Doesn’t matter what scales are used the important thing is the same scales, sling and weigh person is required for every weigh and angler to ensure consistency. You cannot use multiple scales across an event unless they are accurately calibrated between each angler.
Wow great topic guys. Digital for me. I do the weigh in on our club matches and we have a set of Rueben Heaton scales. At the start of the weigh in we zero the bag and when it is removed it reads -3Ib 1oz. ( yes I can remember the weight 😜 )Every time we take it off to put fish back on the water it reads -3Ib 1oz. If there is a change in the weight when the bag is removed we just zero the empty bag again. The scales do alter as the fish jump about but we just wait for them to settle and the scales will hold automatically. The club does have some dial scales but that caused a few raised eyebrows so we just keep using the digital scales and everyone is happy. I have taken them to Ruebens factory in Nuneaton to have them calibrated and so far so good. A great video again guys with a fantastic topic, keep up the good work and tight lines. 🎣🎣
Very debatable subject and we'll presented. My opinion as to Fisho is that the half hour weigh in should be to keep the viewing audience in touch with how the Match is progressing and made known that the weight of all fish caught by an angler after the all out will determine the result. The final weigh-in procedure should be to set rules and you guys covered this well. I.e all sets of scales calibrated and of good quality.
I was at Westwood for Fisho. With the first weigh error, lbs instead of kg, kieran was correct to ask for a reweigh. My conclusion ofter the event was there must have been a problem with the scales and or how they were used. I saw a few weighing live in front of me and there were process differences occurring between the scales teams. Yes, i think your comments and analysis of the event is spot on. It needs to be better and all scales calibrated. For the reweigh, they had to go get a different set of scales because the ones they had been using during the match died!
I do agree with the way it should be done. There is a government weigh and measurement department and you will get a certificate on their accuracy. For all big money matches this should be done and include the certificate in the program
Good topic, Needs more discussion, particularly amongst those who run the big money matches like the Feederking, Feedermasters, Riverfest etc. A professional weighing in process needs to be created and used in all the major comps.
My thoughts. for fisho and £50,000 and for TV. the half hour weigh ins are great to see whats going on, not a problem. But for a match with that amount of prestige and money hanging on it. At the end of the Match, everyone's final weight should be weighed in on the same set of scales by the same people. The same as every other match. No arguments then. might take a bit longer, which might be a problem for TV, but its worth so much. Personaly i would prefer dial Scales. but as long as everyone was weighed in on the same set of scales by the same people, job done.
It’s vital that the guy on the scales is briefed and experienced for big matches, personally I prefer a set of quality dial scales in a match but as long as they are calibrated correctly and everyone is happy then digital would be OK.
Maybe the manufacturer of the scales could come along and show the correct way to use the scales. They could also tread there wares at the same time. Good video boys
I was there at this years fisho and I noticed from the second weigh that things were not right, first thing was scales not settling during weighing the fish, second was overhearing after the third weigh from the people doing the weighing " that they had to get it right as Andy Bennett's was wrong yet again" And finally the weighing net having to wait up to 4 or 5 minutes for the camera crews to catch up, which meant the wet net that was zeroed on the scales was nearly dry when they put the fish in and over so many weighs this loss of water will add up on the final total. I do like the half an hour weigh in's but with so many things going around the competitors there's always going to be a mistake.
I think digital scales are best but like you said one or multiple scales sould be calibrated and a strict order of weight in set and no re weight it can spoil matches and friends some time .Fishing is a great sport and the rules have to be laid down and the first thing is the scales and order of doing it thanks great video and banter thight lines
Good topic:- 1, use scales that only weigh kilos 2, like you say, have a set procedure for weighing 3, a correct way to get fish from net to scales 4, no speaking to weighers till weigh in done
Half hour weigh ins equal 10 times the risk of error ….. I get tv likes it but you should use it as a guide and then do as all other matches - weigh in for final result at the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if sky doesn’t walk away, as a minimum sport drawn into question …… forget just winners, what about other years, and £2k section winners ……. Let’s do it once at the end to verify !
Yep as a club angler who regularly does the weighing we only use quality dial scales which are serviced before the season starts and checked throughout the season and rarely is there a problem with them. The problem is people I always zero each time however one chap will dispute the call over half an ounce on his net yet if he does some weighing never zeros and calls a weight to the nearest 4oz so yes I do agree there should be a set procedure and everyone involved should actually be trained to carry out that process and even replaced if they are not consistent and not up to the job. It may seem harsh and nobody likes upsetting volunteers but for the biggest competitions it’s an absolute must.
Agree with the recommendations. I’d also add, to create TV drama, that if the top weights are all within a pre specified tolerance then the anglers within that tolerance go into extra time or first to catch the next fish. A bit like the golden point in rugby league, instead have the ‘golden fish’, for example.
I think it would be interesting to see half hr weighs for the 1st 3hrs and then hr weighs for the last 2hrs. May improve the weights for the last 2hrs. Also 1 set of scales should be 4 everyone.
Good quality scales, tare properly. Fish in the net, net on the scales. Wait for a few seconds and press hold and let the scales calculate the average. Sometimes an umbrella is needed for accurate weigering in harsh conditions. Just my 2 cents.
There are still too many hands involved in the weigh in......at Fish O even the TV people were messing with the scales. There is still a (small) problem with weigh sling touching outside agencies (e.g. bodies , arms , trousers)....and weigh slings bottoming out on the ground because the tripod has not been set correctly.....weighings done without tripods...etc etc.
The old bar scales never had that problem, once it was balanced that's the weight. As they say if it's not broken. Yes they were hard to use but those who used them they could weigh quickly
Angling TRUST - we have to trust that the governing body appoint scales to people who know how to conduct themselves and follow an agreed procedure (agreed BEFORE the event). Brief the anglers as well as those doing the weigh-in so that everyone involved is aware. Relay this to the viewer during the broadcast.. Organisers and competitors must agree and accept that the scales operators call is final at the time unless an immediate objection is lodged. Yes, we must have certification of calibration on the scales used, AND they need to be the same brand / type of scales, not weighing one section on dial scales and another on digital. Everyone must agree on the smallest unit of weight too. 1 ounce is 28.whatever grams, and digital metric scales weigh to finer than that in most cases. Fresh batteries are a must too. Maybe move the Fisho weigh-ins to hourly - less bankside distrubance, etc., or weigh pegs 1-4, 9-12, 17-20 on the half hour mark, then 5-8, 13-16 and 21-24 on the hour. That would mean 3 sets of scales, 3 pairs of scales operators, working 8 pegs each. Less room for error with fewer working parts, hopefully. Alternatively, do it on a fish count, like in the Worlds, and just do one weigh-in at the end (and let the pundits in the studio, the viewers, and the spectators guess and speculate a bit more).
As you guys know i have weighed in countless matches including maver match this/golden reel & the fishomania qualifiers at the glebe my take on it is i have a set procedure for weighing in using the Sportsscale digitals as we use the ollyskins weigh buckets 60lb limit as BOTH the bag & scales this is the ideal weight for them in unison without spilling fish out the bag or going over the scales capacity...This is the procedure i always do it in as follows :...1)...Fully immerse the bag in the lake (bag weighs 3.2lb -3.8lb) so i know just by looking at the scales if the bag is still on 3.4lb which is the precise weight for that bag i am using on the day it is right 2)...Place weigh bag on the scales with them still turned off then turn on which automatically weighs the bag to 0! 3)... Place fish into the bag then proceed to weigh by PLACING the bag on the scales DO NOT dump the fish on the digitals as this in my experience kills them off with clumsy use also the more gentle you place the fish on the scale the less they jump around with 1 net 1 weigh! 4) Confirm with angler they are happy...Next angler down the bank...Job done!.
For me weigh ins every half hour should be kept for media purposes then a final weigh in at the end . Scales men should have been trained / told how to weigh in so every one is on par . You only weigh in at the end of all other matches / qualifiers and digital for me
Use the 30mins weight in as a guide to leaders then a final weight in at end All sets of scales must be same manufacturer same battery's and calibration done by a reputable firm
Things need to. be sorted at Fisho. Dial scales required and used by experienced people. Drop the half hour weigh in, possibly in favour of a fish count, this could add more excitement. The A.T. do some great work, but somehow they manage to bodge stuff up, especially over the last few seasons and for a body that wants 'professionalism' they seem to lack it at times, then try and placate the blame elsewhere. They could get experienced guys to do the weighs, but they don't it seems.
My opinion is, there should be only 1 weigh in that counts...at the end, carried out by same team with same scales same way. Have a running total for fun if there has to be one, but it should just be a rough guide....because that's all it actually amounts to,on all evidence! Too many variables such as weighing speed and loss of water in weights with different weigh in teams and different scales. This time, as the rules stood...which everybody knew before the start, they should have used the running total...which clearly was a flawed process, but was agreed beforehand. Change the process.
Surely big competitions should include a professional weighting team supervised by a high quality manufacturer like 'Reuben Heaton' themselves. Each scale is identical, tested and calibrated in front of witnesses and then certified?? Each weight sling should identical and a standard procedure followed by certified individuals who have attended a short course on correct weight-in procedures. Each team should carry 2-3 identical certified scales and slings in case of failure or a dispute. Its not much to ask when the prize money is 50 grand is it? its either that or you go down the route of the predator match boys and measure each fish in cm, take a photo of it on the measure and then use a fixed formula to generate a weight from the measurement.
Easiest way to solve everything is to have a weigh in and the end of five hours, one set on scales digital or analogue and one reader. I know you guys enjoy the half hour weigh ins and its great for tv, but if you want to keep it that way I think you just have got to take it for what it is, you won't get every one doing it exactly the same way there Will always be slight differences like you already said. I don't know why they even started doing half hour weigh ins thouh, I mean I can't see a non angler sitting and watching fishing for five hours so what was the point? Any match angler in England knows one weigh in after the matches they would have expected the same with fisho
I thought the weigh in at Fisho was a joke 18 kg called out when it looked to 6-8 at best for a comp with 50 k prize money it needs to be a lot better and more professional
Id say a reweigh was right. But for TV viewing and the Anti Angling brigade the tipping fish in the sling only to find the scales were wrong, tipping them back out to get a new set of scales and re-zero'd and then tipping them back in the sling again was cringe worthy, It was embarrassing. Sorry to say.
If you speak with a weights & measures inspector the best & most accurate scales are electronic digital scales. Always get them checked first especially by a weights & measures inspector in important matches. Use professional trusted scalesmen who are use the scales & weigh matches regularly. Spring scales are notoriously inaccurate thus digital electronic scales are the most trusted in all retail & wholesale situations.
If the angler is not happy you have the right to question the decision I have before a bouncing call was 2 lb less then I had but reweigh got me in the frame so yes question and check always.
Once it was seen that the variation of nearly 5kg on the 3 who were reweighed, every angler should have had there total catch reweighed. As a long time match angler who watched the event for the first time in years, the decision making and what actually happened made match angling look absolutely pathetic and amateurish.
Agree with most of what you say, but 10 weigh ins every half hour can create an error of a few ounces {grams}. I disagree with your view not to have a re-weigh if its ever so close. You want the "winner" to be the actually winner with no doubt. Just my view lads.
There's a he'll of a lot of money involved in Angling nowadays, so why the he'll don't these match officials/organisers use the best scales on the market. Also I'm sure you can calibrate digital or spring loaded against each other. But the rules of the match should say we are using 1 or the other scales for this match and that's it. I wasn't happy with fish O maina, it dragged on for to long and supposed to be looking after or assets which are the fish!
Stupid question maybe why cant the people who make the scales have their employees operate the scales wearing their firms logo on said clothing so as to promote their brand at the same time . At least ghey will know how to oerate them !
The general consensus from the comments is professional weighing teams provided by the suppliers of the scales, and maybe at the start of the competition a video or display of best practice of using the equipment by the suppliers and weighing teams.....👍🎣
First and foremost the people weighing in need to be competent by that I mean have knowledge and training of how to use the scales whether dial scales or digital. Some of the guys weighing in were touching the outside of the scale that's a massive no no. A handle on the scale is there for a reason and that is hanging the scales unaided no hands are needed in the process other than putting the weigh net on the hook. The scales should be on a tripod too. It's easy if you know how but during the fisho final it was cringe worthy watching it. In my specimen fishing I use both dial and digital from reuben heaton if its a special fish I will use both to confirm the weight and because I get them calibrated there always the same reading.
Where do you start with this one 🤦🏻♂️ I’ve still not heard what the grounds were for the re weigh? I don’t mean everyone’s opinion of what led to it, I mean who actually asked for it and on what grounds? Surely the angler asking for it has to have a solid ‘official’ reason for asking, which the organisers either agree with and consent to, or disagree with and don’t. Did each anglers helper understand their role on the day? The angler can’t watch the scales in this format, they’re fishing, so the helper (Gary Rodgers in this instance) represents Kieran and approves each weigh in, no ifs, no buts, just as though he was having his own fish weighed, he calls it at the time. In this instance, I’m afraid it looked a bit like sour grapes asking for a re weigh at the end and let’s be honest, anyone who knows angling, knows a re weigh will result in a different weight, because you’re dealing with living things that hold different amounts of moisture, waste and slime and nets that hold different amounts of said slime, waste and moisture. A re weigh will give you different weights, it’s as simple as that and nobody should be surprised about this. If Gary (and Kieran) had a genuine problem with one of their weighs, they should have called it earlier than the end of the match (perhaps they did?) because re weighing all of the fish is a bit of a lottery and as Lee said, I think we’re all thankful that the result turned out how it did. As for weighing, you’ve got a lot of people commenting on here and social media who’ve never weighed big bags of fish and never used the various types of scales. I agree with Lee and Rob that a standard weighing procedure should always be used across the board, it removes margins for error and complaints. On the whole and based on my match fishing experience, the weighing I saw seemed OK. I say ‘seemed’, because you never get a standard view from the camera, so like the lads said, if the camera focussed in as scales were bouncing/settling, viewers saw some readings which were higher than the final weight and also you couldn’t see what the scalesman’s hands were doing or if anything was touching the net. Only the anglers helper on each weigh in can tell you how good each weigh was. I will say however, just like Lee said, the scalesman’s hands should be totally clear of the scales when they zero. I’ve seen it with club scales, where pressure put on the body of the scale, or the scalesman holding them at an angle to read the display, will result in an incorrect weight, so this is where the standard procedure should come in. I’m afraid on the day, I came away with a negative attitude of Gary and to some extent Kieran, because whatever their beef was, it should have been called at that particular weigh in, not at the end once they realised the aggregate weight was close. That debacle did a lot of harm to fishing to a large televised audience and I hope very much that measures are put in place to ensure it never, ever happens again. I would add to the standard procedure that the filming is done the same each time, from a fixed point, with a wide angle and only zooming in on the display once they have held at the final weight. They should then pan to the anglers helpers to see their verbal agreement with that weight. That way, there’s no need for a reweigh, if there’s a complaint, the officials just rewatch that weigh in to ensure procedure was followed. This also stops the armchair scalesmen and conspiracy theories on social media. Thanks for covering this Lee and Rob, I think it needs proper, sensible debate 🎣👍🏻
It's so annoying. When you watch a particular sport . Whether it's motor sports or tennis, they use the best measuring equipment. Tag rolex . Watevers needed. Ruben Heaton makes the very best scales. I personally, when weighing fish on film, use the very best reuben Heaton .match scales. They trusted accurate and respected as the very best . All high end match,s need to replicate this as it's the o ly trusted way. I've seen some dubious weighing of pike were same fish weights recorded a lb deference with dogcrap so called quality expensive scales. There's some absolutely crap equipment on the market
I watched the whole weigh in fiasco. Its difficult to believe that after all these years, and with £50k at stake, they have'nt worked out an accurate system of deciding who won. The angler who raised it should be congratulated. I suspect the problem is that the production company and Sky have not asked for, or bothered, taking advice from their proper anglers. The fact that they have continued using the football bozo as a front man for all these years says it all. Then they have the weigh in commentators who have absolutely no idea about fishing, and who are under pressure via their earpieces to come up with quick totals at every weigh in. Additionally, and you touched on this, it is not the angler who faces the scales and indicates agreement with a weight given-again broadcasting pressure gets the hurry up. As you know, any angler normally 'agrees' the weight with the scales person before the fish go back. I used to watch these avidly for 5 hours, now I just watch the weigh in. Doing angling no favours at all.
Doesn’t matter what scales are used the important thing is the same scales, sling and weigh person is required for every weigh and angler to ensure consistency. You cannot use multiple scales across an event unless they are accurately calibrated between each angler.
Wow great topic guys.
Digital for me. I do the weigh in on our club matches and we have a set of Rueben Heaton scales. At the start of the weigh in we zero the bag and when it is removed it reads -3Ib 1oz. ( yes I can remember the weight 😜 )Every time we take it off to put fish back on the water it reads -3Ib 1oz. If there is a change in the weight when the bag is removed we just zero the empty bag again. The scales do alter as the fish jump about but we just wait for them to settle and the scales will hold automatically. The club does have some dial scales but that caused a few raised eyebrows so we just keep using the digital scales and everyone is happy. I have taken them to Ruebens factory in Nuneaton to have them calibrated and so far so good. A great video again guys with a fantastic topic, keep up the good work and tight lines. 🎣🎣
Very debatable subject and we'll presented. My opinion as to Fisho is that the half hour weigh in should be to keep the viewing audience in touch with how the Match is progressing and made known that the weight of all fish caught by an angler after the all out will determine the result. The final weigh-in procedure should be to set rules and you guys covered this well. I.e all sets of scales calibrated and of good quality.
I was at Westwood for Fisho. With the first weigh error, lbs instead of kg, kieran was correct to ask for a reweigh.
My conclusion ofter the event was there must have been a problem with the scales and or how they were used. I saw a few weighing live in front of me and there were process differences occurring between the scales teams.
Yes, i think your comments and analysis of the event is spot on. It needs to be better and all scales calibrated.
For the reweigh, they had to go get a different set of scales because the ones they had been using during the match died!
I do agree with the way it should be done.
There is a government weigh and measurement department and you will get a certificate on their accuracy.
For all big money matches this should be done and include the certificate in the program
Good topic, Needs more discussion, particularly amongst those who run the big money matches like the Feederking, Feedermasters, Riverfest etc.
A professional weighing in process needs to be created and used in all the major comps.
My thoughts. for fisho and £50,000 and for TV. the half hour weigh ins are great to see whats going on, not a problem. But for a match with that amount of prestige and money hanging on it. At the end of the Match, everyone's final weight should be weighed in on the same set of scales by the same people. The same as every other match. No arguments then. might take a bit longer, which might be a problem for TV, but its worth so much. Personaly i would prefer dial Scales. but as long as everyone was weighed in on the same set of scales by the same people, job done.
It’s vital that the guy on the scales is briefed and experienced for big matches, personally I prefer a set of quality dial scales in a match but as long as they are calibrated correctly and everyone is happy then digital would be OK.
Totally agree with u both
Maybe the manufacturer of the scales could come along and show the correct way to use the scales. They could also tread there wares at the same time. Good video boys
Saw you Rob on the wrong end of a section at Iberian Masters where they never zeroed between anglers, the far end got a free kilo of mud
Old School SCALES please with tripods for big comps ...we had old school at Bough beach last week
I was there at this years fisho and I noticed from the second weigh that things were not right, first thing was scales not settling during weighing the fish, second was overhearing after the third weigh from the people doing the weighing " that they had to get it right as Andy Bennett's was wrong yet again" And finally the weighing net having to wait up to 4 or 5 minutes for the camera crews to catch up, which meant the wet net that was zeroed on the scales was nearly dry when they put the fish in and over so many weighs this loss of water will add up on the final total.
I do like the half an hour weigh in's but with so many things going around the competitors there's always going to be a mistake.
Need to keep 1/2 hr weigh in,s, as Lee said have a standard procedure for every weigh. Also having a qualified checker each time is a must.
Bag on .. ❤❤
I think digital scales are best but like you said one or multiple scales sould be calibrated and a strict order of weight in set and no re weight it can spoil matches and friends some time .Fishing is a great sport and the rules have to be laid down and the first thing is the scales and order of doing it thanks great video and banter thight lines
Good topic:-
1, use scales that only weigh kilos
2, like you say, have a set procedure for weighing
3, a correct way to get fish from net to scales
4, no speaking to weighers till weigh in done
Half hour weigh ins equal 10 times the risk of error ….. I get tv likes it but you should use it as a guide and then do as all other matches - weigh in for final result at the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if sky doesn’t walk away, as a minimum sport drawn into question …… forget just winners, what about other years, and £2k section winners ……. Let’s do it once at the end to verify !
Yep as a club angler who regularly does the weighing we only use quality dial scales which are serviced before the season starts and checked throughout the season and rarely is there a problem with them. The problem is people I always zero each time however one chap will dispute the call over half an ounce on his net yet if he does some weighing never zeros and calls a weight to the nearest 4oz so yes I do agree there should be a set procedure and everyone involved should actually be trained to carry out that process and even replaced if they are not consistent and not up to the job. It may seem harsh and nobody likes upsetting volunteers but for the biggest competitions it’s an absolute must.
Agree with the recommendations. I’d also add, to create TV drama, that if the top weights are all within a pre specified tolerance then the anglers within that tolerance go into extra time or first to catch the next fish. A bit like the golden point in rugby league, instead have the ‘golden fish’, for example.
I think it would be interesting to see half hr weighs for the 1st 3hrs and then hr weighs for the last 2hrs. May improve the weights for the last 2hrs. Also 1 set of scales should be 4 everyone.
I've lost count of how many times I've screamed at the TV telling the salesman to get their hands off the side of the scales......
Good quality scales, tare properly. Fish in the net, net on the scales. Wait for a few seconds and press hold and let the scales calculate the average. Sometimes an umbrella is needed for accurate weigering in harsh conditions. Just my 2 cents.
There are still too many hands involved in the weigh in......at Fish O even the TV people were messing with the scales. There is still a (small) problem with weigh sling touching outside agencies (e.g. bodies , arms , trousers)....and weigh slings bottoming out on the ground because the tripod has not been set correctly.....weighings done without tripods...etc etc.
The old bar scales never had that problem, once it was balanced that's the weight. As they say if it's not broken. Yes they were hard to use but those who used them they could weigh quickly
Angling TRUST - we have to trust that the governing body appoint scales to people who know how to conduct themselves and follow an agreed procedure (agreed BEFORE the event). Brief the anglers as well as those doing the weigh-in so that everyone involved is aware. Relay this to the viewer during the broadcast.. Organisers and competitors must agree and accept that the scales operators call is final at the time unless an immediate objection is lodged.
Yes, we must have certification of calibration on the scales used, AND they need to be the same brand / type of scales, not weighing one section on dial scales and another on digital. Everyone must agree on the smallest unit of weight too. 1 ounce is 28.whatever grams, and digital metric scales weigh to finer than that in most cases. Fresh batteries are a must too.
Maybe move the Fisho weigh-ins to hourly - less bankside distrubance, etc., or weigh pegs 1-4, 9-12, 17-20 on the half hour mark, then 5-8, 13-16 and 21-24 on the hour. That would mean 3 sets of scales, 3 pairs of scales operators, working 8 pegs each. Less room for error with fewer working parts, hopefully. Alternatively, do it on a fish count, like in the Worlds, and just do one weigh-in at the end (and let the pundits in the studio, the viewers, and the spectators guess and speculate a bit more).
As you guys know i have weighed in countless matches including maver match this/golden reel & the fishomania qualifiers at the glebe my take on it is i have a set procedure for weighing in using the Sportsscale digitals as we use the ollyskins weigh buckets 60lb limit as BOTH the bag & scales this is the ideal weight for them in unison without spilling fish out the bag or going over the scales capacity...This is the procedure i always do it in as follows :...1)...Fully immerse the bag in the lake (bag weighs 3.2lb -3.8lb) so i know just by looking at the scales if the bag is still on 3.4lb which is the precise weight for that bag i am using on the day it is right 2)...Place weigh bag on the scales with them still turned off then turn on which automatically weighs the bag to 0! 3)... Place fish into the bag then proceed to weigh by PLACING the bag on the scales DO NOT dump the fish on the digitals as this in my experience kills them off with clumsy use also the more gentle you place the fish on the scale the less they jump around with 1 net 1 weigh! 4) Confirm with angler they are happy...Next angler down the bank...Job done!.
Ask any person who fishes matches ,,have u ever been done on the scales ,,,100 % sure everyone says yes 😮
For me weigh ins every half hour should be kept for media purposes then a final weigh in at the end . Scales men should have been trained / told how to weigh in so every one is on par . You only weigh in at the end of all other matches / qualifiers and digital for me
Kern digital scales designed for moving livestock.Quality comes at a price that needs paying in such a prestige event.
Use the 30mins weight in as a guide to leaders then a final weight in at end
All sets of scales must be same manufacturer same battery's and calibration done by a reputable firm
Things need to. be sorted at Fisho.
Dial scales required and used by experienced people. Drop the half hour weigh in, possibly in favour of a fish count, this could add more excitement.
The A.T. do some great work, but somehow they manage to bodge stuff up, especially over the last few seasons and for a body that wants 'professionalism' they seem to lack it at times, then try and placate the blame elsewhere.
They could get experienced guys to do the weighs, but they don't it seems.
Reuben heaton digital or dial scales are the best and u can always send them back to get recalibrated
How about each fish wheighed in the landing net as a guid , then a final wheigh in at the end
My opinion is, there should be only 1 weigh in that counts...at the end, carried out by same team with same scales same way. Have a running total for fun if there has to be one, but it should just be a rough guide....because that's all it actually amounts to,on all evidence! Too many variables such as weighing speed and loss of water in weights with different weigh in teams and different scales. This time, as the rules stood...which everybody knew before the start, they should have used the running total...which clearly was a flawed process, but was agreed beforehand. Change the process.
Keep the 30 min weigh in and "weights" for the TV "entertainment" and have a full weigh-in at the end to decide the winner
Surely big competitions should include a professional weighting team supervised by a high quality manufacturer like 'Reuben Heaton' themselves. Each scale is identical, tested and calibrated in front of witnesses and then certified??
Each weight sling should identical and a standard procedure followed by certified individuals who have attended a short course on correct weight-in procedures. Each team should carry 2-3 identical certified scales and slings in case of failure or a dispute.
Its not much to ask when the prize money is 50 grand is it?
its either that or you go down the route of the predator match boys and measure each fish in cm, take a photo of it on the measure and then use a fixed formula to generate a weight from the measurement.
Easiest way to solve everything is to have a weigh in and the end of five hours, one set on scales digital or analogue and one reader. I know you guys enjoy the half hour weigh ins and its great for tv, but if you want to keep it that way I think you just have got to take it for what it is, you won't get every one doing it exactly the same way there Will always be slight differences like you already said. I don't know why they even started doing half hour weigh ins thouh, I mean I can't see a non angler sitting and watching fishing for five hours so what was the point? Any match angler in England knows one weigh in after the matches they would have expected the same with fisho
I thought the weigh in at Fisho was a joke 18 kg called out when it looked to 6-8 at best for a comp with 50 k prize money it needs to be a lot better and more professional
Yep I saw that as well!
Id say a reweigh was right. But for TV viewing and the Anti Angling brigade the tipping fish in the sling only to find the scales were wrong, tipping them back out to get a new set of scales and re-zero'd and then tipping them back in the sling again was cringe worthy, It was embarrassing. Sorry to say.
it happens every year with fisho you cant defend the AT time for change and someone else to run it with matchroom
If you speak with a weights & measures inspector the best & most accurate scales are electronic digital scales. Always get them checked first especially by a weights & measures inspector in important matches. Use professional trusted scalesmen who are use the scales & weigh matches regularly. Spring scales are notoriously inaccurate thus digital electronic scales are the most trusted in all retail & wholesale situations.
If the angler is not happy you have the right to question the decision I have before a bouncing call was 2 lb less then I had but reweigh got me in the frame so yes question and check always.
Once it was seen that the variation of nearly 5kg on the 3 who were reweighed, every angler should have had there total catch reweighed.
As a long time match angler who watched the event for the first time in years, the decision making and what actually happened made match angling look absolutely pathetic and amateurish.
Use dial scales with 1oz increments
3rd place was 5kg out after reweight which is crazy
Agree with most of what you say, but 10 weigh ins every half hour can create an error of a few ounces {grams}. I disagree with your view not to have a re-weigh if its ever so close. You want the "winner" to be the actually winner with no doubt. Just my view lads.
Why are all qualifiers weighed in lb oz then final in kilos?
There's a he'll of a lot of money involved in Angling nowadays, so why the he'll don't these match officials/organisers use the best scales on the market. Also I'm sure you can calibrate digital or spring loaded against each other. But the rules of the match should say we are using 1 or the other scales for this match and that's it. I wasn't happy with fish O maina, it dragged on for to long and supposed to be looking after or assets which are the fish!
get pro anglers weighing instead of volunteers and digital scales that freeze at a certain point to give you the right weight ,ie tunnel barn
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The scales are fine, the users are the problem. Digital scales, on a like for like basis, are better
Stupid question maybe why cant the people who make the scales have their employees operate the scales wearing their firms logo on said clothing so as to promote their brand at the same time . At least ghey will know how to oerate them !
Operate
The general consensus from the comments is professional weighing teams provided by the suppliers of the scales, and maybe at the start of the competition a video or display of best practice of using the equipment by the suppliers and weighing teams.....👍🎣
Battery scales should be banned the battery drains each time the fish are weighed
1 set of scales weighs all anglers
Would it be better to weigh the fish individually that would stop the scales moving around so much?????. Just a thought 💭
First and foremost the people weighing in need to be competent by that I mean have knowledge and training of how to use the scales whether dial scales or digital.
Some of the guys weighing in were touching the outside of the scale that's a massive no no.
A handle on the scale is there for a reason and that is hanging the scales unaided no hands are needed in the process other than putting the weigh net on the hook.
The scales should be on a tripod too.
It's easy if you know how but during the fisho final it was cringe worthy watching it.
In my specimen fishing I use both dial and digital from reuben heaton if its a special fish I will use both to confirm the weight and because I get them calibrated there always the same reading.
Why do they not way in pounds and ounces
Weigh at the END.
£50.000
Where do you start with this one 🤦🏻♂️ I’ve still not heard what the grounds were for the re weigh? I don’t mean everyone’s opinion of what led to it, I mean who actually asked for it and on what grounds? Surely the angler asking for it has to have a solid ‘official’ reason for asking, which the organisers either agree with and consent to, or disagree with and don’t. Did each anglers helper understand their role on the day? The angler can’t watch the scales in this format, they’re fishing, so the helper (Gary Rodgers in this instance) represents Kieran and approves each weigh in, no ifs, no buts, just as though he was having his own fish weighed, he calls it at the time. In this instance, I’m afraid it looked a bit like sour grapes asking for a re weigh at the end and let’s be honest, anyone who knows angling, knows a re weigh will result in a different weight, because you’re dealing with living things that hold different amounts of moisture, waste and slime and nets that hold different amounts of said slime, waste and moisture. A re weigh will give you different weights, it’s as simple as that and nobody should be surprised about this. If Gary (and Kieran) had a genuine problem with one of their weighs, they should have called it earlier than the end of the match (perhaps they did?) because re weighing all of the fish is a bit of a lottery and as Lee said, I think we’re all thankful that the result turned out how it did.
As for weighing, you’ve got a lot of people commenting on here and social media who’ve never weighed big bags of fish and never used the various types of scales. I agree with Lee and Rob that a standard weighing procedure should always be used across the board, it removes margins for error and complaints. On the whole and based on my match fishing experience, the weighing I saw seemed OK. I say ‘seemed’, because you never get a standard view from the camera, so like the lads said, if the camera focussed in as scales were bouncing/settling, viewers saw some readings which were higher than the final weight and also you couldn’t see what the scalesman’s hands were doing or if anything was touching the net. Only the anglers helper on each weigh in can tell you how good each weigh was. I will say however, just like Lee said, the scalesman’s hands should be totally clear of the scales when they zero. I’ve seen it with club scales, where pressure put on the body of the scale, or the scalesman holding them at an angle to read the display, will result in an incorrect weight, so this is where the standard procedure should come in.
I’m afraid on the day, I came away with a negative attitude of Gary and to some extent Kieran, because whatever their beef was, it should have been called at that particular weigh in, not at the end once they realised the aggregate weight was close.
That debacle did a lot of harm to fishing to a large televised audience and I hope very much that measures are put in place to ensure it never, ever happens again.
I would add to the standard procedure that the filming is done the same each time, from a fixed point, with a wide angle and only zooming in on the display once they have held at the final weight. They should then pan to the anglers helpers to see their verbal agreement with that weight. That way, there’s no need for a reweigh, if there’s a complaint, the officials just rewatch that weigh in to ensure procedure was followed. This also stops the armchair scalesmen and conspiracy theories on social media.
Thanks for covering this Lee and Rob, I think it needs proper, sensible debate 🎣👍🏻
It's so annoying. When you watch a particular sport . Whether it's motor sports or tennis, they use the best measuring equipment. Tag rolex . Watevers needed. Ruben Heaton makes the very best scales. I personally, when weighing fish on film, use the very best reuben Heaton .match scales. They trusted accurate and respected as the very best . All high end match,s need to replicate this as it's the o ly trusted way. I've seen some dubious weighing of pike were same fish weights recorded a lb deference with dogcrap so called quality expensive scales. There's some absolutely crap equipment on the market
I watched the whole weigh in fiasco. Its difficult to believe that after all these years, and with £50k at stake, they have'nt worked out an accurate system of deciding who won. The angler who raised it should be congratulated. I suspect the problem is that the production company and Sky have not asked for, or bothered, taking advice from their proper anglers. The fact that they have continued using the football bozo as a front man for all these years says it all. Then they have the weigh in commentators who have absolutely no idea about fishing, and who are under pressure via their earpieces to come up with quick totals at every weigh in. Additionally, and you touched on this, it is not the angler who faces the scales and indicates agreement with a weight given-again broadcasting pressure gets the hurry up. As you know, any angler normally 'agrees' the weight with the scales person before the fish go back. I used to watch these avidly for 5 hours, now I just watch the weigh in. Doing angling no favours at all.
The ridiculous, clueless women with the microphones need moving away from the weigh ins
Paused at 1.02 ...before you start ....SCALES......NO Digatal.....!!!!!please. Tare no Tare..batterys died......have lost a lot of money!!!!!.
You should never pinch the scales. That will impact the calibration. Nothing worse than non scientists trying to talk science.
Rewieghing because it was tight is wrong !! The first call is the the one that counts !! This means every weigh is now open to manipulation !!