Whether you enjoy fishing from a kayak, small skiff, canoe, or larger boat, adding a set of fishing rod holders to your vessel is one of the easiest ways to catch more fish. Adding a set of rod holders is the best way to keep your rod out of the way, but within easy reach when paddling, steering your boat, trolling, or when baiting a hook. A set of rod holders will also keep your rods off the deck, organized and ready for use. If you happen to fish alone, a set of rod holders will also enable you to fish with more than one rod, which means more lines in the water and more fish caught.
Fishing Rod Holders are meant to be mounted toward the rear of a boat, kayak or jet ski so that rods are always away from your motor, other lines, and even other rods. Available in multiple sizes based on the number of rods they’re designed for, rod holders are available in a few different styles known as flush mount rod holder, swivel rod holders, telescoping rod holders, drop-away fishing rod holders, and trolling rod holders. In order to allow use on different types of boats, kayaks, and even jet skis, fishing rod holders come with base plates applicable to each craft. In some cases, they may not come with any at all.
Boat iD offers a complete selection of rod holders in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to suit your needs, budget, and the type of fishing you prefer. Choices include flush-mount and clamp-on configurations. So, no matter if you need a fishing rod holder, boat rod holder or kayak rod holder, we’ve got the right products for you from proven brands such as Attwood, Berkley, C.E. Smith, Cannon, Danielson, Eagle Claw, Fish Fighter, Lee’s Tackle, Mate Series, Millennium, Scotty, Seachoice and more.
Materials That Fishing Rod Holders are Made Of
Nylon, ABS plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, stainless steel, chrome-plated brass, and zinc are all popular materials for rod holders. While nylon and fiberglass don’t corrode over time, they’re less durable than treated metals. Stainless steel or chrome-plated brass rod holders are strongest and best able to withstand higher pulling forces from bigger, more powerful fish.
Adjustable rod holders made of composite resin, such as those by Scotty and Cannon, are an affordable alternative to stainless-steel or brass versions. They aren't quite as robust as fixed mounted holders, but are more versatile.
For big-water ocean fishing, we recommend stainless steel or chrome rod holders; for milder waters, we suggest nylon, fiberglass, or ABS plastic rod holders. Composite rod holders that rotate, tilt, and lock into any specified posture are a great value and provide a lot of convenience for freshwater or light-inshore use. They're also an excellent option for smaller boats and kayaks. Rail mounts, vertical bulkhead mounts, and temporary clamps enable simple installation and removal at the end of the day.
Styles of Fishing Rod Holders
Rod holders are available in several styles. Fixed holders such as the TACO Olympic 26" L 1-3/4" I.D. 5-Rod Holder and Whitecap Tube 10" L 1-5/8" I.D. Stainless Steel Rocket Launcher 4-Rod Holder keep the rod in one fixed position and cannot be adjusted.
Adjustable holders including as the Scotty Power Lock 3 Rod Holder, Cannon Adjustable Rod Holder, and Attwood Heavy-Duty Adjustable Rod Holder with Combo Mount allow the user to set the rod height angle and left-to-right angle. Just tilt and/or rotate the rod to your desired position, and lock the holder in place.
If you’re interesting in maximum adjustability in a rod holder, we’ve got the Millennium Spyderlok Single Rod Holder for one rod and Spyderlok Gen 2 Adjustable Rod Holder for multiple rods. Both are designed with a telescoping base that allows adjustment of height in addition to pole angle and left-right position.
Flush mount rod holders such as SeaSense’s 9.5" 30° Nylon Flush Mount Rod Holder and C.E. Smith’s 70 Series I. D. Flush Mount Bar Bottom Rod Holder have a flange at the top, and are designed to be inserted inside a hole cut into the surface of your gunwale or other area.
Clamp-on rod holders, as their name sounds, are designed to clamp firmly around and onto a round bar. Some popular examples are the C.E. Smith White Powder Coat Aluminum Adjustable Mid Mount Rod Holder with Sleeve & Hex Key, Lee’s Tackle Clamp-On Aluminum Vertical Rod Holder, and TACO Stainless Steel Clamp-on Adjustable Rod Holder.
Likewise, side mount rod holders are for holding a fishing pole horizontally and are configured to use either bolt-on brackets or suction cups to hold them in place. We’ve also got quick-release holders that clamp your pole securely, but release easily when you pull the pole up (check out the Fish Finder Quick Release System Rod Riser and Folbe Advantage Junior Rod Holder).
Downriggers
If you’re not familiar with downriggers, they allow you to troll a lure or live bait further below the water using a separate weighted cable to hold the fishing line at your desired depth. Because the weight is not attached to the fishing line itself, the end of the line can float freely and draw attention much more successfully. Using checkboxes on the left of the screen, it’s easy to refine your search to electric-powered or manual downriggers, with or without telescoping booms, and single- or dual-pole configuration.
For best value, we recommend manual-crank downriggers such as the Attwood Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger (for smaller boats), Cannon Uni-Troll Telescopic Manual Downrigger, Scotty Strongarm Manual Downrigger, and Scotty Depthking Manual Downrigger with Rod Holder. If you prefer the convenience of electric power, we’ve got the Scotty Depthpower 15 lb Electric Downrigger, Cannon Magnum Telescopic Electric Downrigger, and Cannon Optimum 24"-53" Telescopic Electric Downrigger with digital controls, just to name a few.
We hope this article has been helpful. In our online store, you’ll also find all kinds of tackle and lures, wall mount racks for poles when they’re not in use, mounting brackets sold individually, clever rod holder accessories, and even barbeque grilles designed for nautical use to grille your fresh catch. And if you have any questions, we’re here to help with your order 7 days a week.