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Kayak bass fishing: DIY Hawg Trough upgrades

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The Hawg Trough is the standard, accepted measuring device for the growing number of catch-photo-release kayak bass tournaments. Basically a 30-inch plastic bump board, it can use some modifications right out of the package. Making it easier to use and harder to lose and constructing a holder to stow it aboard your kayak is a quick, inexpensive project. <p> <em>Captions: Dave Mull</em>
The Hawg Trough is the standard, accepted measuring device for the growing number of catch-photo-release kayak bass tournaments. Basically a 30-inch plastic bump board, it can use some modifications right out of the package. Making it easier to use and harder to lose and constructing a holder to stow it aboard your kayak is a quick, inexpensive project.

Captions: Dave Mull

New Hawg Troughs come with the measurement lines unmarked. Carefully touch up the lines with a Sharpie to make it easier for tournament judges to see what line the tail touches.
New Hawg Troughs come with the measurement lines unmarked. Carefully touch up the lines with a Sharpie to make it easier for tournament judges to see what line the tail touches.
Hawg Troughs sink to the depths if accidentally kicked in the water. Self-sticking, 3/8-inch foam insulation strips fit neatly in the slots on the Hawg Trough’s back and will keep it afloat.
Hawg Troughs sink to the depths if accidentally kicked in the water. Self-sticking, 3/8-inch foam insulation strips fit neatly in the slots on the Hawg Trough’s back and will keep it afloat.
An easy way to keep the Hawg Trough handy but out of the way is to make a holder out of wire and large beads or an elastic band and pieces of a swim noodle. I opted for some cool purple skull beads I found at a big box store.
An easy way to keep the Hawg Trough handy but out of the way is to make a holder out of wire and large beads or an elastic band and pieces of a swim noodle. I opted for some cool purple skull beads I found at a big box store.
String the beads on wire or heavy braided line, and mount to your crate. My YakAttack BlackPak (in the optional white) had pre-drilled holes, and I simply wrapped the wire around a bead inside the crate.
String the beads on wire or heavy braided line, and mount to your crate. My YakAttack BlackPak (in the optional white) had pre-drilled holes, and I simply wrapped the wire around a bead inside the crate.

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