Key Takeaways
- If you’re an eager angler or fishing enthusiast, you need a fish ruler for your boat
- A proper fish ruler will help measure your catch and ensure you don’t keep short fish
- Using stick-on tapes or adhesive fish rulers for boats is better for convenience
- Carefully measuring a fish ensures your catch measures to permitted measurements
- Besides adhering to fishing guidelines, a fish ruler can help track your fishing results
Have you ever encountered a costly fine or a ticket because you mistakenly caught a fish that wasn’t long enough to keep? A simple fish ruler is all you need.
The top best fish rulers for boats are SeaDek Foam, Rapala Adhesive, EGO, EVA Foam by HZCHIONE, and Fish Rule. These are my top recommendations for fish rulers because they’re made of sturdy material, have perfect sizes, are durable, and you can read them easily.
Whether you’re fishing for commercial or recreational purposes, a fish ruler is a must have tool because it allows you to measure fish to ensure that you free the fish that doesn’t meet the legal length. Not having a measuring board makes you prone to costly fines and tickets, something you can easily avoid by investing in a fish ruler that will allow you to stay honest and adhere to fishing regulations. To ease your search, I’ve reviewed countless fish rulers and compiled the best fishing rulers based on their unique features, reviews, and industry experts.
Best Fish Ruler For Boats
Keeping a fish ruler or a measuring board in your boat is paramount because it helps you to know whether your catch is allowed as per the fishing regulations and laws of your country. For example, Missouri's fishing regulations will require you to measure fish and identify accurate measurements or length limits.
Did you also know that by measuring a fish you can estimate its approximate weight? That only proves that including a fish ruler in your boat is helpful and essential.
However, the problem comes when it’s time to choose the right fishing ruler. How do you choose the best fish ruler for your boat? Here’s a summary table showing the best 5 fish rulers currently dominating the market:
1. SeaDek Foam By Castaway Customs
SeaDek Foam fishing ruler is one of my top picks for boat rulers due to the many features it offers. This is the kind of measuring board that will leave no room for second-guessing, so you don’t have to worry about the possibility of ending with a small fish in your fish box.
Specifications
SeaDek Foam fish rulers undergo CNC precision machining that allows you to measure your catches in salt and fresh water without struggling. It has an overall dimension of 39"x4.5"x1" and measures up to 36 inches. The high-quality foam material features a brushed texture and a two-tone thickness that makes this fishing measuring board a perfect choice for your outdoor fishing adventures.
Performance
SeaDek Fish Rulers provide an attractive and permanent alternative to tape measures, stickers, and other measurement devices.
This measuring board also has a non-skid surface and 3M adhesive backing allowing you to enjoy your boat ride even on rough waters without worrying. The non-skid feature makes it easier to hold slippery fish when taking measurements.
SeaDek measuring board is designed with high-quality foam material making it great for marine environments. The best part is that the ruler features a closed-cell technology to prevent water absorption.
What Sets it Apart
What I like the most about SeaDek Fish Rulers is its non-skid feature and 3M pressure-sensitive adhesive that allows easy installation and measuring.
Benefits
- Fade and stain resistant
- Quality foam material
- Laser-etched numbers for visual durability
- UV-protected, perfect for boating in the sun
- Brushed texture to allow easy installation
- Features a 3M adhesive backing to allow easy application
- CNC precision machining allows easy measuring of slippery fish
Drawbacks
- A bit pricey
Who Should Buy It
Tired of using tape measures that are not reliable in rough waters? Get yourself a SeaDek fish ruler for easy and accurate measurement. SeaDek fishing rules are excellent for anyone looking for reliable measuring boards that will allow them to catch slippery fish easily and quickly.
Where to Buy It
You can purchase the SeaDek fishing ruler on Amazon.
2. Rapala Adhesive
Rapala Adhesive ruler is one of the best measuring boards for boats; this is shown clearly by the tremendous customer reviews the product has. This measuring board will definitely do a decent job to measure the length of fish and is fairly inexpensive.
Specifications
Rapala Adhesive is a 36-inch adhesive ruler with both centimeter and inch increments. Its dimensions in length, width, and height are 11.46 x 3.23 x 0.08 inches respectively. Its packaging weight is 0.01 Kilograms.
Performance
Rapala Adhesive fish ruler for boats is an outdoor-ready ruler that can easily stick on your boat to facilitate easy measuring. It doesn’t matter whether it’s wood or plastic, all you need is a smooth surface to attach the ruler and have a fun experience fishing without worry.
This fish ruler features two measurements so you can use either centimeters or inches to measure your catch. The best part of the two measurements is that you will not have stress converting your measurements.
Rapala Adhesive features a blend of different materials that allows it to resist water, which helps preserve the ruler markings for a long time despite encountering harsh outdoor elements. Based on most verified customers, the Rapala Adhesive can last even after three years of use.
What Sets it Apart
One of the best features I like about the Rapala Adhesive measuring board or ruler is that the product has legible and bold markings that ease reading when measuring fish.
This measuring board is also convenient and easy to use because it has both centimeter and inch measurements for accurate measurements.
Benefits
- Affordable
- High-quality and durable blend material
- Good adhesive to attach on your boat
- Bold markings which are easy to read
- You get the best value for your money considering that the product is fairly affordable
Drawbacks
- Numbers may eventually fade out with time
- The adhesive needs a clean surface to stick properly
Who Should Buy It
Rapala Adhesive ruler is a great choice for someone looking to fish outdoors and is looking for a measuring board designed for the outdoors. Whether you’re a fisherman or just going for a fishing date as you enjoy the sunset orange, the ruler will offer you the convenience and ease you need when measuring fish.
Where to Buy It
You can get yourself the Rapala Adhesive fish measuring ruler from Amazon.
3. EGO
If you’re looking for a smaller measuring board for your boat, you might want to consider the EGO fish measuring ruler. The ruler’s tough, but flexible material allows easy measuring and is designed to offer you an effective and accurate way of measuring your catch without the hassles of having to deal with traditional tape measures.
Specifications
EGO fishing ruler is available in three different sizes: 18, 24, and 34 inches, with a little fold at the end. The measuring board includes a high-tech krypton camo pattern and is made from an anodized aluminum plate which makes the ruler a quick lightweight option.
This anodized aluminum fish measuring board is also corrosion-resistant, and the markings or numbers are laser edged to avoid fading and allow durability. The ruler also comes with an EGO guarantee meaning you’re eligible for a 30-day money back if you’re unsatisfied with the product.
Performance
EGO fish ruler offers a quick easy-to-use capability because it’s lightweight and allows quick measuring. The measuring board will allow you to quickly measure fish and move on to your next catch without wasting your time. In addition, the laser etching feature makes the number readouts clear and easy to read.
What Sets it Apart
What sets the EGO fish ruler apart from other measuring boards is the fact that it's made of compact and lightweight aluminum material for quick accuracy.
Benefits
- Laser etched for durability
- Corrosion resistant
- Available in multiple sizes: 18, 24, and 34 inches
- The anodized aluminum plate offers a quick lightweight option
- You get an EGO guarantee upon purchase
Drawbacks
- It’s only available up to 34 inches, not a great option if you’re looking for a fishing ruler to measure your maximum catch.
Who Should Buy It
An EGO ruler is great if you’re looking for a lightweight measuring tool that will allow you to measure your catch quickly. This compact but lightweight measuring board is user-friendly, making it great for beginners. It’s also great for both boating and fishing purposes.
Where to Buy It
The EGO fish measuring ruler is available on Amazon.
4. EVA Foam by HZCHIONE
Moving on, the EVA Foam fish ruler is another great fish measuring board gaining popularity in the market currently. It’s another great product for measuring slippery fish.
Specifications
The EVA Foam ruler is a personal favorite, as it’s the longest fishing ruler on the list. The ruler comes in 41.9 x 4.5 inches dimensions with approximately 5 mm thickness. This classic light gray fishing ruler can measure up to 40 inches, which makes it easier to measure even the largest catch.
This adhesive fisher ruler features large numbers that will help you read and photograph with much ease. The peel-and-stick adhesive on the measuring board will allow you to stick or attach the ruler on pretty much any surface, including on wood, plastic, or even on a fish bag. In addition, there are several pattern options available, including snow camo, yellow camo, and desert camo.
Performance
The EVA Foam fish measuring ruler is large enough so you can conveniently measure the majority of the fish you catch. The ruler also allows a wide application, including a fishing boat, kayak, and dock.
With an accurate standard scale, you won’t have to worry about getting into trouble for fishing small fish. The ruler also has extra large numbers which allow convenient and easy reading.
What Sets it Apart
What sets EVA Foam apart from other fish rulers for boats is the fact that it’s convenient even for the largest fish. The ruler measures up to 40 inches and has clear and large numbers which makes it more convenient for fishing.
Benefits
- Extra large markings for easy reading
- Accurate standard scale
- Non-absorbent and waterproof
- Stain resistant and easy to clean with water
- Brushed texture surface to measure slippery fish
Drawbacks
- Although the adhesive is good, over time you might need to add some 3M or equivalent adhesive to make the ruler more secure.
Who Should Buy It
The EVA Foam is a perfect fit for anglers looking for a measuring ruler that is convenient for measuring maximum catches. So if you’re an angler in search of the best ruler for your next boat ride on the waters, the EVA Foam measuring board is a perfect fit.
Where to Buy It
You can get yourself an EVA Foam fish ruler on Amazon or directly from the HZCHIONE official store.
5. Fish Rule’s Fish Ruler
Are you a professional fisher? Fish Rule’s fish ruler might be the alley you’ve looking for. You can use the ruler on any smooth surface, making it a perfect gift for any fisherman, boater, or kayaker.
Specifications
Fish Rule is 44.5 inches long and 2.25 inches wide, and the measuring portion is 36 inches. This white fish ruler for boats is designed for outdoors as it doesn't fade and is over-laminated for UV protection. This adhesive fish ruler also includes instructions to follow and alcohol wipes to help you clean the surface before installation.
For a more playful but important addition, the Fish Rule’s fishing rulers are also accompanied by a sticker saying, "Stop the Lies & Throw Back the Little Guys." This Fish Rule slogan is meant to remind fishermen to adhere to fish size requirements.
Performance
With the Fish Rule measuring board, you have no excuse for letting your big catch go away! The Fish Rule measuring board is designed to cater to fishermen who want to engage in legal fishing because it’s an accurate fishing measuring tape.
This vinyl-adhesive fish ruler has a strong adhesive bond that will allow you to measure your catch easily. In addition, the over-laminated and UV-protected vinyl material offers perfect protection from harsh outdoor elements like the sun.
What Sets it Apart
Fish Rule’s fishing ruler has an aggressive adhesive that allows you to stick the ruler on a boat, kayak, or cooler. The ruler is also designed to offer outstanding UV protection which is perfect for outdoors.
Benefits
- Perfect for any type of boat, kayak, and cooler
- Durable, industrial-quality vinyl material
- The white vinyl material is over-laminated for UV protection
- Aggressive adhesive that allows the ruler to stick permanently on a smooth surface
Drawbacks
- It’s not the most durable fish ruler for boats
Who Should Buy It
Fish Rule’s fishing ruler is a good choice for boaters, fishermen, and kayakers looking for a measuring board that can conveniently measure larger fish. However, ensure that you prepare a smooth surface for a long-lasting, stronghold.
Where to Buy It
Fish Rule fishing rulers are available on Amazon.