It appears everyone has a set of scales that are bang on. Yea right. Scales only give a rough idea, why that is not good enough I have no idea.
It is not like anyone is trying to claim a record.
News flash personal scales can never be accepted for record claims.
Guesstimates are good.
Fish scales have to be certified to be right.
I do not use my Avon scales now it is over 25 years last time. I never once thought my scales were anything other than a rough idea.
Correction, mine are as good as I and anyone else can make them.
I do fish waters that hold record fish, so yes they need to be as accurate as they possibly can be.
If and when I was fortunate enough to catch a record fish, I'd weigh it on my scale, ring a couple of mates to come and witness it and weigh it on my scales and their own. Report my catch to an official of BRFC and I personally know 2 of them. Submit my scales to the local Weights and Measures Dept for authentication. On acceptance of the verification by WMD, I'd then making a formal claim in writing with photos Affidavits/witness statements from all concerned.
When NASA/SACG then SAA ran it own record list, it had several reps in each area of the country, who would if available, turn out to witness record fish claim(s) I happened to be one of the reps for the Northwest of England for a couple of years.
Sadly I was never called to do the honours.
So there you go have a root through the bones of that!
PS and here's the BRFC's notes on making a claim
Procedures for claiming a new British Rod Caught Fish Record if you catch a record coarse fish, sea fish or game fish record
www.fish-uk.com