[Roger]

If you use a scale a few times, you'll quickly get used to the feel and how much the rod bends for a given # pull. Then you won't need it until you change your setup.

It's something I practically preach to my fly fishing brethren because I too often see guys fight fish to exhaustion. They think they are using pounds of drag but are really using ounces. Same goes for some spinning/conv. guys.