For many, fishing is an enjoyable pastime. Whether you are an on-shore fisherman or an off-shore one, nothing can beat the excitement (and perhaps, disappointment) of the tug that you experience as your prey struggles to getaway. Truth be told, the wait for that tug can sometimes be very long – which means your arms can become sore because of constantly holding the rod in a steady position. The solution? A fishing rod holder. Whether you want something to hold your rod while fishing or simply long to organize your spare ones, a good fishing rod holder comes in handy in many different ways. Yet, choosing the right one for yourself is not always easy. To help you out, we’ve listed the highest-rated fishing rod holders in 2024 for you to check out, including the HITORHIKE Fishing Rod Holder Kit, which sits at the top of our list.
Featuring a 360 degree horizontal and 90 degree vertical adjustability, the HITORHIKE rod holder is one of the best options available on the market. It is extremely easy to use and simply screwed on the rail without any drilling.
Made from high-quality corrosion free material that makes it suitable for saltwater fishing, the kit also comes with two rod holders, one user guide, and all the necessary accessories.
Crafted with fiberglass and injectable nylon, the Brocraft power rod holder is a pocket-friendly option for fishing aspirants. It is a great product for freshwater fishing and offers a 350-degree adjustable rotation property.
It features a secure ALOCK security. Using it, you can lock the holder in place according to your desired positions. In addition to its threaded mount type option, it can be used for any boat type.
Featuring a six rack design, this rod rack by Berkley is a good option for people who like to go fishing in a group. Made with foam, the grip is designed to keep the rods in place while you enjoy a relaxing fishing experience.
The holder comes with its installation equipment, so you can install it easily. And since it is made from corrosion proof material, you can also use it for saltwater fishing.
Suitable for saltwater fishing, the PLUNSINNO fishing rod holder is an amazing option for fishing lovers. An eco-friendly product produced with top-quality stainless steel, its anti-corrosive properties make it a great fit for saltwater fishing.
Its universal clamp-on holder can fix a large range of casting and spinning rods. Be it a kayak or a boat, this product works well for every boat type.
With its lighter weight, the holder is easy to fix and lasts for a very long time.
The Spyderlok rod holder by Millennium Marine can hold up to four rods. Featuring an adjustable crossbar, it provides a rotation of 360 degrees – giving you the ultimate control.
It comes with a flush mounting plate that holds the rod in place. You can easily keep it in place using the knobs and secure it in position using the lock adjustments. The spyderlok feature ensures that your rod holder is kept intact during use. Finally, the rod holder is manufactured from all aluminum material that gives you the ultimate fishing experience.
The range of fishing rod holders available on the market today is vast as it is varied. There are dedicated on-shore and off-shore holders, as well as single and multiple rod holders.
Here is a buying guide for some helpful insight:
The type of the fishing rod holder is the first and foremost thing that you have to consider. We have discussed the various types in detail below:
Clamp on mounts are a highly versatile option for occasional users. It gives you the liberty to shift and move the rod holder from one place to another without having to commit to one location. That said, because it is a portable fishing rod holder it can slip with excessive use.
If you’re renting a boat or traveling, it will be a good option for you.
Saltwater fishing has different requirements when it comes to the rod holder and its specs. Because the sea water is salty and highly mineralised, it can corrode traditional fishing rod holders easily. That is why if you’re planning for saltwater fishing, you should get a stainless steel or chrome brass rod holder.
These metals are far less likely to corrode and thus serve you a long time.
Because freshwater fishing doesn’t pose a risk of corrosion in general, you can use fiberglass or nylon fishing rod holders there. These are some budget-friendly options that not only last long but also avoid corrosion.
Experienced fisherman should know that since these are meant for aspiring fishermen, they are not as sturdy as their metal counterparts.
If you’re planning on expanding your fishing game, this might be the right rod holder for you. A flush swivel is a fishing rod holder that experts usually put into an already placed holder. Its purpose is to keep the rod intact at some angle to give you a better chance of scoring a game fish.
The swivel is designed for bigger fishing games. It gives you flexibility to keep the fishing line intact when you catch a big fish, and where traditional rods can break due to the weight of the game the swivel base gives you a leverage of motion without damaging the fishing line.
Deck mounted fishing rod holders are a great option if you are looking for a permanent solution. You can fix this holder by drilling some holes on your deck – and just like that, it will stay put for a long time while giving you great support for your fishing line.
But since this requires drilling, you have to be exactly sure of the location you want to set it. This means that you should calculate your required specifications and adjust your holder according to it.
Unlike deck mounted rod holders, flush mounts require a large hole to fix the rod in it. A permanent fix that is more damaging to the boat, to keep it in place you’ll have to make a large enough hole on the position you want to set your holder in. After that, mount the rod holder in place and fill the gaps with silicone to lock it in place.
During this process, you have to do a thorough job of silicone to ensure that it doesn’t get loose while you’re out enjoying your fishing adventures.
Take a look at these tips to pick the right fishing rod holder for your needs:
The tips listed above provide you a general idea about choosing the right fishing rod holder, but there are some factors that make any holder the best.
Choosing a rod holder made with high quality material is of utmost importance. If you get anything with inferior quality, it won’t serve you for a long time. The best materials for a good-quality fishing rod holder includes nylon, aluminum, brass, and fiberglass. These materials give your rod holder the required strength while maintaining its durability.
So when you’re out looking for a fishing rod holder, make sure you invest in a product that is produced with good quality material only.
Rod holders are generally safe to use, but their attachments can be an issue sometimes. When you fix your rod holder with a clamp or mount it with adhesives, it can get loose after a while. And once that happens, it poses the risk of your holder breaking off during the fishing expedite. As a result, you can lose your fishing rod, or worse, get hurt. That is why whenever you’re planning your next tour, make sure your rod and other equipment are intact and good to go.
Fishing rod holders can be divided on the basis of their mount type as well. Depending on your feasibility, you can choose anything ranging from clamp on holder to threaded ones. All of these options give you different approaches to fix the rod holder and you can select what works best for you.
Another important factor to consider while purchasing a fishing rod holder is its capacity. Some people prefer a single rod holder while others like to go for a multiple one.
If you like to go fishing alone or if you own a small boat, buying a single holder would be the best pick for you. But if you’re a regular in the field, you should get a trolling rod for maximum exposure.
A fishing rod holder can greatly simplify your life. From keeping your rods organized to providing you a hands-free fishing experience, a good one does it all.
While fishing rod holders are popular among regular fishermen, they aren’t necessary. You can go on a fishing expedition without it. Rod holders are a great way to help avoid fatigue as it gives you breaks while you look for your fish game. So if you are new to the field and still learning how to successfully fish, you might find rod holders helpful.
Yes, rod holders are completely versatile. They are universal in function and you can fit nearly any rod holder to any boat. Although every manufacturer has their own fitting mechanism, the holder itself can be fixed anywhere easily.
Fishing rod holders are extremely useful for fishing enthusiasts. They give you a hands-free fishing experience, and by doing so you get more time to relax and enjoy your trip rather than holding the rod and sitting there in silence.
Generally speaking, if your fishing rod holder needs replacement it won’t hold your rod as well as it used to. Other signs it’s time to buy a new one include your rod holder showing signs of wear or corrosion.
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