Having a good fishing ruler and fish scale on hand is not only important to me so that I can weigh and measure my fish, a good way to measure your fish is critical to ensuring that you fish are a legal size to keep if you decide to keep some of your catch for a good night’s meal of fresh fish. A good scale needs to be digital, and backlit for easy reading. A good fishing ruler or measuring tape needs to be easy to see, rust free, with big numbers. A nice to have feature is a non-reflective type material so that there will not be reflections in your pictures, and the numbers will show up clearly when you take a photo.
Fish Scales
For fishing scales, I prefer the digital type as they are easier to read, but they just look nicer. They are a little more expensive, but you really do get what you pay for. The components are nicer on the inside, and for me they do tend to last longer and maintain their accuracy. There are all kinds of different fish measuring tapes, rulers, and scales on the market. What sets them apart is the differences in quality, durability, and their different features. A general rule of thumb is that you do get what you pay for. There are scales built into lip grippers for being able to hold the fish and measure quick to let the fish go as quickly as possible. There are scales that allow for saving of your different fish weight’s so that you can track your catch throughout the day. The most important features that I look for in a fish scale are that it is digital for ease of use and accuracy. I also look for the high contrast and backlit fish scales for ease of reading as well.
Rapala 50 Pound High Contrast Digital Fish Scale
The Rapala® 50 Pound High Contrast Digital Fish Scale makes weighing your catch super easy. This fish scale is perfect for both small tournaments fishermen, and weekend fishermen as well. This scale has a large, Reverse Image LCD for easy viewing no matter what the light conditions are, or weather, when you are out on the water. Simple, quick, and easy navigation through the multiple menu options for simple operation. The fish lip gripper lets you lift, weigh, take a photo, and safely release your fish without harming yourself or the fish. The perfect fish scale for any angler.
Why We Like This Digital Fish Scale
It is digital, with large numbers, and a Backlit DisplayBuilt in fish lip gripper makes holding the fish easyTop quality, from the top brand in fishing accessoriesFish Rulers and Measurement TapesFor fishing rulers or to measure the length of your fish, I find that it is important to find a ruler or measuring tape that won’t rust. Being out on the water, especially when it’s raining or you have thick fog to contend with, you encounter all kinds of moisture that will rust some of the metal type measuring tape’s. The rust gets worse over time. You can also find rulers with a wide tape with a glare free background and large measurements so that you can take good pictures of your catch.
Rapala 60" Retractable Fish Ruler
Rapala developed my new favorite piece of fishing gear with the Rapala 60” Retractable Fish Ruler. I don’t know how many different fish measuring ruler type things that I have had to buy over my fishing lifetime. It’s a lot. They get rusty, and you can’t see the numbers on the old style. This ruler won’t rust. It’s small, rolls up and fits nicely into your fishing tackle bag. It is spring loaded, and it when it rolls out you can see how large it is, perfect for taking photos. The numbers are high contrast, easy to see in your photos. The numbers are oversized, so it’s so quick and easy to get a good measurement. The non reflective surface makes it to where the numbers will still show up in your picture, no more glare! It is from a durable, and long lasting, UV protected, waterproof material, and has a flip up nose board for accurate measuring.This Rapala rectractable fish ruler is spring loaded for quick roll up for easy storage. It has oversized, easy to read numbers, in half inch increments up to 60 inches. The surface of the tape measure is non-reflective to give you excellent photo shots. It has a non-reflective surface that ensures the length of your catch shows up in your photos. It is made from a UV protected, waterproof material that is long lasting so it will last you season after season of fishing adventures. It has a flip up nose board for accurate measuring as well.
Why We Like This Retractable Fish Ruler
This ruler has large, high contrast, and easy to read numbersThe measurer is large, about the size of your palm, and rolls up nicelyIt is Made by Rapala, my favorite go to brand in high quality fishing accessoriesThe measuring tape has a non-reflective surface, making it great for taking pictures
BEST FISHING TOOLS AND PLIERS
Fishing Tools and Pliers
Having the right tools when you are out fishing gives me peace of mind that I have the right tools for the job. A few key tools are important to have with you. A good digital fish scale, a good fish measuring tape, a good fish fillet knife, a good pair of pliers, a good pair of scissors or line cutters, and a good sturdy lip gripper to hold my fish for photos and less risk to injury to the fish. I used the word good quite a few times in that last sentence because I think it’s important. If you want your tools to work when you need them, you should buy good quality tools. I don’t know how many times that I have sat there trying to cut through braided line to have it just bend and bend and not cut. Or for my pliers to have them not be able to do what I need them to do because they are too flimsy. This is where Rapala comes in. I never leave home without them. I like to buy the multi-packs for the cost savings, and to get a good matched set. I haven’t had any of them fail for me yet, and I’m not gentle on anything. When your out in the elements, fishing in the rain, fishing on the rocks, you name it, it’s hard not to be rough on your fishing gear. These tools take a licking and keep on ticking. Very good quality products from Rapala. The best two tool combo’s are the Rapala Magnetic Tool Holder Combo 2, and the Performance Tool Combo. The magnetic tool holder works great if you are on a boat where your tools can bounce around, the magnetic holder holds the tools in place. Comes with the magnetic tool holder, that is easy to mount onto your boat, and a side cutter, and a pair of super line scissors. The Rapala performance tool combo comes with a pair of 6” Mag Spring Pliers, a pair of precision line scissors, and a 6” floating fish gripper. The perfect sized tools, in the perfect set. All are very high quality, highly durable, and will get the job done!
Rapala Performance Tool Combo
The Rapala Performance Tool Combo includes all of the essential tools that every fisherman should have! The Mag Spring Pliers utilize a Mag Spring system that keeps your pliers open and ready for use each time. The Precision Line Scissors are top notch when it comes to cutting and trimming micro super lines, as well as all thick and braided fishing lines. The Floating Fish Lip Grippers make fast work of landing and releasing your fish without hurting you or the fish.
Rapala Performance Tool Combo Includes
6" Mag Spring Pliers - No metal springs to rust or lose, the magnets hold the jaws open. Made from 420 stainless steel with tin nickel alloy plating. Includes sheath. Precision Line Scissor - Spring loaded for easy single hand operation. Excellent in cutting micro super fishing lines, up to thick braided lines. Also include the 6" Floating Fish Gripper - Securely holds fish eliminating injury to the fisherman and the fish. Has a quick release mechanism for quick and easy release of the fish. Available from Bass Pro Shops or the Rapala website.
Cuda Titanium Alloy Fishing Pliers
The Cuda 7.25" Titanium Alloy Plier & Mono Braid Cutters features integrated tungsten carbide braid and mono cutting blades with high leverage cutting action, cutting lines will be quick and simple, and the powerful pliers will pull the hook out of the toughest fish mouths so releasing your fish will also be quick and easy. The Titanium Alloy body is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, adding durability and longevity to the life of the pliers so they will be ready and dependable when you need them year after year. Includes a hand crafted leather sheath and a convenient lanyard, providing peace of mind that you won’t lose your pliers as they will always be securely fastened to your person. Available from Bass Pro Shop
Offshore Angler Aluminum Pliers
The rugged 7 1/2" high visibility red Offshore Angler™ Aluminum Pliers is made from solid, lightweight aluminum providing you with reliable performance without adding the extra weight to your belt. Coated carbon steel inserts make the jaws very strong and durable. The tungsten cutters are replaceable, and are perfect for slicing through tough braided line. Includes a nylon sheath for carrying. Available from Bass Pro Shops
Rapala Stainless Tool Combo
The Rapala® Stainless Tools Combo is custom designed to meet the demanding standards that fisherman have on their fishing gear, with features that make sense when you are fishing. Tool combo comes with an 8 ½ inch stainless steel fishing pliers, 5 ½ inch stainless steel forceps, dual tool sheath, and belt clip, keeping your tools available on your side for when you need them, organized, and together. Available from Bass Pro Shops or the Rapala website.
Rapala Mag Spring Fishing Pliers
The Rapala® Mag Spring Fishing Pliers provide you with an easy to use, strong grip when you need it. With Rapala's unique Mag Spring system, these pliers stay open and ready for simple one handed use so you can still hold your fishing rod or a fish with your other hand. Made from durable 420 stainless steel with tin nickel alloy plating, providing you with the strength and durability fishermen need and rely upon. The offset design of these fishing pliers gives you more leverage, while helping you get to hard to reach hooks. The pliers handles are vented, and soft touch giving you a solid, and comfortable grip. These Rapala fishing pliers also have serrated jaws and a line cutter. Comes with a pivoting, quick draw sheath with belt loop and clip. Available from Bass Pro Shops or the Rapala website. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Fishing Rulers and Scales Shopping Experience Awaits!