Common Types of Fishing Rod Holders
There are several basic types of fishing rod holders for both freshwater and saltwater rods. There are rod racks, clips, tubes or straps and each of these has its’ own advantages. Some designs fit the classic definition of a rod holder, while others are innovative and intended to suit a particular purpose. Whether one is storing rods away or outfitting a craft for a trip, the best way to manage rods is by using fishing rod holders.
Fishing Rod Racks
For the avid fisherman or retailer, fishing rod racks are the practical solution for storing or displaying a number of rods. A rod rack can be free-standing, mounted on a wall or even mounted overhead, depending on the amount of available space. In retail stores the free standing rack will hold any number of rods and these can be browsed easily by shoppers. In a workshop or garage the wall rack utilizes a minimum of floor space and allows easy access to the rods. In a large craft such as a Sportfisher, overhead racks are extremely practical fishing rod holders that are often mounted inside the main salon of the vessel.
Rod racks can be purchased through any number of outlets and they are available in hardwood or durable composite materials that resist saltwater. Installing a wall or overhead rack is a relatively easy process and one that can be accomplished using some basic hand tools along with a good eye for location. Free standing racks can be ordered or custom built to the desired size and configured to hold all types and sizes of fishing rods.
Tube Fishing Rod Holders
The most common holders that can be used on any boat are the tube mounted fishing rod holders. These are made from brass or PVC and can be attached to railings or installed in the gunwhales. Brass tubes have a plastic rim at the top to protect the rod finish and a strut bar at the bottom to seat the rod. They are available in a straight style that holds a rod direct or in an angled configuration that’s ideal for holding trolling rods.
PVC tubes come in numerous configurations that hold one or more rods and they have adjustment features that allow the rod to be held in any position from flat to vertical. These fishing rod holders will mount to a gunwhale and can be strapped or attached to an inflatable or a Kayak.
The best tube fishing rod holders for easy access during a trip are undoubtedly rod clips. These are made from either hard rubber compound or metal and they fasten to a bulkhead or a wall. Any place on a boat where a rod can stand upright, a rod clip will work. They attach about mid height and a rod can be snapped in or out of the clip with ease.
Strap Fishing Rod Holders
Another popular type of holder that works where a clip can’t be used is the strap fishing rod holder. These come in different lengths and use Velcro to cinch the rod to a railing or even to boat lines.
The straps are ideal fishing rod holders when trolling or moving from one spot to another and they are especially practical for fishermen who work from a small inflatable or a Kayak.
For any fisherman who is serious about his or her equipment, fishing rod holders are both practical and essential for fishing and maintaining rods in good order.