Stick it right here!

The latest rod-holder solutions.

It is no secret in anyone’s book that adding more lures to a trolling spread increases its overall fish-attracting appeal by creating the illusion of a large school of fleeing baitfish. Offshore anglers around the state concur that a six-rod spread may suffice under most circumstances, but when conditions permit and variety is on the menu, eight, ten or even twelve lines may be more suitable in your search for drag-screaming action.

However, increasing the amount of lines, and subsequently the amount of baits in the water, can be challenging if you’re limited to only the standard number of gunwale-mounted rod holders found on many of today’s small to mid-size boats- typically two on either side of the cockpit.

A similar problem lies in live bait fishing. If you’re like us, you make it a point to cover the entire water column when drifting through ‘high probability’ areas. A pair of baits are fished deep for lurking snapper and grouper - two baits are staggered at mid-depths for passing by smokers and always-welcome wahoo, and multiple flatlines are presented for surface feeding pelagics. Off the downwind side of the boat, we may fish two kite outfits with two baits dangling from each. Add up the numbers and it’s easy to see why a limited number of rod holders can be a severe handicap.

Fortunately, with a bit of planning- and thanks to recent innovations- you, too, can turn virtually any small to mid size sport-fishing platform into an effective fishing machine, regardless if you are trolling, drifting, or just looking for a means of transporting more gear to and from the fishing grounds.

Gunwale-mounted rod holders The first place one looks when considering the addition of after-market rod holders is directly on the gunwale. This location places rods out of the way and in the perfect fish-catching positions. When considering an installation of this type, a level of preparation is required. Consult with your vessel’s manufacturer before you start drilling large holes in your boat. Inclusion of new rod holders must not encumber under-gunwale fuel hoses, washdown systems or electrical harnesses, so precise mounting locations must be chosen wisely.

Rod holder angle must also be considered. Is your intention for the rod to face aft for trolling purposes or abeam for drifting scenarios? Do you most often fish short or long butt rods? Chrome, stainless, beveled, or flush mounted, 90-degree, 15-degree or 30-degree angle- which rod holders are right for you? These are all decisions that have to be made prior to getting your installation underway. As a rule, install rod holders with cross-pins to keep gimbal butts securely locked in place.

Revolver-type rod holders may be the ideal solution. Rupp’s latest design features a compression-bearing socket that allows rods to swivel a full 360 degrees, keeping tips aimed directly at the action. This adjustability helps protect monofilament from abrasion due to chafing on the side of roller guides when trolling rods are positioned improperly.

Something else to look closely at may be the same brand’s latest innovations in ‘striking’ rod holders. Designed to mount easily in gunwales or covering boards, striking rod holders let you strike and fight fish without ever picking up the rod. An adjustable latch secures the rod in the ‘locked back’ position when trolling or drifting. When a fish strikes, the rod leaps into action. You can adjust the tension to fish the lightest baits or pull the heaviest lures.

In your planning process, keep in mind that offset and the distance between each holder combine to keep the different rods and lines separated. Choose the correct degree rod holders, and as long as they are positioned properly, multiple lines can be fished from each side of the boat without interfering with one another.

Lastly, when selecting gunwale holders, make sure the diameter of the rod holder is the correct size for your equipment. A slick-butt trolling outfit may fit fine, while a heavy conventional rod with a thick cushion butt may have to be forced into the same diameter rod holder. If there’s not ample breathing room around the butt section, the rod may prove to be difficult to remove when a determined fish is charging in the opposite direction.

Double Up!

If the thought of drilling holes in your gunwale and permanently mounting additional rod holders doesn’t float your boat, less intrusive options do exist. A simple solution is converting a single, existing rod holder into a dual set up in mere seconds. Birdsall Marine’s Double Up is perfect for kite-fishing, adding additional rods to your trolling spread, or simply to expand your rod-carrying capabilities. It is an ideal and versatile answer for small to mid-size center-consoles and can be utilized when the situation requires more rod holder capacity and easily stowed when not in use.

Triple Play!

Most of us are already familiar with the convenience of ‘tridents,’ which were conceived for the sole purpose of live bait sailfishing. Tridents provide the angler the ability to manage a single kite outfit and two additional kite rods all from a single rod holder- and from a single standing position. I like to consider tridents mini-rocket launchers, though somewhat more versatile since they can be positioned around the boat where needed.

Unlike primitive models introduced years ago, today’s rotating tridents provide full tilt and swivel capabilities. Unless your boat is already well-equipped with an excess number of gunwale-mounted rod holders, tridents are a must-have tool for serious sailfishermen. Tournament competitors rave about them because they can conveniently counteract varying wind and sea conditions and keep baits in the water while chasing fish.

Not to be overlooked is Birdsall Marine’s new Triple Offset Rod Holder. Ideally, this rod holder should be inserted in the gunwale position closest to the transom. With its three rod capabilities, you can run one line off the outrigger, one line on a downrigger, and a third line flat- all from the same position. Or how about staggering three baits 50 feet behind one another. With a pair of Triple Offsets, even the smallest boater can troll an effective spread. Triple Offsets can also be employed as a trident when kite-fishing and could quite possibly be the most versatile rod holder you’ll ever own.

T-top mounted rod holders Permanently welded or temporarily clamped-on, T-top mounted rod holders are extremely common and provide center-console and walk-around style boat owners, especially those who spend a great deal of time trolling, with multiple advantages. You can easily fish additional lines from this overhead position, plus you now have the luxury of carrying six or eight more rod and reel combos when multiple species are a possibility or when venturing off on distant trips.

I often pull a versatile trolling spread requiring various classes of tackle and multiple lines, and my T-top mounted rod holders allow me to accomplish the presentation I am looking for with ease. The only downside to T-top mounted holders is that a number of manufactures have not yet come to the realization that not every blue-water angler is six-foot plus. The solution may be Taco’s patented, 35-degree Drop Down rod holder which provides easy access to even the tallest T-top mounted holders. The Drop Down rod holder adjusts side to side and up and down at 18-degree intervals for desired fishing angles and ease of accessibility.

Similar to all clamp-on models, Drop Down rod holders can obviously be mounted facing aft; however, if your T-top configuration permits, Drop Downs can also be mounted on the side of the T-top. You’ll quickly come to appreciate perpendicular facing rod holders and will soon be asking yourself how you made it this far in your illustrious fishing career without them.

Leaning Post Rocket Launchers For open-fisherman outfitted with leaning posts, rocket launchers are a must! Similar to T-top mounted rod holders, rocket launchers provide extra rod capacity to and from productive fishing grounds, and provide an ideal location for trolling two more lines. Since they are only an arm’s reach away from anywhere in the cockpit, rods positioned in leaning post rocket launchers are also very easy to manage.

Pedestal Rocket Launchers With today’s popular center-consoles, pedestal rocket launchers mounted in the bow area provide a more permanent solution for those enthusiastic about kite-fishing. Equipped with up to six rod holders and a small rigging tray and maybe even a tackle drawer, pedestal mounted rocket launchers provide complete solutions for hardcore blue-water open-boat fishermen. Usually manufactured of white maintenance-free polyethylene, a few extra bucks will get you a teak model that will substantially dress-up your pride and joy.

PVC Rod Holders Finally, if you’re looking for the most affordable option in after-market rod holders, PVC may be your answer. PVC rod holders are available as stand along units and in multiple configurations, and can easily be mounted just about anywhere there is available space. A word of caution though, PVC rod holders should be utilized for transportation purposes rather than fishing. They are brittle, and I have seen rods literally torn right out of them.

Overall, these well-thought options in after-market rod holders are revolutionizing the way we fish today. Plus, extra holders keep rod clutter and unnecessary obstructions to a minimum, and they look cool!

Rod Holder Resources