As the winter season slowly transitions into spring, anglers like me eagerly await the chance to get back to the water. Spring bank and creek fishing is a fun way to catch fish of all types, and the right tackle kit can make all the difference. Enter Lurenet’s March/April Bank and Creek fishing tackle kit, a specially curated set of fishing lures, presentations, and color patterns designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced anglers.
The YUM Hellgrammite makes a great river fishing bait in spring.
I was able to get my hands on a kit early and took it out fishing in February to check out some of the baits. Each lure in this kit was selected by industry bank and creek fishing experts, and they did a great job. The Bank and Creek fishing tackle kit includes a range of multi-species fishing scenarios, so you’ll always have the right lure to throw on a given day. And, there are some limited-edition custom color patterns, created exclusively by some of the best lure painters in the business. One of these is the new Norman Speed N Junior in craw with orange belly – killer color that I can’t wait to use all spring.
The Lurenet Bank & Creek fishing kit for March/April
Inside the March kit, you’ll find a wide range of lures, including a Smithwick Floating Rattlin’ Rogue in Sunbeam Brim color, a Norman Speed N Jr. in Orange Belly Craw (exclusive custom color), a brand new product and color – YUM Hellgrammite in Copper Creek, a YUM 5″ Dinger in Junebug Red Flake (Lurenet Exclusive custom color), a War Eagle 5/16 oz Gold Finesse Spinnerbait in Coleslaw, a YUM Scottsboro 3” Swimbait in Sight Minnow, a YUM Wacky Tool, and a Pro-X – 1/0 Wacky hook in a 7-pack.
But this tackle kit is more than just a set of fishing lures. It also includes informative BITE SPEC lure guides, which will help you make the most out of each lure and how to fish it. The really cool feature I love is a limited-edition print of a Frank Scalish how-to illustration, numbered 1-300 – this edition on how to rig the Hellgrammite.
A package like this is a perfect seasonal selection for the beginner, novice, or expert angler. There are only 300 kits are available for each season, and they tend to sell out quickly.
If you shop on Lurenet.com for this kit or other baits, save 15% with the discount code KINCY15
If you are like me and recently added a motor to your kayak, you’re going to need a kayak motor battery to power you on the water. For a lightweight, and competitively priced 24v battery, look no further than the 50Ah LiFePO4 battery from Amped Outdoors. I contacted a few companies to ask for recommendations for a new kayak motor battery setup, and Amped Outdoors recommended this one and provided it for me to try out and review. Am glad they did, it was the one I was planning on buying anyway!
Amped Outdoors 24v 50Ah Kayak Motor Battery
First off, let’s talk about the technology behind this battery. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries offer several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. For one, they have a longer lifespan – up to ten times longer in some cases. They also have a higher energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller package. And because they’re made with lithium iron phosphate, they’re much safer than lithium-ion batteries because they are more stable and don’t overheat.
Kayak motor battery weight
What really sets this kayak motor battery apart is its lightweight design. Compare to other 24v 50Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries like ZPro (27lbs) and and Dakota Lithium (31.9lbs). The 23-pound Amped Outdoors version saves on weight and is easier to handle. Extra weight is never a good thing in the kayak, and this lightweight lithium battery is perfect for a kayak setup. On my Hobie Pro Angler, it’s providing power to Newport NK 180 motor.
This kayak motor battery comes equipped with a durable waterproof case and a battery management system. The battery is protected from the elements, important for outdoor applications such as powering kayaks, RVs, boats, trolling motors and off-grid solar systems. This Amped Outdoors battery also has a built-in BMS (Battery Management System) which monitors the battery and ensures safe charging and discharging, extending the life of the battery.
How it is going for me
I’ve been using this battery for several trips on the water now. The Amped Outdoors battery is a reliable and dependable source of power. When I hit the throttle, it’s is responsive and solid. After each trip, I quick connect it to the Amped Outdoors 10A Fast Lithium Charger and it’s ready to go for the next time. To protect my battery and connections from the elements I use a hard sided Arctic Zone cooler from Walmart which has a strap and has pockets to store tools or whatever else I need to have handy.
Kayak motor battery bottom line
In conclusion, if you’re in need of a durable and reliable kayak motor battery, I highly recommend the 24v 50ah LiFePO4 battery from Amped Outdoors. This battery’s advanced technology, lightweight design, durable waterproof case, and built-in features make it a top choice for any kayak angler.
The Angler Pro kayak fishing paddle is a must-have for any kayak angler. This high-quality paddle from Bending Branches is designed specifically for longer fishing excursions, making it the perfect choice for anglers who want to stay out on the water for extended periods of time.
Bending Branches Angler Pro Kayak Paddle shown in ‘Radiant’ – Kayakfishingfocus.com
One of the key features of the Angler Pro Snap Button is its durable construction. Made from top-quality materials, this paddle is built to withstand the rigors of extended use. It features a lightweight, yet strong, carbon fiber shaft and a durable, fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade that can handle even the toughest conditions.
In addition to its durability, the Angler Pro kayak fishing paddle also offers a number of other benefits that make it a top choice for anglers. For example, the paddle’s unique snap-button ferrule allows for easy, tool-free adjustments to the feathering angle, making it easy to customize your paddling experience. Additionally, the snap-button design allows you to easily break down the paddle for transport and storage, making it a great choice for anglers who travel frequently.
The Bending Branches Angler Pro is a strong, lightweight kayak fishing paddle – Kayakfishingfocus.com
Another great feature of the Angler Pro Snap Button is its comfortable grip. The paddle features a ribbed, T-grip handle that is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue, making it easy to hold onto the paddle for extended periods of time.
This paddle is the most advanced, comfortable, lightweight and durable kayak fishing paddle I’ve ever used. It does have a high price-point, but is well worth it and made in the USA.
The Bending Branches Angler Pro kayak paddle is available in three stunning colors – Radiant, Glowtek and Copperhead. These are beautifully designed kayak paddles that add style to any angler’s setup but also provides high visibility for safety on the water.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality, durable paddle for your next fishing trip, the Angler Pro Snap Button paddle from Bending Branches is an excellent choice. With its durable construction, customizable feathering angle, and comfortable grip, it is sure to meet the needs of even the most demanding anglers.
Bank and creek fishing can be a productive way to catch fish, whether a new or experienced angler. Creeks are typically smaller bodies of water and are home to a variety of fish species, such as bass, panfish, and trout.
Certain baits and colors can work better in a small river or creek at different times of year. The new Bait School Bank and Creek fishing kits are released frequently as limited-edition packs of seasonal baits for small water fishing. These are a great way for beginners to know they have what they need to take on bank and creek fishing.
Once you have your baits, it’s time to find a good spot to fish. Look for areas where the water is a bit deeper and there is cover for the fish to hide, such as logs or rocks. You can also try fishing near a drop-off or a calmer deeper pool next to where the current is stronger. Creek fishing changes frequently, so try different tactics to find what works that day.
One of the great things about these exclusive fishing kits is they come with tips and insights on how to use each individual bait to catch fish. There are always exclusive baits included designed to appeal to fish in these smaller bodies of water based on the common forage.
Experiment with different baits to see what works best in your local creek and for the type of fish you are trying to catch. These bank and creek fishing tips are straight from the experts who make the lures – so you don’t have to guess how to use them.
Lurenet Bank and Creek Fishing Kit – January/February
The January/February Bank and Creek fishing kit is out and has a limited run of 300 available. A Lurenet Bank and Creek kit not only includes 10 creek specific lures, but also everything you need. This includes a how-to guide and custom rigging illustration.
This edition of the Bank and Creek fishing kit are several exclusive colors along with some reliable go-to baits:
Cotton Cordell Super Spot 1/4 oz – Sriracha Craw (Exclusive custom color)
Norman Deep Tiny N – Chrome Pumpkinseed (Exclusive custom color)
Cotton Cordell Big O 76 – Stickle Back Shad (Exclusive custom color)
YUM 4″ Dinger – GB Haze (Exclusive custom color)
Road Runner Original Marabou – Chartreuse
Booyah Baby Boo Jig 3/16 oz – 3D Green Pumpkin
YUM Ned Craw – Brown Orange and YUM 5″ Finesse Worm – Ghillie Suit
YUM Ned Head 1/8 oz and 1/12 oz 3pk – Black (Exclusive product)
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.
The Hawg Trough, Fish Stik and Ketch board are all solid kayak fishing measuring board options. photo: kayakfishingfocus.com
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)
The Hawg Trough kayak fishing measuring board is the old-school method for kayak anglers to measure fish. Low cost and light weight are the best attributes of this board. – photo: kayakfishingfocus.com
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.
= = = VIDEO from Tournament win, see Ketch Pics = = =
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.
The Ketch kayak fishing measuring board is the heavy duty option for kayak anglers, made of aluminum it is virtually indestructible.
“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.
The Yak Gear Fish Stik provides a big-time kayak fishing measuring board space which folds down for easy storage. – photo: kayakfishingfocus.com
“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.
The board does not come marked but a marker is included when you order one and the lines are raised pretty well so it’s easier to mark than others I’ve used before. I know people get worried about durability due to hinges but I have measured several 20+ inch fish including my personal best that was around 24 inches and have never had an issue. “
Kayak Fishing Measuring Board Overview
As you can see, all three kayak fishing measuring boards are excellent and quality options for anglers. I own a Ketch Board and a Hawg Trough and plan to use both this season. I’d love to try out a Fish Stik more extensively and do a more in-depth review sometime down the road.
Depending on what you are looking for, any of the three could work for you and do the job. Be sure to check the rules of your club or tournament trail to ensure which boards are accepted options.
As a final wrap-up, here are the overall strengths, weaknesses and specifications for each option:
Hawg Trough Kayak Fishing Measuring Board
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.
I’ve never seen a paddle I love the looks of more than the new Bending Branches Navigator paddle. This new kayak paddle from Bending Branches sports a classic natural look but has the same feel and durability that makes Bending Branches paddles the best around.
The Bending Branches Angler Navigator Paddle is a work of natural art featuring a natural wood blade.
Bending Branches Navigator – A Natural Beauty
When Bending Branches shipped me the Navigator to try out, I was in awe as I opened the package and laid eyes upon the natural hardwood slats which make up the blade. The rich wood colors come from the Red Alder and roasted Basswood slats, which are protected by clear fiberglass. These blades looked so good, I wanted to hang them up and not use them…but that’s no fun.
Bending Branches Navigator On the Water
I have fished now with the Bending Branches Navigator several times and multiple people who have seen the paddle have commented how awesome it looks. But how does it work? Although the wood looks awesome, I was worried about weight and durability.
Bending Branches Navigator paddle looks great and rocks on the water.
Even with the wooden slats, the Bending Branches Navigator comes in at an awesome 28 ounces, which is unbelievably lightweight. I have a Bending Branches Angler Pro which is a top of the line model and you really wouldn’t know there’s something different in your hands. The T-700 Carbon shaft is strong yet flexes like a dream.
When Bending Branches manufactured the Navigator, (Made in the USA!) they added a hardened Rockguard edge protector around the blade which helps keep it tight when pushing off of rocks and gravel. So far, only minor nicks are showing in the black edge and the wood still looks flawless.
Specifications and Availability
Looking for a paddle for the New Year or an awesome Christmas gift? Pick up the Bending Branches Navigator at your local Bending Branches dealer or order online from online retailers like Austin Kayak and Walmart.
Special to Kayak Fishing Focus courtesy of Ethan Dhuyvetter.
As a 6’5 fisherman, I have always had some trouble with my “sea legs”. I honestly thought that firing crankbaits on windy points while operating a trolling motor was going to be the death of me while fishing competitively in college. Somehow, I managed to survive despite multiple instances where I nearly took a nose dive into the lake.
FeelFree Lure Kayak
So when it came to picking out a fishing kayak the year after I decided to part ways with my boat, I realized that it wasn’t going to be easy to find a watercraft which I can effectively stand in. After researching numerous kayaks which fit my price range, I took a leap of faith and ordered a FeelFree Lure 11.5 from an online retailer.
A couple weeks later, I picked it up at a random warehousing facility on my way to Lake Taneycomo, Missouri for some trout fishing with a couple of my college roommates. Being new to the kayak fishing game, I quickly realized that this wasn’t your ordinary kayak. It was heavy, stable, and incredibly comfortable. After a few hours on the water, I even tried standing….
Let’s fast forward 3.5 years to current day. I still have that exact kayak and feel like I could do a handstand in it. Well, that is, if I could do a handstand in the first place. But you get the point, standing in this kayak actually comes easy for me! Heck, during the spawn, I love to “paddle board” around in search of bedding bass.
Overall, I thought this would be a helpful article for those of you who are also skeptical. Hopefully this brief write-up paired with the video which I put together will help you realize that this FeelFree Lure kayak amongst many others on the market are incredibly stable and easy to stand in, even if you are 6’5.
Ethan Dhuyvetter runs a fishing YouTube channel (Online Outdoorsman) focused on inspiring others to spend more time outside.
Anyone who fishes with me knows I’m pretty serious about my sun protection, especially in the summer. Like many anglers, I’ve been treated for skin cancer and want to avoid future issues.
Wearing the right UV protective gear is a big key to protecting your skin – especially if you are a Scottish/Irish background like I am. I don’t tan, I burn. Two of the most important tools I have in protecting myself for 8-10 hour tournament days on the water are the UV Shield Long Sleeve Performance Shirt and the UV Shield Sun Gloves from Stormr.
UV Shield Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
This is a great sun shirt for many reasons in addition to the fact it deflects dangerous UV rays. This 50+ UV shield performance shirt is comfortable and well-made. It features a double layer of material which keeps it cool but feels more substantial than other sun shirts. The collar and sleeves are very resistant to any stretching, and I like that the collar rides just a bit higher than some other sun shirts, protecting the base of my neck. Finally, there are tiny vents in the armpit areas of the shirt which help keep me cool and reduces some of the stench created after hours sweating on the water. I’ve got this shirt in white, red, blue, smoke and yellow.
UV Shield Sun Control Gloves
I’m a big proponent of sun gloves, your hands can burn and get skin cancer very easily. Having tried various types of gloves, the UV Shield Sun Control Gloves are my favorite because they come up the wrists enough to ensure they cover the gap between your shirt sleeve and wrist. I also like how thin and lightweight they are, but have a synthetic palm for added durability and a better grip when handling fish or gear. The fit is snug to the hand, which means the gloves are never in the way or cause an issue. I’ve become so accustomed to wearing these I don’t feel right when they aren’t on my hands while fishing. The only down side to these gloves is that over time some small parts of the stitching can come loose, but this is after heavy use over a long period of time.
I just finished up my second late winter and early spring fishing season using my Stormr STRYKR Jacketon the worst weather days. It has kept me warm and functioning on the water in extreme conditions. Most recently this year in a KBF tournament on Lake Bull Shoals it protected me in windy and snowy weather with water temps in the 20s. Hours on the water were made much more comfortable with this piece of equipment.
The Stormr STRYKR jacket was great protection against the wind and snow on Bull Shoals. – kayakfishingfocus.com
When kayak fishing in freezing and windy conditions I wanted to have a jacket that was warm, stopped the wind but wasn’t too bulky to wear and move freely while in the kayak seat. The waterproof and windproof Stormr STRYKR jacket is an impenetrable shield against the elements.
Stormr STRYKR Jacket Specs
What makes the Stormr STRYKR jacket so effective in protecting against foul weather are the materials and construction. The water and windproof neoprene exterior is an excellent outer shell, while the fleece lined interior is comfortable and holds in body heat. This is the warmest thing I’ve ever owned – hands down. Many other elements contribute to the warmth and comfort:
Two-way Adjustable Hood
Fleece-Lined Interior
Non-Corrosive Splash Proof Zipper
Full-Length Interior Storm Flap
Glued, Blind-Stitched and Thermal Taped Seams
Internal Neoprene Cuffs
Abrasion Resistant Material for High-Use Areas
Adjustable Velcro Cuffs
Adjustable Waistband with Two Interior Cord Locks
Practical Usage and Functionality
As already stated, the jacket isn’t bulky or heavy, both a major benefit for a winter coat for the kayak angler. Aside from keeping me warm and protected, the jacket comes with many extras that were well thought out and make it easy to manage my gear. Some of my favorite features include all of the convenient pockets that allow me to safely store my phone, keys, and anything else I want to keep on me with easy access. Worried about wearing a jacket if going into the water? The Stormr STRYKR jacket has 5 lbs of positive buoyancy which, along with your PFD, will help keep you afloat if you capsize. Some of the other key convenience and safety features:
Interior Cell Phone Pocket
Two Chest Gear Pockets
Two Fleece-Lined, Waterproof Exterior Pockets with PU Coated Non-Corrosive Zippers
Two Interior Mesh Gear Pockets
Adjustable Waistband with Two Interior Cord Locks
Two D-Rings for accessories or kill switch tethers
3M Reflective graphics for high visibility
Available in Smoke, Orange or Black and White edition
The Bottom Line
The Stormr STRYKR jacket is a top of the line foul weather solution for kayak fishing. It’s not cheap, but is a piece of equipment that will protect you for years on the water. The only negative I have on this jacket is I wish there was a way to remove the hood for days where I don’t need my head covered but want the warm jacket on my body. The hood will lie back and I don’t have to wear it, so not a big deal but it would be better if I could detach it.
Staying warm and protected in a jacket that also allows you to be nimble in your kayak is worth the investment. Before the next winter season comes, check out the Stormr STRYKR jacketfor ultimate foul weather protection. I don’t use them, but Stormr also offers STRYKR bibs as well that would cover you head to toe.
In the world of kayak bass fishing, catch-photo-release (CPR) tournaments are the standard practice in evaluating results, with anglers using a measuring boards to determine fish length. The Hawg Trough had been the standard go-to measuring board for CPR tournaments, but is being challenged by a couple of new contenders, the YakGear Fish Stik and the Ketch Board & Kradle combo.
The Ketch Board & Kradle combo is made in the U.S.A. – Kayakfishingfocus.com
The new Ketch Board & Kradle combo is the most high-end CPR board option on the market, priced at $49.99 from the KBF website for the KBF specialty green version or from the Ketch Products website for other color options such as red, blue and black.
Ketch Board & Kradle Impressions
When the new Ketch Board & Kradle combo was featured at the The Ten KBF event in early 2018 I was very skeptical and saw it as a more expensive Hawg Trough. The versions used in The Ten tournament were really cool looking, but the black color did not appear to work well for judging and seeing the fish. Since then, they have listened to the anglers and tournament directors and have some new options available.
Specifications of the Ketch Board & Kradle Combo:
Board and Kradle measures 4.5″ wide x 26″ long with a 4.5″ x 3.75″ bump wall
Milled aluminum construction
Weight is approximately 3 lbs (48 ounces)
QR code identifier to prevent cheating
Tether holes on each end
At this point, the Ketch Board & Kradle combo has been approved for use in KBF events and is still being evaluated by many other tournament circuits for use.
One thing that will be interesting to see is if the use of this board is eventually required by a tournament circuit because of the unique QR code which can tie a board to a particular angler. Not really sure how that would work, but appears to be a future requirement possibly.
I was able to get my hands on one of these boards at the KBF National Championship and have a few initial thoughts.
Negatives of the Ketch Board & Kradle Combo
First of all, it is much heavier than I expected after reading that it was made of aluminum. It weighs approximately 3 lbs compared to a Hawg Trough weight of 10 ounces. To me, this is by far the largest drawback to this board. My kayak and gear is heavy enough without adding this to the mix. It’s also going to sink like a stone if dropped in the water, requiring you to tether the board, which creates one more thing in the yak to get tangled or twisted up in.
The price is also much higher than a standard Hawg Trough, more than double in most instances. This will keep a lot of anglers away, unless they are forced to adopt this board by their trail. Finally, although the KBF version in green looks great, I still wish the red and blue options were not so dark and had better contrast to clearly show the fish tail, although the white lines help a lot.
The Ketch Board & Cradle combo in red. – Kayakfishingfocus.com
Positives of the Ketch Board & Kradle Combo
There are a lot of positives that come with this new board that are improvements over the Hawg Trough. First of all is the fact that it appears to be nearly indestructible. That 23″ monster you put on the board isn’t going to crack it and you won’t accidentally snap off the bump wall when putting it in your truck. This is the trade-off for the weight, it’s very well constructed.
Secondly, the lines are nicely done in white which is extremely visible. In the current version they have done a really smart thing as result of feedback from The Ten event. The lines go all the way to the edges, with the measurement number in the middle. This allows the fish tail to hit lines on the ends instead of numbers.
The Hawg Trough is 31″ long, whereas the Ketch Board is only 26″ long which will be easier to maneuver and will fit into the hull of many fishing kayak models. It’s to early to tell how the QR code feature will come into play down the road, but this is definitely a board that cannot be tampered with. Anything that discourages cheating is a good thing in my book.
Finally, it just feels good and has real quality feel to it. For the angler who isn’t as cost-conscious, the experience of using this board definitely feels higher end than a traditional Hawg Trough.
The Bottom Line
There are a couple of things I really don’t prefer, such as the overall weight and the color schemes. (I’d honestly just prefer a white one or a yellow) Outside of those two, there are a lot of positives for the Ketch Board & Kradle combo. The quality of construction, shorter length and the ability to hold up against a big fish are all positive factors that make the board a good product.
Although I am perfectly fine using a Hawg Trough, these positive characteristics will likely make this board the main one for my boat in tournaments which allow it. I’m not advocating for trails to adopt the board for use, each tournament series needs to make their own determination. I would fully expect at some point that certain events will require a board like this with anti-cheating measures such as the QR code. My expectation (speculation) is that KBF will require its use at some point in the future for certain events.
If you have some extra cash and want the high end board, I think it’s worth the purchase. If you have a Hawg Trough and are happy with it, stick with that for now. It’s always a positive for anglers to have choices.
