Finding Certified Scales

The Angler Recognition Program is building a network of Official Weigh Stations that have certified public scales and are willing and able to weigh anglers' catches in their local service areas. If you have a fishing-oriented business and would like to participate in this program, please use our online form to apply.

Here is a partial list of scales where anglers can weigh fish. If you don't see one listed in your area, contact a local game warden or check the telephone directory for businesses that have certified scales and may be willing to weigh fish. Places to try include marinas, bait shops, feed stores, fertilizer plants, recycling drop-off centers, and United Parcel Service or other package-shipping stores. Annually certified hand-held scales may be used for verifying the weight of your catch if the weighing is observed by an independent witness.

Certified scales (electronic or spring type) have been certified as accurate by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) or an independent scales calibration company.* If a scale is certifiable but does not have an up-to-date annual certification, an angler may submit proof that the scale was re-certified within 30 days of the weigh date.

* The Texas Department of Agriculture does not certify scales. For a list of companies that are licensed to certify scales, visit the TDA website. Select the "Reports & Publications" tab, type "Weights" into the program search box in the right column, and look for the downloadable List of Licensed Service Companies.