Abstract: A combined fish scale and catch-and-release device is disclosed. The catch-and-release device hereof has a unique crank and slider mechanism with a self-locking function independent of external resistance, which mechanism reciprocally drives the opposing C-shaped jaws between an open position and a closed position. The closed position is self-locking. The device is housed in an elongated body having a handle at one end from which the crank is operated. The handle has a spring scale housed therein with a scale stem extending from the handle. The spring scale has a separate handle adjacent the catch-and-release handle enabling the user to move between lip-locking and weighing modes without touching the fish. During weighing the fish and the device are suspended from the scale handle and the spring of the scale is compressed, exposing scale markings indicating the weight.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a catch-and-release device that has a unique mechanism with a self-locking function independent of external resistance. The catch-and-release device hereof has opposing C-shaped jaws that are reciprocally driven between an open position and a closed position by a crank and slider assembly. The crank of the crank and slider assembly rotates approximately 90° in one direction during closing and locking and rotates approximately 90° in the opposite direction during unlocking and opening. The crank arm of the crank and slider assembly is at one end eccentrically mounted to the crank and at the other end flexibly mounted to a reciprocating slider which, in turn, is attached at the other end thereof to the operating arms of the jaws. The crank arm during the rotation of the crank (in either direction) reaches a position or null point wherein the longitudinal axes of the crank arm and the reciprocating slider are aligned.