A fishing rod holder is a tool that serves as an assistant to fishermen; they allow fishermen to multi-task easily. Since fishing requires the use of both hands, letting go of the fishing pole/rod may seem difficult. The idea of a fishing rod holder is to allow the anglers, in this case, the fishermen, to be able to make use of both hands.
It can also be referred to as pole holders that the anglers the opportunity to leave the pole attached and not attend to it. The holders serve as a helping tool for fishermen and allow them the opportunity to perform other tasks while their fishing rod is not dragged away by fish.
They could be regarded simply as an auxiliary device that has the purpose of replacing the angler, in which case, they hold the rod while the fisherman is not there holding it instead. They are simple devices that could be homemade with the greater benefit of representing and assisting the fisherman to hold firm the rod in his stead.
Are there specific fishing rod holders for boats?
Yes!
There are quite different from the others that are not used on boats. The ones designed specifically for boats are of various types and kinds and in most cases, the types are determined by what part of the boat they will be attached to.
Though these could be homemade it has to be made in a way that it will be compatible with the parts of the boat that it will be attached. It is also expedient to note that these are of different qualities and added functionalities.
What are fishing rod holders for boats like?
The holders are of different types as aforementioned. While there is a popular one called power lock rod holder specially made from fiber-augmented engineering grade nylons, it is strong, easy to use and efficient. And it could be mounted or fitted to the boats. Another one is called stealth quick-release the holder that has a different design entirely with camera release technology.
The camera release technology helps it in making sure that the rod is fixed and firmly held, in which case there may not be the need for the usual locking collar.
Some are characterized by their versatility. This is so because they could be attached vertically or horizontally with the help of a screw clamp. What the clamp shaft is made from is stainless steel. There are numerous varieties and they all look so different but with the same functionality.
Some of them are:
- Flush mount rod holders
- Spider rig
- Drift mater
- Deck mount rod holders
- Posa canvas muelle
- Rod holders for jon boats
- Ultimate fishing rod holders, etc
- Telescopic rod holders
Starting to Make Fishing Rod Holders for Boats
The holder’s first design was made in such a way that it had two parts, the pole-binding device with a strap on the railing that ties it up to the fishing pole. And the second part is a Velcro strap that could be tied to one’s limb, arms or waist.
The first design needed improvement and the second design saw to the fault and set back of the first design. It has four parts – two-pole dips and two straps. The notion of the second design makes it easy for a fisherman to use the short strap on the wrist and the long one on the leg.
Depending on the fishing position, the rod holder is best used in fly fishing which is done in locations with rocky rivers and it is impossible to use the other hand for anything other than the fishing.
They are the specific types of fishing pole holders that are used with boats. It is the size and design of a boat that determines the kind of rod holder to be used and how it will be used or mounted to the boat.
It can be fixed or removable, adjustable or non-adjustable, or fishing rod holders for freshwater or saltwater. The type of need for the use of a rod holder will determine the type to be used.
Fishing rod holders for boats come in fibreglass, aluminium, stainless steel, zinc or chrome-plated brass. The materials used in making these will be determined by the type of fishing activities they will be used for.
The good news is that you can make it yourself. The next paragraph will explain the materials needed to make your pole holders for boats and the following ones will discuss step by step guidelines in making it.
NECESSARY MATERIALS THAT ARE NEEDED
The type of rod holder we will be making is the one made with PVC; remember however that we can have other types. The following are the necessary parts and supplies needed:
- Heat gun
- Drill
- Hand saw
- Sandpaper
- Drill bits 1/2″ & 1/4″
- 1/4″ bolts & locknuts
- Glass bottle
- 1-1/4″ x 10ft
- SDR 26 PVC pipe
- Safety glasses
- Measuring tape/rule
- Marker
- Scissors
- A flat board (to place your PVC for cuttings)
STEP BY STEP ANALYSIS OF HOW FISHING ROD HOLDERS CAN BE MADE.
Step 1:
Safety first! Put on your safety glasses. Then place your PVC pipe on the cutting board.
Step 2:
Measure 12″ on the pipe, mark and cut it out. You should be able to make 5 pieces of 12″ from the selected pipe.
Step 3:
Clean the excess PVC that may be around the cut pipe and use sandpaper to smoothen the edges.
Step 4:
Take the measuring tape and measure 4″ to a side and 3″ to another side, mark the two points.
Step 5:
Add the 1/4″ drill bits to the drill and drill through the marked points. Change the drill bits to the 1/2″ size and make a hole through the PVC on the side without drilling through to the other side. Now, you have a 1/2″ drill on one side and a 1/4″ drill on the other side.
Step 6:
Use your sandpaper and clean the hole sides.
Step 7:
Use your rule to make a straight line on the 3″ side where you have a 1/2″ drill. Measure and mark the two sides of the hole. That will be your cutting point.
Step 8:
Now, take the heating gun and blow it around the marked area. The main idea is to make the area soft.
Step 9:
Take your glass bottle, the one with the cone-shaped body, and insert it into the heated part of the PVC. When the PVC has taken the shape of the bottle body, put in cold water to cool.
Step 10:
Carefully cut out the marked point and use sandpaper to clean the cut areas. Use your scissors to shape the edges. You can heat the end to make it easier to cut, then clean with sandpaper.
Your fishing rod holder is all made!
What precautions when making homemade fishing rod holders for boats?
While making a fishing rod holder can be simple as explained in bits above, it is pertinent to handle the equipment with as much care as possible to avoid accidents.
Also, care should be taken while heating the PVC to avoid overheating and burning yourself.
Handle the saw carefully to avoid cutting yourself and even cutting beyond the marked area.
In case of overheating of the PVC, however, leave it in cold water till it regains its hardness. You can then proceed to heat it again to make the desired shape out of the PVC – but be extra careful this time around. You may need to wear protective gloves to avoid burning yourself and mark the shape you desire to cut out to avoid overcutting.
More interesting fishing boat relevant article at outdoorboat –
Why no Bananas on the Fishing Boat?
What Happens When You Charter a Tuna Fishing Boat and Catch it?
What is the Major Danger of Anchoring a Fishing Boat from the Stern?
Final Words
Making your fishing rod holder yourself gives you a sense of ownership and creativity. Just as you have seen so far, doing it yourself is not that bad. You can always boost your creativity. The holders are durable and are, of course, easy to make.
Also, these are cheap to make.Overall, the amount to make it is cheap compared to buying a ready-made one. This makes the one you make yourself more cost-effective. In addition, it is easy to make and you can make as much as you want.
One other advantage of making the holders for boats yourself is that remedy could be made easily and at the cheapest or no cost at all whenever the fishing rod holder is faulty. And this goes with the added advantage that it is secure and easy to manage because the necessary solution to make to avoid wear and tear of the fishing will be done without the help of another person or an engineer.
Very well put together instructions.