The Electronic Grip’n’Weigh is one of a trio of digital scales offered by Baker Products that promotes the healthy catch and release of saltwater (and freshwater) gamefish. The BGW30E performs two critical functions to achieve this task, specifically gripping your catch by its lower jawbone to allow you to raise it up safely, which then allows you to get a precise reading on the unit’s 3/4-inch by 1-3/4-inch electronic LCD screen for checking its weight, up to a max of 30 pounds. The BGW 60E performs the same functions, but bumps the max weight limit up to 60 pounds for larger bass, drum and a variety of offshore species. The third member of Baker’s electronic scale family is their ES30, which simplifies the holding and weighing process with a stainless steel swivel hook that is inserted from the outside and locks under the fish’s jaw, but requires puncturing the outer membrane of its skin.
Recreational anglers and pros alike will appreciate the simple push-button operation of these Baker digital scales. The BGW30E sample that I tested featured a fingertip trigger that actuated spring-loaded jaws to hold your catch by its lower jawbone. In use, it automatically allows the measured weight to stabilize before locking in a reading to ensure the highest accuracy. In addition to the basic weight measurement, the scale can also store and recall the weights of up to 10 fish. All three of the Baker digital scales are constructed with a water resistant enclosure, non-slip rubber grips and stainless steel hardware, plus the BGW30E included a handy wrist lanyard that was attached to a sturdy frame support clip. A bright white LED task light located at the base of the scale provides illumination when required. The BGW30E’s LCD is also equipped with backlighting for night or low-light conditions. The display functions include weight in pounds/ounces or kilograms, battery power level and numbered memory position indictor. An auto shut-off feature conserves power to maximize battery life. Power is provided by (two) AAA batteries (not included).
