One of the most important aspects of fishing is making sure that you are equipped with all the necessary gear. This is especially true if you are a kayak fisher as well and you need to be able to safely and effectively transport your rods and reels while out on the water.
Fishing rod holders also allow the angler to keep their hands free if they need to paddle a kayak for example or do something else while out on the boat. A good fishing rod holder will also help keep your fishing poles from becoming tangled on deck, so you can spend your time fishing and not worrying about having to constantly manage your gear.
They are also extremely beneficial for the angler that is interested in bank fishing and can help the angler increase their success rate while fishing and allows them to create the perfect setup to catch the most fish.
Why You Should Purchase a Rod Holder
Fishing rod holders are often overlooked and underappreciated because some anglers don’t quite understand the benefits they can experience with the proper setup. One of the most obvious reasons you should have a rod holder is for trolling.
Trolling is when the angler will use one or more fishing lines at the same time that are baited with either lures or bait fish and are then drawn through the water behind a moving boat or by slowly winding the line from a static position. Or you can troll by sweeping the line side to side when you are fishing from a jetty.
Rod holders are also useful for live bait fishing and when the angler will be using floats and more than one rod. The rod holders will keep all the rods in place, allow them to remain untangled, organized, and still within easy and quick reach. Being able to utilize more than one rod and line also increases your chances of catching the most fish.
Materials Used in Construction
When you are purchasing a rod holder, you should always look at the materials the rod holder is made from. Typically, most rod holders are made from steel, aluminum, copolymer, or polypropylene. Of all these materials, aluminum offers the most lightweight option. However, strength attributes across the board remain about the same.
Rod holders are available in a variety of different sizes and styles as well and come at a wide range of price points depending on the materials that are used. For example, a higher end rod holder that costs a bit more will usually be made of aluminum or steel.
If you tend to spend the majority of your time trolling, then you should opt for a rod holder that is made from metal materials for added durability and strength. However, if you are more apt to fish in smaller waters with mild conditions, then you can choose an even more affordable nonmetal option for your fishing trips.
Always remember that price should never be the ultimate and singular deciding factor. Consider the type of fishing you will be doing, and the materials used. If the rod holder looks like it is inferior to others and does not look or feel like a quality product, then chances are, it is not, and you should consider other options and maybe even spend a bit more to get a higher quality rod holder that will withstand your fishing trips and last a bit longer.
Different Mounting Options
If you are planning on attaching the rod holder to a boat, then there are a few mounting options to consider. On a boat you can choose to clamp or drill the rod holder. A clamp on rod holder offers a very simplistic design that is easily attached to the boat and can be positioned almost anywhere you desire. They are also a very portable and easy to move option which is a great feature if you happen to rent the boat you are using instead of own.
However, you should be aware that the rod holder may be prone to slipping because it is not permanently attached to the boat and you should also pay attention to how tightly it is attached because it may become loose while you are fishing.
A drill mount is a rod holder that is permanently fixed to the boat and offers more in the way of stability. They are also the ideal option for trolling and offers the most reliability. Drill mounts can only be attached to the side or top of the boat, and the hardware is usually pretty straightforward when it comes to installation.
Rod Holders for Shore Anglers
If you are an angler that prefers to fish from shore rather than a boat, then a rod holder will still provide you with a stable setup on land that will increase your chances of success. Make sure that the rod holder you use on shore is equipped with a wider and more stable base so that it can be firmly mounted into the ground. You will also want to find rod holders that allow for certain adjustments, rather than ones that remain in just one fixed position.
Finally, choose a rod holder that is suited for the type of fishing you plan on doing, and a locking device is useful and will help ensure that the rod will remain in place and not be pulled into the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you fish from a boat or the shore, a rod holder can go a long way in helping any angler multitask and allowing their hands to remain free. They also give anglers the opportunity to fish with more than one rod and line, so their chances of catching even more fish are a lot higher than if they were only using one rod.
When choosing the right rod holder, always consider the type of fishing you will be doing and pay attention to the materials that are used in the construction of the rod holder, so you are sure to be purchasing a high-quality rod holder that can withstand many future fishing trips.
