You know Kerry I never really gave other tools a fair evaluation. They always just sort of "looked" cheesy as compared to a boga. And I would add that for many the price point is a consideration especially if fishing isn't at the top of your list of recreational pursuits.

Thanks for broadening my perspective. [smiley=thumbup.gif]

If you do go for a boga a few words. It's more or less bulletproof. Originally designed as a salt water tool for use in salt water which is very harsh on metals in particular. Mine have held up very well. In fact they still look like new. I would advise keeping it out of any sand though.

I have 2 sizes. I originally purchased the larger size (weighs fish IFGA certified to 30lbs) just for backcountry salt water fishing but found it so pleasing I started taking it on canoe trips and bringing it ALL the time on any fishing trip. The disadvantage of the larger model is that it is heavy.

SOoooo, on impulse I picked up the smaller model which is quite a bit lighter (probably almost 1/2). It weighs fish to 15lbs. The big disadvantage with the smaller one as compared to the larger one is that it's also shorter and puts you in closer contact to the business end of your catch. In spite of that I will likely be bringing the smaller one on future canoe trips.

Along the thwart in front of me in my solo I have a shock cord which I use to hold my map case so it doesn't blow away. It is on this shock cord that I hang my boga. Always handy. On portages I clip it on the outside of my fishing pack which has a "D" ring. Bada-bing. Quick and easy.

Hold on to that bad boy and don't let it get away from you. I have looked at a few pike and decided I wasn't going to bring them in the boat with me boga or not and paddled to shore and got out to handle them.