Boating Fun: Everything You Need to Know About Rod Holders
If you love to spend quality time around water, you’re aware by now how valuable of an investment having a boat can be. Boat ownership has certainly been on the rise in Australia, and the times of the COVID-19 pandemic were no exception. It’s not surprising since in addition to taking you from one gorgeous island to another, and from one quiet and private beach to another, boating is also ideal for doing some fishing and having eventful days out on the water.
No matter whether you’re an avid angler with lots of successful catches to pride yourself on or just someone who likes to occasionally add a bit of fishing thrill, one thing is certain – you need to include a stable and reliable boat rod holder in your list of must-have accessories. Although not always a priority, and often viewed as an afterthought, they can prove to be crucial in boosting your fishing success and reducing hand and arm fatigue by keeping the rods in place right where you need them.
What Are the Types of Rod Holders?
There are different types of boat rod holder you’d find the minute you start your search, so to ease your shopping and help you make a better decision, it’s best to learn a thing or two about the basic options, such as:
Removable Rod Holders
This is the solution to opt for if you’re looking for a type of holder that offers versatility with the mounting. Since it’s not limited to where you can place it as the fixed type, you have the flexibility to add it virtually anywhere on any vertical surface you see fit. And, once you’re done with fishing for the day, it’s easy to remove it, just as it is easy to add it. It may not be as strong as the fixed alternative, but it’s the affordable and suitable option for small game fish for boats that lack the fixed setup.
Clamp-On Rod Holders
As indicated by the name, this type of boat rod holder is designed to clamp onto the ramps of your boat, and as such, just as the previous counterpart, it can easily be added and removed. This means it’s a piece of cake to relocate these holders to wherever you most need them while you’re out in the water, which saves you time for more important things like prepping the catch for dinner.
They’re also the perfect solution if you don’t want to be dealing with any drilling. Again, they’re not as strong as the fixed, but you have to weigh the pros and cons of what you want for your boat and your needs.
Flush-Mounted Rod Holders
If you’re a serious angler and you plan on going after some serious catch that requires strength, then look no further than the flush type of holders that can be inserted all the way along the boat’s gunwale in existing holes. Sturdy and convenient, they’re perfect for anglers who like to change their fishing style.
Besides keeping rods neat and organised, and preventing accidents from happening due to tangled lines, these accessories are also crucial in letting you stay alert to the surroundings and giving you the needed and undivided attention for steering the boat and operating the electronics. Whichever your fishing style preference, be it bait fishing, trolling, or even casting lures, you’d find the holders to be the ideal helping hands.
Fixed Rod Holders
These are the strongest and more reliable option for when you’re out at sea and want utmost convenience and durability, but keep in mind they are drilled as they are permanent attachments to your boat. They’re foolproof to have in any fishing situation, and feature adjustable rod angles and complete rotation, so you can get more out of your fishing experience. They’re fixed in obviously, so you won’t have to worry about them coming loose or slipping away.
What to Look for When Choosing the Ideal Rod Holders?
In addition to deciding on the ideal type of boat rod holder out of the ones I’ve just covered, it’s advisable to include material, adjustment and fit into the consideration too. This would give you a more rounded view of what it is that you really need and prefer, so be sure to look into the following factors.
Materials
The choices come down to metals like aluminium and stainless steel, and plastic-like copolymer and polypropylene. Each of these comes with strength, though as you can expect metal is exceptionally strong and durable even in the harshest of conditions but it comes at a price.
The choice depends on your type of catch, your level of adventure, and how often you head out to fish. If you require something for big trolling water, and harsh weather, then it’s a no-brainer aluminium or stainless steel are the main picks, as opposed to the non-metal for small fish. If you choose the metals, check to see if they’re fit for both fresh and saltwater to know whether they can withstand corrosion.
Adjustments
If you need versatility and flexibility, then having adjustments is a property that would be of great use to you with the rod holder for a boat instead of a fixed one. It may not be that sturdy, but it’s still sturdy enough and can be tilted, rotated and locked both horizontally and vertically, which gives you great freedom as a fisherman especially if you’re into spinning or bait-casting.
Fit
The kind of holder you get also depends on the kind of rod you have so don’t overlook this important factor. Some holders are designed to suit varieties of rods, such as both spinning and casting reels, whereas others are more specialised in one or the other. If you have rods with long handles, be sure to check for the holder fit as well.
