that the setup is ready to go.

Next pick up the salmon by its jaw/mouth and attach the hook underneath the gill plate, making sure the hook is sitting in the centre of the fish underneath the jaw. Once secure gently remove your hands, taking time to make sure the fish doesn’t wriggle, and record the weight using the display. Simply unhook the salmon and return it to the water.

What fish scale do we recommend?

The Kern CH Hanging Scale is the perfect scale for weighing salmon, as it is so simple to use with a straightforward 3-button user interface. Users can easily pick up the scale, use the stainless steel weighing hook to weigh the salmon and read the weighing results on the generous sized display. There is even a built in 100cm measuring tape for recording salmon length from

A digital hanging scale boasts far higher levels of precision than a traditional mechanical scale, and thanks to a unique 4-mode hold function, users will also get accurate results even when weighing moving subjects.

The Kern CH Hanging Scale also features a durable design with a tough, long lasting ABS plastic housing that can deal with rigorous use, and can be cleaned down easily after use.

Weighing moving subjects like fish can also make it difficult to acquire an accurate weight reading, so many fish weighing scales come with a peak hold function to help combat this.

For any more information on the Kern CH Hanging Scale, please Get In Touch with us.

Related blogs:

Top Tips to Choosing the Best Fish Weighing Scale for Your Needs

What to Consider When Buying a Scale for Fish Weighing