A tension measuring system is configured to determine tension on a fishing line. The tension measuring system includes a scale, joined between a rod and a reel. The reel is joined to the fishing line. The scale further includes a scale housing is rigidly attached to the rod. An internal housing is rigidly attached to the scale housing and connected to the reel with lubricant and ball bearings. A planar beam load cell is joined to the scale housing and the reel; wherein the tension on the fishing line causes deformation of the planar beam load cell. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the planar beam load cell, a power management controller, and a display. The microcontroller uses planar beam load cell deformation to determine tension on the fishing line.