When I started kayak fishing a few years ago, there was only one standard in measurement for kayak anglers – the classic Hawg Trough. Today kayak anglers have more options than ever for kayak fishing measuring boards, including two new players being accepted on tournament trails including NSKA and KBF, among others. What are the differences in each option and which one is the best? Keep reading as we review each of the three main competition measurement board options.
Hawg Trough Review – Jason Kincy
The most widely used and accepted kayak fishing measuring board around is the Hawg Trough. Widely available through local and national retailers, you can find the Hawg Trough for anywhere between $16 to $21 and often will come with a logo of a club or retailer already in place. I’ve been using a Hawg Trough since I began kayak fishing and have had good experiences overall. The Hawg Trough generally comes in white or hi-visibility yellow, with white being my preferred version. (I’m in the minority on that)
Hawg Troughs generally do not come with lines nor any flotation support, although new models area available pre-lined or with modifications to help it float. I’ve gotten pretty good at adding the lines, and if you mess up the permanent marker is easy to get off with some nail polish remover. As far as big fish go and breaking boards, I’ve measured some very large bass on it and have had no problems, it’s just a matter of making sure there’s some support. The light weight is a plus on my boat which is already weighted down with too much tackle and the lower price point allows me to have a backup board around just in case something happens.
For someone just starting out, it’s hard to beat the price and flexibility of the Hawg Trough.
Ketch Board Review – Dwain Batey
The next kayak fishing measuring board on our list is the heavy duty option from Ketch. When I first acquired one last year I wrote up this Ketch Board review. In this showdown of the kayak fishing measuring boards, Dwain Batey, avid Ketch Board user and kayak angler provides his breakdown.
“I bought my first Ketch Board on the last day of the 2018 KBF National Championship, and I’ve been nothing but impressed with the quality, durability and appearance of the board. After using it for almost a year now it looks just as good as it did when I first got the board.
The Ketch Board is not as price friendly as the other two boards in this review at $59.99 (with free shipping), but for an almost indestructible American made board with unmatched accuracy it’s well worth it, and with the 1/4” thick aluminum construction you’re never going to tear this thing up under normal conditions. Short of a car wreck or something crazy I can’t imagine how you’d ever hurt this thing.
As I mentioned Ketch Boards are 1/4” thick aluminum and engraved to within +/- .005” throughout the length of the board. The construction has many features to prevent board tampering, and they come in a wide range of colors. You can now even get your club’s logo or other custom laser engraved script on your board for an additional charge.
My one suggestion is that you put a light colored sticker on the fence where they fish’s nose touches especially on the darker colored boards so that it’s easier to tell if the nose is against the board for the Tournament Directors judging your fish.
The Ketch Board is heavy, and if I was worried about weight I would absolutely cut some somewhere else to make room for this board. It’s worth the weight to not have to worry about a breaking board If I catch a fish of a lifetime, or just happen to move wrong and put weight on the board. The black cradle that helps keep the fish centered on the board is also almost indestructible, I’ve yet to see anyone damage their cradle.
The Ketch Board absolutely doesn’t float, but has two holes for tethering it to your kayak. And they also sell a great color matched tethers from Never Lost Gear for just $12.00 that are coiled to stay out of your way.
If you want a top of the line board that you never have to worry about drawing the lines on, never have to worry about breaking, and is uncompromisingly American Made, Ketch Board is for you.”
Yak Gear Fish Stik Review – Tim Hotchkin
The final kayak fishing measuring board on the list is the Yak Gear Fish Stik, the only collapsible option approved by many tournament circuits. Tim Hotchkin, Natural State Kayak Anglers veteran and Fish Stik users provides his thoughts on this compact option.
“I have been using the Fish Stik since it was released and I like it a lot. Some of the main benefits are:
- Folds for storage and space. I can often leave it under my seat so it’s not in the way while fishing.
- Wider than other measuring boards I’ve used so I have less issues of fish coming off.
- Floats which is nice as I have lost a few boards over the years due to knocking it off or dropping it when I dip it in the water before measuring.
- It comes in 3 color options: Sunset (orange), white, and yellow.
Specs – 30″ long, 10-11 oz. weight, retail price $16-$22 depending on options and retailer.
Strengths – The Hawg Trough is lightweight, easy to use and inexpensive. Tried and true through thousands of kayak fishing tournaments.
Weaknesses – Weakness is literally the biggest problem for the Hawg Trough and could break if not careful. Most models don’t come pre-lined.
Ketch Kayak Fishing Measuring Board
Specs – 26″ long, 3 lb. weight, retail price $59.99 (engraving extra)
Strengths – Extreme durability, more manageable size, anti-tampering technology.
Weaknesses – Triple the weight of other options, more expensive and mixed reviews from TDs on ease of judging.
Yak Gear Fish Stik Measuring Board
Specs – 36″ long, 22 oz. weight, retail price $27.99-$33.99.
Strengths – Compact, floats, comes with lines and has some really good color options.
Great article. I do believe that the Hawg Trough is 31″ or might be pushing 33″ but not 36″. Unless there is a new version on the market.
Darrell – you are correct, apologies for the typo. The Hawg Trough is 30″ on the board and 31″ long. Article has been corrected!