Rod holder suggestions

[LakeWinni]

Got a 20 foot boat always used in saltwater, it's got open tubes in gunnel for rod holders, will freshwater sized spinning rods not sit nicely in these? Don't have boat right now so can't try it but it seems to me the rod would drop in and would only be stopped by the spinning reel. Should I get new rod holders?

 

Also, have any of you had rods come out of holders? I know there are some with a sort of locking mechanism, which is the best one of these?

[bulldog1935]

Those tubes in the gunwhales are there for convenience, and are made for boat rods with long and big-diameter handles.  

 

With a rod handle like this, they'll work for trolling or dropping bait.  

But don't consider them to be safe for keeping rods in a running boat.  

 

It's never a bad idea to have a working keeper on your expensive rod and reel.  

 

also note how these jigging and trolling rods bottom-out in the rocket launchers and keep the conventional reels upright.  

It's because the rods and tubular rod holders have mating gimbals.  

 

You haven't told us much about your boat.  

The type of rod holders usually found on center consoles are good for securing bay and bass-size rods in a running boat.  

 

 

If you want locking rod holders with good permanent and clamp-base options, you probably want to look at Scotty.  

[LakeWinni]

Thanks, here's a pic of these rod holders, wonder if they make adaptors that fit in there. Which scotty holder do you like most and why?

[Jigfishn10]

I honestly think you're overthinking it, I personally have no problems having my rods in a boat like you have above. Matter of fact, my Fuego baitcasters were in the rod holders of a 30' Tiara last weekend and we had some lumpy seas.

 

On my boat I zip tied pvc kitchen drains to the SS post for the Bimini top on my boat and take my rods for a ride that way.

 

 

I guess if you don't feel comfortable then the suggestions @bulldog1935 gave you was perfect.

 

BTW: Sweet boat!

[bulldog1935]

Interesting that I didn't suggest any, except for rod keepers, and pointed out you can't keep rods in those gunwhale tubes while running the boat.  

 

Your console has the same type of vertical rod holders as my dad's boat above - that's where you put your rods to run.  

 

Actually, the most versatile locking rod holder especially for LP baitcasters is Stealth QR-1, but Stealth and Scotty work with the same base.  Here's one I have set up on a Scotty Gearhead mount that's part of my kayak milk crate.  I really like Scotty's Gearhead mount, but their fixed bases are nice, too.  

 

 

Scotty's Baitcaster/Spinning rod holder is perfect for round baitcaster, and locks it in, but sucks with a low-profile baitcaster, and does a great job locking in a spinning rod.  

Scotty's fly rod holder is also the singular best, and works very well with a spinning rod, too.  

 

A really neat idea on fiberglass is Seasucker - I have one base for my hand-laid kevlar kayak (fiberglass) - with a built-in vacuum pump, you can lift your boat with them, and they keep their vacuum for a couple of days.  

This one I added a Scotty gearhead using 1-1/2" 1/4-20 stainless all-thread, add a Stealth rod holder 

 

or a Scotty fly rod holder

[Jigfishn10]

Sorry @bulldog1935, I must have read through your post too quick for this 1 eyed guy...LOL...My bad man.

[bulldog1935]

we couldn't be more cool, friend.  

[WRB]

Most vertical tube rod holders have a beveled top and a slot to keep the reel positioned. 

A safety lanyard is a good idea in kayak. We always had lanyard on the off shore boats with outriggers.

Bass boaters lay the rods flat on the deck with a holder strap, too many obstacles for vertical holders.

As mentioned Scotty is a good brand of rod holders.

Tom