Scale Certification Process and Information
What are the types of scales used to weigh fish?
There are many types of scales on the market, but only four that are typically used to weigh fish for potential I.G.F.A. records:
1. Spring scales ranging from 2 lb. to 100 lb. The better-quality scales are usually made of metal or brass. The most popular scales are made by companies such as Chatillon, Manley and Eastaboga Tackle ("Bogagrip"). Other scales in this group are made by Rapala, Cardoza, and Shimano. Benefits include being easily portable and very sturdy. The wide range of sizes available allows anglers to buy a scale that fits their needs. The only downside is that as the scales get to heavier ranges, they have larger increments.
2. "Dial-face" or "Clock-face" scales ranging from 10 lb. to 300 lb. Companies that make these scales are Chatillon, Kenwood, Salter, Detecto and Accu-Weigh. These are generally of excellent quality - very sturdy, with small increments. Weight readouts are easy to read in photographs. Generally, they are not as portable as spring scales and are best used as "permanently affixed" scales. There are small handheld versions available, but they are not nearly as accurate.
3. Handheld digital scales ranging from 10 lb. to 50 lb. These are the most common scales. Due to mass marketing, quantity matters more than quality. The most popular are Berkley, Normark and Stren. These scales are generally inaccurate, inconsistent and are damaged if dropped or submerged. Some can be certified, though. There are other manufacturers who stress quality, but at a price. Salter is one of them and there are others manufactured in Europe that are of excellent quality. If people are willing to spend money for these, they also tend to be very careful when using them.
4. Heavy-duty digital scales ranging in hundreds to 2,000 lb. These are expensive and accurate, well worth the cost. They are not as easily portable as spring scales, but they have a carrying case. These are for large fish, primarily shark, tuna and marlin. They run on a battery or by electricity. The only downside is the possibility of being caught with no electrical outlets and a dead battery. The only manufacturers I know of in this category are IWS (International Weighing Services) and Cardinal. IWS (previously known as West Weigh Scale Co.) manufactures the Scale Master. Both have a wide range of models to choose from.
What scales can I.G.F.A. certify?
I.G.F.A. can certify scales up to 100 lb. This means that all hand-held spring scales and digital scales can be submitted for certification. "Dial-face" scales in the lower ranges can be certified as well. Those in the higher ranges can be certified by state agencies. Heavy-duty digital scales can be certified (and adjusted) by the manufacturers.
How does I.G.F.A. certify a scale?
Every scale goes through a test where known weights are hung on the scale, and the readouts are noted. I usually test each scale at 5-lb intervals. To be certified, a scale must not be off by more than one increment. Spring scales and "dial-face" scales pass this test for the most part. If the scale does not pass the test, it is usually because of age rather than poor quality. Hand-held digital scales get a 2nd test. I zero out the scale and place a mid-range weight on it. I do this three times. These three tests must match the reading in the first test, meaning all four tests must be the same. If there are any discrepancies from one test to another, then the scale cannot be certified due to inconsistencies. A large portion of hand-held digital scales is not certifiable due to a failure in one or both of these tests.
What scales can I.G.F.A. recommend?
I.G.F.A. cannot recommend any particular brand of scale, but we can recommend a style to give an idea of what is available and what to look for. What works best for anglers depends on how they will be using the scale.
Individuals going out to catch and release fish for potential world records should use hand-held spring scales. They are portable, they are accurate and they are sturdy. It is up to the anglers to determine which scale would work best. They would want to get a scale that is big enough to weigh the fish they are attempting to catch. Using a 100-lb scale (with 1-lb increments) to weigh 5-lb fish would not benefit the angler. Remember, estimated weights are not permitted. If the scale reading is between two marks, the angler must round down to the heaviest known weight. On a scale with 1-lb increments, the angler could lose up to 15 oz. Using a scale that has 1 or 2 oz increments would be the best option for that particular angler.
Certification information:
1. Only IGFA members can have their personal scales certified. This includes Associate members,Regular members, Junior members and Lifetime members. Certified Guides and Captains and CertifiedWeigh Stations can have their scales certified. Of course, it must be no larger than 100 lb.
2. The cost is $30 per scale. If they include a FedEx or UPS number, then the return postage fee is waived. Certified Weigh Stations pay no certification fee- it is covered in their yearly membership fee. Certified Guides and Captains pay a discounted fee of $24.60.
3. If a member brings in the scale in person, it takes about 5 minutes to certify a scale. If they drop it off, it can be shipped to them or they can pick it up the next time they visit. If a scale is sent in to IGFA, the scale will be on its way back within one or two weeks.
