king mackerel rod holder

[Carrington]

i am fishing for king mackerel off a pier and am looking for a good rod holder that i can clamp on the pier to hold my fighting rod.

[SirSnookalot]

Purpose?  I know people on boats may use a rod holder to tire out a goliath grouper, as it's a deep water fighter, but kings are not and much much smaller, 8-20# on average but 30# not rare.  Planning on setting the rod aside while freelineing bait? IMO a baitrunner or a conventional reel set in the freeline position is the best equipment for that.  Not owning those reels you may use a very light drag or open your bail.

If worried about your rod flying over the top rail I'd just tie the rod down with a piece of rope.  I have seen clamp down rod holders, pretty cheap, but the clamps are only 2 or 3" wide, so best to measure your rail first.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Theres almost nothing better than a baitrunner when free lining for kings.  I've got a couple that I use only for that purpose when we hit up the reefs with a good chumslick.  Like snook said, you can use a light drag just as well.  Pay attention though, if you're using a smaller reel, you can find yourself re-spooling.

As far as the rod holder, a good tie down is always smart when dealing with fish like kings.  And if you need to clamp it down, make sure you measure the railing first.  I've never been one to trust those things though, I'd rather be able to blame myself if I lose a rod.

[Carrington]

thanks for the advise, i found i rod holder i like and to make sure i dont lose my gear i will take a dog leash and connect it to the pier and the other end to my rod.

[SirSnookalot]

When fishing for kings it's never a bad idea to always hold the rod, I do.  Kings do not always strike at lighting speed, many times they will " touch" the bait, then come back for a more solid bite, be ready to set the hook, but not like a bass, just a firm pulling up of the rod as they are swimming away, their speed will set the hook then.

Bait?.......In Florida frozen sardines or ballyhoo on a king rig, are widely used.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

It's hard to beat a decent ballyhoo on some steel for kings.  Make sure you've got a good stinger hook though.  Kings are notorious short strikers.

If you're able get them and keep them in "good" shape, live pilchards or goggle eyes are almost the best thing you can find.  Dorsal hook, nose hook, or run a bridle right if you know how to do it properly.