Properly and safely measuring and weighing fish

[WallStreetAmigo]

As I get more into bass fishing I find myself worrying much more about carefully handling the fish to reduce (or hopefully eliminate) the chance that my negligence will kill the fish. On the flip side, my plan this year is to accurately and quickly measure and weigh the larger bass I catch for my fishing journal.

I understand how to measure length and girth, but what I want to know is how do I lay the fish down to measure and take pics without 1) it flopping around my boat like one of my kids the day after Halloween or 2) damaging its slime coat?

Also, is there a best way to weigh the fish with a handheld scale to minimize injury?

Thanks guys......I feel that if I learn to do this stuff right my kids can catch some lunkers down the road too!

WSA