How to Find the Right Fishing Rod Holders for Your Boat

Ah, fishing. You'll be hard-pressed to find people who don’t enjoy this sport. In fact, 55 million Americans flocked to the waterways to engage in freshwater, saltwater, or fly-fishing activities in 2020.

Whether you fish to hone your hunting skills or want some time off your daily routine, you need the right equipment in your kit to get started. Otherwise, you could suffer through an uneventful and downright taxing day on the water. Nobody wants that!

You can’t talk about fishing without bringing rod holders into the conversation. A well-placed fishing rod holder allows the angler a hands-free approach for trolling, switching out baits, or even grabbing some afternoon lunch.

6 Tips to Pick the Perfect Fishing Rod Holder

That said, not all rod holders for bank fishing are made equal- and choosing the right one can be the difference between a caught fish and a lost rod. Hence, we’re here to give tips on what to look for when shopping.

Let’s dive in!

1. Decide the Usage

Because fishing rod holders come in multiple shapes and sizes, you’ll have to pick one based on your needs. Some holders are specifically designed for spinning or casting reels, while others can accommodate both types.

Also, think about the angles that best fit your fishing purpose. For example, if you’re trolling from a rod holder, it’s best to choose one with a gimble pin. This way, the gimble nock on your rod can connect with the pin and prevent it from spinning.

Don’t buy rod holders at random. Instead, think about how you want to use this piece of fishing equipment for a more enjoyable experience. The more details you can gather, the better.

2. Consider the Material

Does your fishing rod holder’s material matter? Absolutely!

Depending on whether you prefer saltwater or freshwater fishing, you’ll have to choose a holder that can adapt to the unique oceanic conditions.

Most fishing rod holders are made of steel, aluminum, copolymer, and polypropylene. Both metals are similar in strength, although aluminum is the lighter of the two. You could choose either metal fishing rod holder when surfing rough seas since they are rigid enough to withstand the motion.

The non-metals are incredibly tough and resistant to breaking- but they might be weaker compared to their metal counterparts. Save them for fishing trips in calmer waters, and they should hold up well.

3. Don’t Neglect the Size

At the end of the day, the primary purpose of a fishing rod holder is to stabilize your rods safely and conveniently. For this, you’ll need something appropriately sized for your existing rods. Go too small, and you’ll struggle to fit the rod inside it.

A bigger holder isn’t going to work either. You want something that can fit your fishing rod and keep it steady while you unwind with a book or sandwich.

4. Think About Mounting Options

There are two ways to attach a rod holder to your boat- either to drill or to clamp. Both options have pros and cons, so we recommend you weigh your priorities before making a final decision.

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick rundown of the two types to help you take your pick.

• Clamp-On Mounts : Simple in design, these holders can be positioned anywhere on the gunnels, meaning you can set them to your specific needs and adjust them during the day. Plus, they’re portable, so you can use them on rental boats as well.The only disadvantage of clamp-on fishing rod holders is they might slip, especially when it’s rainy or the clamps come loose. You could easily fix this by tightening them throughout the day.

• Drill Mounts : If you’re an avid fisher, do considerable trolling, and use only one boat, it may make sense for you to mount a permanent holder instead of going through multiple clamp-on mounts over the years.A drill mount allows you to set the holder to your exact requirements.Furthermore, you’ll see an upgrade in strength and reliability as compared to clamp-on mounts.You can attach drill mounts to the side or the top of your boat. All you need to do is drill two-to-four holes, and voila! You’re all set.

5. Check the Adjustability

A rod holder should be able to accommodate your fishing pole in several positions. Make sure your holder is fully adjustable horizontally and vertically. This way, you’ll be able to troll or still fish at the perfect angle, no questions asked. Don’t settle for fishing rod holders that can only work in one position- they tend to take a lot of the angler’s freedom away.

If possible, consider getting a fishing rod holder with a swivel base to get easier access to drill-mounted units while bringing in lines.

6. Take a Look at the Price Tag

For fishing rod holders, money doesn’t always guarantee quality. Hence, don't let the high price tags fool you. The goal is to find a reasonably priced product that works like a charm and serves you for years. To achieve this, you must connect with a reputable outdoor gear provider with an inventory of outstanding equipment.

Take Snakelook’s bank fishing rod holder, for example. Just stake our pocket fishing rod holder in the ground and place your fishing rod inside. It’s as easy as that!

This rod holder for bank fishing is compact enough to fit into your backpack, so you can take it along on all your adventures. Get yours today!

The Bottom Line

A standing joke among anglers is that Rod (the unattended rod holder) is the best fisherman in the boat. Although this is clearly in jest, rod holders can be great fishing companions most of the time. Hopefully, this post will help you navigate the multitude of rod holders available for boat, kayak, and land-based anglers!

Make every bank fishing trip memorable with Snakelook’s reliable pocket fishing rod holder. Use it to go hands-free while still enjoying the thrill of the catch. And while you're here, why not browse the rest of our collection? Contact us today to know more!