Mounting rod holders

[Yellow Dog]

I need to mount rod holders. I want to have some available around the boat for trolling and bobbering.

Any tried and true methods for mounting distances?

Also, looking at Cabela's Qucik Draws. Any thoughts on those versus others?

[PerchJerker]

Mounting distances ...... I think just make sure you have plenty of room to get to the holder and get the rod out if you get a fish or snag ....... you don't want to have the other rods / rod holders interfering with you. I'd say some of mine are probably about 18 inches apart.

Other than that, try to make sure you have enough clearance for the rod handles (trolling rods sometimes have very long handles). Watch for things like the other rod holders, your seats, hatch covers, the straps and poles for a top if your boat has one, etc. ----- both when the rod holders are pointed straight out of the boat and when they're at an angle.

After that, look for convenient locations based on where you expect people to be sitting or fishing.

Hope this helps.

[fish4itall]

What species are you going to be primarily trolling for?

[PerchJerker]

I should have said my rod holders are Tempress Fish-Ons --- other style rod holders, like tubes, may be be different.

I mostly troll cranks for walleyes, although I do some trolling for pike or muskies too and occasionally for salmon. I do some livebait fishing for walleyes so I sometimes use my rod holders for that too, or for panfishing.

[RiverBassGuy]

As a Cabela's employee, I can offer some advice on the Quick draw rod holders. The "advantage" to them is that you can pull the rod out of the holder without giving the fish any slack. The disadvantages are multifold:

-The pivot mechanism that allows you to pull the rod toward you will wear eventually and the holder will not stay locked solid.

-They are nice for bobber guys with spinning tackle, but not particularly suitable for anyone else using baitcasters.

-When trolling for walleyes, I am typically long lining crankbaits and I tilt the rod tip so that the rod is flat. (parallel to the water). In wavy conditions there is no lock on the Quick draws at all. When my rod is tilted flat and I hit an unpredictable wave, the only thing keeping it from falling out is the pressure from the lure. Not overly reassuring when you use spendy gear.

Having said that, obviously Cabela's will warranty any product they put their name on. (and most other stuff too) If you weren't satisfied, they would correct your situation. However, I would stronly urge you to choose another style. Some recommendations would be: Cabela's 360 rod holder, RAM rod holders, fish on rod holders, and many others. By shopping at Cabela's you have the option of returning merchandise you decide is inadequate (after you've tested it out). GOOD LUCK!