Looking at the golden rule or hawg trough to attach to the underside of my live well door. Anyone used both, and have a preference?
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Looking at the golden rule or hawg trough to attach to the underside of my live well door. Anyone used both, and have a preference?
A very smart guide, Felay, once told me "use what the game wardens use' I use the golden rule.:highfive
I much prefer the Hawg Trough. For those who use it...and even those who have never seen one.....you can get a good idea of the girth of the fish. I have owned both but have long since gave the Golden Rule away. A big plus for me is the Hawg Trough is the numbers show up much more distinct in a pic than the Golden Rule.
Regards
Attachment 290847
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For some reason could only post one image in my reply. Here is fish on Golden Rule.
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I've used both. Although the hawg trough is a great unit, there is a down side to it. The numbers and lines lose their paint!
To combat this, we repaint our lines and our numbers with Sharpies but, once a year we have to redo this. Keep in mind that while tournament fishing, we are using these things all the time. Constantly wiping them off, dunking them in the water, cleaning them, and so on. At the end of the year we still have to give them a good cleaning to get any scales, slime, and other residue off. This might contribute to the paint coming off them.
The golden rule doesn't seem to have any of the above problems. Unfortunately, it also doesn't act like the hawg trough either. If I were building a new one, it would be built like the Golden rule but cupped like the hawg trough.
All the game wardens in our area use the golden rule to check fish so that is what I use. That way there is no guess work!
Yeah I failed to mention about the numbers fading. I have redone mine with the Sharpie several times. I have had that one for about 7 years...I used to kayak fish and that was the gold standard for sizing fish. One good point I did not mention is if you insert foam in the back channels of the Hawg Trough it will float if accidentally dropped over board....a common happening when kayak fishing.Quote:
Originally Posted by wicklundrh
Regards
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Wally World has the Golden Rule for $7 with free store pickup. Just ordered one. Only 4 left or so the state.
Nice Idea!Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
I've seen a lot of guys with simple "Stick on" rulers on the inside of livewells. Obviously, you are not using these for a hero shot, but, sizing it up before you flip her in the livewell is usually what you are looking for. In the event you have one that is close, you can then use your other ruler for a closer look. In years past, we purchased a wooden yard stick (they actually used to give them away at the local hardware). We would cut it down to the size we wanted, use double sided stick tape, and put it where we wanted it. They are flat, stay out of the way, and can be put about anyplace. Some tiny screws could affix it to the top of the deck lid.
Another thing I have done. In my back scupper section on my boat (aluminimun), I measured out from the sidewall 15 1/8 inches and put a black sharpie mark. I can quickly take a walleye (must be 15 inches minimum), put its mouth on the sidewall, and look at the black line. If it is over, it is good. If it is under, we take a closer look. Usually throw it overboard. The scupper thing is great because it canstantly gets backwash so it is always clean! Just a quick way to check it and get back to fishing
I riveted mine to the seat of my jon boat so no worries on losing it. Always right there!
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I'm curious.....if this is the problem with the Hawg Trough, why not just spray over it with a clear vinyl coating?Quote:
Originally Posted by wicklundrh
Never thought of clear coating although I did consider using clear tape as an over protection. Now you have me wondering why I didn't do it the last time I thought about it!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Crestliner08
Darn it, now I have one more thing to remember to do.
I use the Golden Rule, but also carry a Frabill EZ Check'R
Be weary of the ez checker it has caused many tickets in this area! Some fish get awefully broad here and will not let them slide all the way in.....
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Exactly why I have the Golden Rule laying on the deck :biggrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Erin Brewer
Just like Pappy golden rule and ezchecker
I have the hawg trough and a rattle can of clear paint.....thanks for the idea Crestliner08!
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I have owned both, but use the Hawg Trough exclusively these days. My Golden Rule went swimming in Jordan Lake thanks to a scrappy 24 inch hybrid bass.
Like Alphahawk mentioned, you can take 1/2 inch round foam (available at any home center/hardware store) and glue it in the channels under the trough with weatherstripping glue or rubber cement. Then, it can swim all it wants, but won't sink.
I have recolored the lines on mine with a sharpie 3 times in 4 years. It is definitely worth the effort.
Jim
Hawg Trough for me, even with having to use a sharpie to color the lines.
Take a peice of 3 m tape and attach it on the golden rule. Anything past the tape.
Take a file or grinder with a thin blade and grind/scratch a notch at the Target length.
Or like ol handy taught me, cut the center and the nose section out of the frabil , 3m tape that golden rule in the middle with the notch or tape showing and fish are easier to control and measure at the same time....
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Pic please!Quote:
Originally Posted by joekiller
Saw something last night and thought of you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
Cabela's had a measuring board that folds up. Specifically marketed for the Kayak fisherman. I think the total length got you 22 or 24 inches when completely unfolded. I'm sure you can find them cheaper than Bass Cabela's or whatever it is tomorrow.
Really like the Hawg Trough. Pretty sure if you look, there is a pre lined one available now.
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I took one especially for the thread but every time I try to upload it says file too big or something stuuuupid like that.
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I use several different devices to measure fish . one is a golden rule , on is a typical frabil shoe , one is a crappie shoe from fle fly and then of course I have a rod handle or 2 marked in permanent marker as well .
Go to your phone's camera settings & reduce the size to the smallest size available ... then try it. I hear that works !!Quote:
Originally Posted by joekiller
Thanks for all the input. I ordered a Hawg trough today.
Took an act of Congress to get it done. My Tapatalk says forum has disabled media sharing. Notice where I had ground a line at the 11" & the 12" mark. And I have it where if it touches the tape it's a keeper ! This keeps em from jumping around while you're measuring...