Weighing technique - which is best for the fish

hal-markham · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 12:55 pm

I have seen big walleye weighed two different ways, and wonder which is the least harmful for the fish. Either the weigh scale hook is placed in the gill area (basically where you put your hand to lift the fish), or a hole is made with the scale hook in the jaw area to weigh the fish.

Gotta think both methods cause some minimal damage, but which is least harmful, or is there a better way?

TheLandshark · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:04 pm

good question. I am guilty of using the gill. I do however make sure that it doesnt not poke the gill at all. Thebest way would probably have some little walleye cradle similar to that of a musky cradle. Weight he cradle and know the weight of it. I think this would be the best method and maybe less stressful on the fish

Gord Schultz · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:00 pm

I have a mesh bag that I bought for Carp fishing that has been very easy to use. The scale doesn't touch the fish, the bag holds her perfectly, you get a quick measurement and back into the water with her with very little handling, the other advantage is the mesh bag folds nice and small.

Jeff_C · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:10 pm

Has anyone ever tried these?
http://www.bassbag.com/walleyebag.htm

Jeff

TheLandshark · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:31 pm

Those look nice jeff but they are 12 x 25 what are we going to do with the other half of the fish? lol

Gord Schultz · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:08 pm

This is something similar to what I use:

http://www.fishtec.co.uk/productdetaili ... /yes/33208

Jeff_C · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:23 pm

Landshark, you are right! I had seen one before about a year or so ago on the internet that was long enough. I was thinking that it was the Glory Bags but in a walleye version so I searched out "Culling Bag Walleye" and found that one and assumed that it was it. I have seen one before that was longer, I just don't remember who makes it. I just searched again and couldn't find it so maybe it isn't being made anymore.

Jeff

Bob Devine · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:08 pm

The X-Tool weigh scale is very accurate and does not poke a hole. It has a Boca grip to hold fish. They are a bit pricey but worth it if you are releasing your fish.
http://www.tackledirect.com/xtools-grip ... scale.html

letsgofishn · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:22 pm

Have you guys ever tried leaving the fish in the net, and just attach your scale to the mesh? Work well on salmon.

West Lake Willows · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:49 pm

I'm also guilty of weighing from the gills, but being careful to just weigh inside the gill plate, and not touch the gills.

I should get the x-tools one it is much better for the fish.

Scott

Hodgey · **Posted:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:27 pm

Hey Guys,

We were also guilty of doing the exact same this, either popping a small hole under the jaw or just under the gill plate.

However, with some recent research that I have been doing and talking to a number of biologists, the last thing we want to be doing is to hold up a 10lb + Walleye by the gill or jaw and that being the only thing that supports their entire body. This is EXTREMELY bad for the fish. It is imperative to have the fish weighed (quickly) in a small mesh cradle of sorts, similar to the ones that have previously been mentioned. This allows for a balanced load placed on the fish, ultimately doing much less harm to the fish.

I have subsequently made 2 of these bags and will use them for the balance of the season and all through the ice fishing season.

Cheers, Hodgey...

GOT2FSH · **Posted:** Sat Dec 12, 2009 9:47 am

In the net works for me.

West Lake Willows · **Posted:** Sat Dec 12, 2009 11:15 am

When you weigh in the net, can you zero your scale of do you just subtract a pre-determined amount?

Scott

GOT2FSH · **Posted:** Sat Dec 12, 2009 11:34 am

I just subtract. My net waight is about 2.5# when wet.

letsgofishn · **Posted:** Sat Dec 12, 2009 7:22 pm

I zero out my scale, and lift the weight of the fish with the net only. Try your best not to allow the nets handle to interfere with the weight. Works well for me, and does no harm to the fish.

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Weighing technique - which is best for the fish

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