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Hot Rods!

Written by Taco

AS SEEN IN THE WINTER 2004-05 ISSUE

It's a well-known fishing fact that increased lines in the water increases the chance of catching fish. More lines mean more bait, simulating schools of fish. This is where rod holders and outriggers b e c o m e i m p o r t a n t " w e a p o n s " . While the more rods the better is true, positioning and an unobstructed fishing area are important factors too.

The typical offshore fishing boat from 20' to 36' usually has four rod holders in the gunnel. Gunnel mount rod holders typically are available in a few different angles, ranging from 10° to 30°, to vertically straight 90°. Typically when trolling, the 2 side gunnel rod holders at the stern are used in conjunction with port and starboard outriggers from the t-top or on the gunnel. The gunnel rod holders in the stern of the boat are usually angled outward and back so the angler can troll with the rods straight from the gunnel. Gunnel rod holders p l a c e d in the c e n t e r or bow of the b o a t h o l d r o d s m o r e o f t e n f o r bottom fishing. K e e p t h e s e two differences in mind when installing additional gunnel rod holders.

If you have a boat with a t-top, most likely there will be an additional 4 or more weld-on rod holders mounted on the aft facing ring. Additional rod holders can be added. There are a variety of rod holders available that clamp-on or weld on to your t-top or center console. Anglers often store rods in rod holders on the top of the t-top. The average sized angler that is not particularly tall, typically has a hard time reaching these rods. A new rod holder is now available from TACO Sport fishing called the drop down rod holder that appears to be a great addition for anglers. With the simple pull of a ring at the bottom of the t-top mounted holder, the rod lowers down to a reachable height that accommodates most everyone. By pushing it back up the rod holder returns and locks in place, positioned at the same angle as the other rod holders on the t-top. In addition to lowering, the rod holder also rotates 180° left and right to adjust fishing angle. An adjustable clamp accommodates a range of pipe sizes for versatile placement.

In addition to the existing welded ttop rod holders, aluminum rod holders can be added and are available in a gold or silver finish. Many anglers opt for aluminum rod holders because they match existing weld-on rod holders. Many of the aluminum clamp-ons available today offer the versatility of an adjustable clamp. The adjustable clamps allows anglers to attach to the top of the t-top or to the leg posts. You can easily clamp these adjustable rod holders on the piping using an Allan wrench. Some of the aluminum rod holders on the market also offer the ability to adjust the angle of the holder (360° rotational). Aluminum, clamp on rod holders are also offered fixed in a vertical and horizontal style. The angle is fixed at typically 15°.

Many still prefer the durability and polish of stainless steel rod holders. As with aluminum, stainless steel rod holders come with a variety of features to fit the needs of the angler and the boat. Adjustable stainless steel rod holders can clamp on vertical or horizontal piping to fit pipe sizes from fl" to 1-1/2". Fully rotational rod holders are also available for locking into the desired fishing angle, and fixed varieties. Another location for adding rods is the leaning post. Most leaning posts have 4 rod holders on the back. However if using the backrest, two of the four are used for the backrest arms. Therefore, the leaning post is another great location for adding rod holders. Adjustable clamp on rod holders can be used on either the backrest arms or grab rail. Weld on rod holders can also be welded on the backrest arms.

As kite fishing has become more popular, several multiple rod holder styles have emerged. The typical kite rod holder fits into one of the gunnel rod holders and holds 3 rods. Because it holds 3-rods in close proximity to one another, it is ideal for kite fishing. The center rod holder contains the kite rod which serves as the outrigger; the second and third contain fishing rods with the bait. There are double rod holders and different angled multiple rod holders also available, each to meet the desired look and function.

A boat's transom rod holders can serve two or three different purposes. They can be used for holding rods while trolling; they can be used for increased seating comfort and hold a backrest, or simply for storing rods while in transit or stationary. There are a variety of styles available for the transom with different looks and number of h o l d e r s . Some are simply rod h o l d e r s w e l d e d to a flat plate that can then be bolted to the t r a n s o m . Others are welded to a bar with plates on the ends for bolting to the transom. Single transom rod holders can be used in tandem on the transom to hold the arms of a backrest for a rear seat, as well as holding rods.

Today's angler is now able to increase the number of fishing rods for successful fishing. A boat can be customized to fulfill the functional and style requirements, and accessibility has never been easier. All of the various rod holders we've reviewed are readily available at most retail marine stores. So get there and FISH!