Rod Holder For Standard Kayak

[Getanet]

We bought two kayaks that were on sale at Costco this past weekend. They are the sit-in kind, and not designed for fishing. My parent's cabin is on a smaller 250-acre lake, so they are perfect for paddling around on that. However, after using them for the first time I can totally see why people love to fish out of kayaks and it has me thinking that bringing the kayaks along on future fishing trips might be more enjoyable than hauling a boat, under the right circumstances...

 

I was fairly certain I could find a clamp-on type of rod holder to use they kayaks for fishing when I wanted, but everything I've found online appears to bolt on. I'd rather not drill holes in a brand new kayak if possible.  Does anyone know of any clamp-on type of rod holders, or any other recommendations for adding a rod holder that isn't permanently affixed?

 

 

[rundrave]

I never found a clamp for mine either and I just ended up drilling. I then went ever further and installed a helix 5 on my kayak as well. its just a couple drill holes, nothing to sweat for the convenience it adds

[Getanet]

Thanks Rundave.

[Wanderer]

@Getanet

 

Did you check on Scotty rod holders?  They’re sturdy and can clamp on quite a few different ways.

 

When I first read your post I thought you were talking about sit ON kayaks, which usually means bolting something on.  With the sit IN yak, clamping to edge of the cockpit shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Two types on their site:

 

 

Edited June 7, 2019 by Wanderer

[Getanet]

I haven't looked at those, but I certainly will. That's exactly what I had in mind - something I could easily add or remove.

[BIGFISH.JZ]

I troll for muskies, fast with big baits! I also am in over 1000 boats each year, often drilling holes from tiny to speaker size often below the water line. If you drill 3 of 4 holes (3 bolts with locknuts and washers is plenty solid) to mount a Scotty base, you will not regret it. Most brands of rod holders will fit in them, I use Scotty, and a big fish can pull you around all day by it. And they make accessories to put in the bracket, from beverage holders to pullies for anchors. Also can use the base itself for anchor or dock tie off. Scotty also offers a few different styles itself. I have some with slip disks which allow infinite angle options. I've seen a few brands laying in boats broken too, but never a Scotty brand.

Just my honest opinion based on personal experience. Any brand would probably  be fine, though.

The word overkill is not in my vocabulary! Nothing can ever be 'too good' when it comes to fishing equipment. 

Edited June 8, 2019 by BIGFISH.JZ