recommend me a good, cheap, rod holder

[skolvikesallday]

Well I finally got out last night and got into some cats. The first one almost took my rod with it though. Another half second and my pole would have been in the water. I reel it in and its only a 25 inch channel that almost stole my rod.

I just had the rods leaning against the side of the boat, thats what I remember we always did years ago when I would go fishing for flatheads with my dad and I dont remember any problems with almost losing a rod, but this one was halfway out of the boat before I reached out and grabbed it just in time.

So.... Im in the market for some rod holders. Im on a very tight budget so if anyone has any cheap homemade Ideas that work Id love to hear them. Im looking for something that I can clamp on to the side of the boat and then take off during the day when im fishing for bass and northern.

I guess I dont NEED a rod holder, just something to keep me from losing a pole, what do you guys do? I tried a search on here but didnt find much for rod holders. We tried loosening the drag so they wouldnt be able to pull the rods out but I dont think I like that and Im looking for a better solution. Thanks guys.

[Alagnak]

Well, if you don't have a clicker on the reel yeah you pretty much need a rod holder. I know MOST guys won't trust the clamp on ones either if your reel is engaged but you could loosen the drag too. I know in the past I have just used pvc sections onto a pc of wood and then fastened to the boat in different spots. It's cheaper than dirt but I didn't have a quick connect option that you are looking for either. I suppose a guy could fasten them with wing nuts or something if you wanted to take them off but it would depend on where you mounted them if you could do that or not.

[H2O Milfoil]

I have a set of 4 Cabela's screw on rod holder bases. They clamp on over the gunwale and are solid as a rock. However, they are not cheap. They're like $20 each, and you still need the actual rod holder to insert in to the universal base. They are pretty awesome, though.

[DTro]

Lots of good rod holders out there. Some better than others.

Spend a few extra bucks and get some Driftmasters. I've seen and tried just about every holder out there, and the only one that compares are Monster Rod Holders.

Simple

Strong

Dependable

[Gordie]

Lots of good rod holders out there. Some better than others.

Spend a few extra bucks and get some Driftmasters. I've seen and tried just about every holder out there, and the only one that compares are Monster Rod Holders.

Simple

Strong

Dependable

or use what is on the ends of your arms, perfect rod holder

[bronzeback]

or use what is on the ends of your arms, perfect rod holder

haha. good call.

simple solution could be to just tie your rod to one of your life jackets. Could be inconvenient to have rope dangling while you're fighting a fish but hey if the rod goes over you'd be able to find it. Might not be a bad idea after seeing the size of that fish elwood caught, too. Never know when you could get pulled in by a 60+ pounder.

[skolvikesallday]

simple solution could be to just tie your rod to one of your life jackets. Could be inconvenient to have rope dangling while you're fighting a fish but hey if the rod goes over you'd be able to find it. Might not be a bad idea after seeing the size of that fish elwood caught, too. Never know when you could get pulled in by a 60+ pounder.

Yea after I saw how quickly a 25" cat took my rod I decided I better figure something out before a big one really does take a rod overboard

[Gordie]

you can also adjust the drag so it is really light so that when a fish hits it it will pull line out. back in the day we did this and used a those clamp on bells. Bells that reminds me of Dr.Evil would somebody put a fricken bell on him or something

[skolvikesallday]

you can also adjust the drag so it is really light so that when a fish hits it it will pull line out. back in the day we did this and used a those clamp on bells. Bells that reminds me of Dr.Evil would somebody put a fricken bell on him or something

This is what I ended up doing on one of my poles last night. I also did this because we kept getting bites but couldnt hook up with anything so I wanted to tie on a circle and really let em take it. So I get a run and the drag is screaming and I patiently let the fish take it and slowly tighten it up to set the circle hook. What do I reel in??? A 5 ft gar, 2nd biggest I have ever seen. Came undone at the boat though before I could get a picture. At least now I know what keeps stealing my cutbait and why I cant get anything to hook up. Stupid gar....

[rbs]

I don't know what kind of boat you have but on my little 14' v-hull I just kinda shove the butt of the rod under the seat and wedge it in. I have never had any problems doing that. Great problem to have tho....worried about a big fish taking your rod