Top Fish Cleaning Stations of 2019: Reviews and Comparisons

Why make a mess of your kitchen when you can prepare your freshly caught fish right on your dock?

A fish cleaning station allows you to do just that – you’ll wonder how you lived without one!

But while it may seem like a simple product, choosing a high-quality fish cleaning table requires a bit of research. Not only do you want something that meets your specific needs, but because you’re handling raw fish, you also want to be sure that your work station allows you to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.

Before we jump into our comparisons of the best fish cleaning stations of 2019, check out our fish cleaning table buyer’s guide to get a better idea of what you should be looking for in a quality product.

Price Considerations

You’ll notice that the prices of these fish cleaning stations aren’t listed in this guide. While the price is always an important factor to consider before making a purchase, the truth is that the cost depends on how you choose to have your table customized.

For example, outfitting your station with accessories (knife racks, cup holders, a sink, etc.) will add to the price tag. The table size you choose will affect the cost as well, so it’s best to reach out to the manufacturer to get an accurate quote.

Which Fish Cleaning Station is Best For Your Dock?

You may be surprised to learn that there are many different types of fish cleaning stations for docks and marinas. In this comparison guide, we compare 2-legged, 4-legged, and even 5-legged tables, highlighting the unique pros and cons of each.

As we compare the top products below, keep in mind what you’d like to get out of your table. Having a clear idea of what you need will make the final purchase decision much easier.

Best Table Top

If you already have a fish cleaning station for your dock and you’re thinking about replacing it, you don’t need to replace the whole thing – you can just replace the top. Buying the table top separately and attaching it to an existing frame is an easy way to save money.

For saltwater fishing, we recommend this fish cleaning table top. The FDA-approved polyethylene surface is bacteria resistant and can be easily equipped with knife holders and other accessories to keep your prep station organized and stocked with what you need.

Pros:

• Customizable to your exact size and height specifications
• Cost-effective alternative to buying an entire table
• Made from FDA-approved materials

Cons:

• Attaches easily to most frames, but not all – double check your existing frame’s height and width

Best 2-Legged Fish Cleaning Station

The 2-Legged Fish Cleaning Station from Marina Products is the perfect space-saving solution for docks and marinas. Thanks to its curved design the table hangs out over the water, allowing you to easily discard fish waste back into the ocean. The less mess you have to deal with, the better!

Made with high-density polyethylene and marine-grade aluminum, this table is built for life at sea. The only real downside to the 2-legged station is that it must be attached to a dock, making it less portable than other options.

This table is available in 4 sizes: 18″ x 38″,  24″ x 48″, 24″ x 60″, and 24″ x 72″.

Pros:

• Non-porous surface prevents bacteria growth and is FDA approved
• Marine-grade aluminum frame
• Compact, curved design saves space

Cons:

• Must be attached to deck – not as portable as other products

Best 4-Legged Fish Cleaning Station

If you’re looking for something with a bit of extra stability, the Niagara™ 4-Legged Fish Cleaning Station is worth checking out. It’s made with the same marine-friendly materials as the 2-legged table from Marina Products and adds a unique self-cleaning feature. As you prep your catch, water constantly flows over the surface, keeping it clean. Attaching this table to your dock will allow you to handle most saltwater fish with ease.

While the top of the 4-legged table is available in the same range of sizes as the 2-legged version, its extra legs will take up more space. Measure your dock to make sure you’ll have enough room to safely maneuver around the table.

Pros:

• Extra legs add stability and strength
• Constantly flowing water keeps the surface clean
• Rounded corners prevent fish guts from getting stuck
• Polyethylene surface is FDA approved

Cons:

• Takes up more space than the 2-legged version

Best 5-Legged Fish Cleaning Station

The extra long 5-Legged Fish Cleaning Station from Marina Products allows you to stand side by side with a buddy as you prep bait and fillet fish. The additional leg also offers more stability for when you need to gut a heavy tuna or halibut.

Pros:

• Fifth leg provides additional stability for handling heavy fish
• Enough room to prepare multiple fish at once
• Comes in two extra-long sizes (24” x 84” and 24” x 96”)

Cons:

• More difficult to move/transport than smaller products

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get my cleaning station powder coated?

Some fish cleaning stations offer the option to have the metal frame powder coated. While this coating is not necessary, it helps to protect the metal from saltwater corrosion.

What’s the best way to clean my table?

Choosing the best fish cleaning station for your needs is only half the battle – to really get the most out of your purchase, you have to take good care of it. Luckily, polyethylene fish tables are easy to clean. After each use, just be sure to hose the surface down with water.

Some fishing tables, like the ones listed above from Niagara™, have water constantly flowing over the surface so that you don’t have to stop and clean after each fish you prep.

More Angler-Friendly Dock Accessories

At Decks and Docks Lumber Co., we’re passionate about supplying the high-quality lumber or PVC that goes into building beautiful and durable docks. But we don’t stop there – we want to supply you with everything you need to make your dock safe and functional, too.

Fish cleaning stations aren’t the only convenient dock accessory we offer. Check out our dock boxes, power pedestals, ladders, and lighting options to see how you can transform your marina into an angler’s paradise, and call us if you have any questions!