

Details
About the Wide Dial Fishing Scale With Tape Measure
Analogue fishing scales are the simplest way to weigh a catch: a spring, a needle and a dial. This one shows kilograms on the inner ring and pounds on the outer ring, so you can record a fish either way, and a 1m (39in) tape measure pulls out from the housing beneath it.
WSB Tackle is a Cornish firm. It started in 1970 as Western Seabaits, netting sandeels and selling sea baits, and grew into a tackle wholesaler based in Redruth. This WSB Tackle fishing scale carries the firm's name on the card and the tape housing. As a fish weight scale, it's about as simple as they come, which is the point.
Why choose a dial over a screen? Angling Direct notes that analogue scales don't need batteries, while digital ones need batteries and can be more vulnerable to water. Angling Times says many anglers prefer mechanical dial scales for their reliability. A needle can take a moment to settle, so hold still and give it a second.
To weigh a fish fairly, hang the wet, empty weigh sling first and note what it weighs, so you can take it off the total. Then lift steadily by the handle and read the needle. Measure on a wet mat with the tape and get released fish back quickly.
If you plan to keep a fish, check the minimum size for that species and area on GOV.UK and with your local IFCA. For bass, the minimum is 42cm, and closed seasons and daily limits apply too.
Specifications
The details
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Wide dial or Zebco digital?
Wide dialYou're here
Zebco digitalHow to use
In four simple steps
Dip the sling in the water and squeeze out the excess.
Hang the empty wet sling on the hook and note the reading, or set the needle to zero if your scale has an adjuster.
Lift steadily by the handle and let the needle settle.
Run the tape along the fish on a wet mat, then release it.
Great value
First use was straightforward and I would pack it again.Good
Useful fishing bit, can't moan. 🦀solid
Tried it on a short session and it behaved as expected. The finish, weight and size all felt right for the sort of fishing it for. It did not feel like cheap novelty kit, which was my main worry. It felt useful for the less glamorous part of fishing, which is why I bought it.fine
fine for pier fishing and holidays.could be better
It helped a bit, but the first impression was mixed. I would check the details closely before recommending it to someone else.Does the job
Decent enough for the coast. It felt useful for the less glamorous part of fishing, which is why I bought it. The first use told me more than the listing ever could.Every review is shown, low scores included. The breakdown chart appears from 10 reviews.
FAQs
Questions about the Wide Dial Fishing Scale With Tape Measure
What is the maximum weight this fishing scale can weigh?
22kg, which is 50lb. The dial shows both units, kilograms inside and pounds outside. That's plenty for most fish caught from UK shores and boats, as well as carp and other coarse fish.
Does the scale have a tape measure built in?
Yes, a 1m (39in) tape measure sits in the housing under the dial, so this is a wide dial scale with tape included. Draw it out along the fish on a wet mat. Length is what minimum sizes use, so it's worth recording alongside the weight.
Does this fishing scale need batteries?
No. It's an analogue spring scale, so there's nothing to charge or replace. Angling Direct notes that analogue scales don't need batteries, so they're always ready to use, though the needle can take a moment longer to settle than a digital screen.
How do I weigh a fish without hurting it?
Use a wet weigh sling. Weigh the empty sling first so you can take it off, put the fish in, then lift steadily. Keep the fish low over a wet mat and return it quickly. Angling Times and Angling Direct both recommend weighing in a wet sling.
Is this scale a good gift for an angler?
It's a practical one. Most anglers want a weight and a length for a good fish, and this does both without batteries. It fits a tackle box or boat bag, and it suits sea and coarse anglers alike.
Can I use it to weigh fish for sale?
No. It isn't sold as a trade-approved scale, so it's for recording your own catch. Selling fish has its own rules too: for example, bass caught from the shore can't be sold, so check with your local IFCA if you're unsure.
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Est. 2012Down The Cove · founded in Cornwall, 2012
A small family-run shop with Cornish roots
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