I've spent plenty of weekends testing out plastic rod holders fishing setups on my old skiff, and I've realized they're way even more durable than most people give all of them credit for. Most folks think they need heavy-duty metal steel to keep their rods protected, but modern high impact-resistant plastics have actually changed the video game. Whether you're trolling for walleye or just need a place to set your rod while you're rigging up a fresh bait, a solid plastic holder is usually often all you absolutely need. It will save your arms through the fatigue associated with holding great setup all day, plus honestly, it's a great deal cheaper than the particular metal alternatives.
Why Plastic Makes Sense for the majority of Anglers
The biggest reason I usually point people toward plastic is the price point. Let's be real, fishing can get expensive fast. If you're attempting to rig up a boat along with six or 8 rod spots, buying high-end chrome or even stainless holders may eat throughout your budget before you've actually bought gas. Plastic rod holders fishing gear allows you deck your whole boat for any fraction of the cost.
But it's not really just about the money. There's the weight factor, as well. If you're fishing from a kayak or perhaps a small jon boat, every ounce counts. Adding several pounds of steel to the gunwales can actually affect how the boat sits in the water. Plastic is lightweight, simple to move close to, and doesn't require a bunch of heavy-duty hardware to stay in place. Plus, it's incredibly forgiving. If a person accidentally bump in to a plastic holder while you're moving around the deck, it'll usually just flex. If you do that with a cheap steel one, you might end up with an awful bruise or perhaps a curved bracket.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Ship
There isn't only one type associated with holder functions intended for everyone. Depending upon how you fish, you're likely to want to look at several different designs. I've gone through the few of these types of over the years, and I've found that the particular "one size matches all" approach usually doesn't exercise.
Flush Mount Holders
These are the ones that sit down down in the gunwale of the vessel. They look the cleanest because only the top flange is usually visible. If you're doing a lots of trolling, these are great because they're incredibly sturdy. Since the particular body of the holder is recessed into the boat's hull, it's not really going anywhere. I usually prefer the types with a 30-degree angle for trolling because it spreads the lines out aside from the engine. Just make sure you've got the space underneath the deck before you start drilling holes—trust me, I've made that mistake once, and it's a problem to patch up.
Clamp-On and Rail Mounts
If you don't wish to drill long term holes in your own boat, or when you're fishing from a rental, clamp-on plastic rod holders fishing add-ons are your best friend. They usually just tighten lower onto the bend rail or even a square frame. The wonderful thing about these is that a person can move them around. If the particular sun is striking you in a weird angle or the wind is pushing your lines too close together, you just loosen the browse screw and slide the holder the foot down the rail. They aren't quite as solid as an even mount, but for most freshwater fishing, they hold up just fine.
Vertical Wall Racks
These aren't really for when you're actively fishing, but they're essential for organization. I have a set of these mounted on the side associated with my center system. It keeps the particular rods out of the way when we're running from one spot to a different. It's way better than having rods lounging on the flooring where someone is usually definitely going in order to step on a ceramic guide plus break it. Many of these are usually made from a single piece of shaped plastic, so generally there are no parts to rust or break off.
Durability and the UV Factor
The lot of guys worry that plastic is going to get frail and snap after a summer within the sun. That will used to be an issue back in the particular day, but many of the plastic rod holders fishing equipment you discover now is made with UV-stabilized components like polypropylene or even high-density polyethylene.
I've had a set associated with black plastic holders on my vessel for 3 seasons today, and so they haven't faded or cracked. The particular trick is to look for "marine grade" on the brand. That always means they've added the correct chemicals towards the plastic to keep it from breaking straight down under constant sunlight and salt spray. If you're fishing in saltwater, plastic is actually better than some metals. It won't pit, it won't corrode, and a person don't have to polish it in order to keep it looking decent. A quick spray with the line at the finish of the day time is all the upkeep it'll ever need.
Getting the particular Installation Right
Even the greatest holder won't do you much good if it's not installed correctly. When you're setting up your own plastic rod holders fishing gear, you need to use metal steel screws. Even though the holder is plastic, the hardware needs in order to be able in order to handle the damp environment.
Something I constantly do is make use of a bit associated with marine-grade sealant (like 3M 5200 or something similar) around the screw openings and the flange. This keeps drinking water from seeping to the fiberglass or wooden of your vessel. If you're mounting a holder upon a thin surface area, like a kayak's plastic hull, I'd highly recommend making use of a backing dish. It spreads the pressure out so that if the big fish strikes your line, the holder doesn't simply rip a gap right through the side of your motorboat. It's a five-minute extra step that can save you the huge headache later on on.
A Few Small Downsides in order to Remember
I'm a big fan of plastic, but it's only fair to mention the restrictions. If you're heading after massive deep sea game fish—think tuna or huge sharks—you're probably going to want to stay with heavy-duty metal. A 200-pound seafood can put a level of torque on a holder that most plastic simply isn't designed regarding.
Also, become careful with all the "locking" mechanisms on a few cheap plastic models. Some possess a little plastic ring that will slides within the reel seat to continue to keep it through jumping out. In case that ring is definitely made of slim, flimsy material, this can pop away right at any given time most. I often prefer the open-top styles or the types having a heavy-duty bungee cord. They're easier and also have fewer moving parts to fall short.
Making Your own Setup Last
Although these things are low maintenance, a little treatment goes a lengthy way. I usually examine the mounting anchoring screws once or two times a season just to make sure they haven't vibrated loose. Boats bounce in regards to lot, plus things have a way of moving free over time.
Another tip is in order to check the "gimbal pin" at the bottom of the holder. Most plastic rod holders fishing units have a small bar in the foundation that fits into the notch for the bottom of your own rod handle. This keeps the rod from spinning close to. Sometimes, especially along with plastic, that pin could get worn lower if you're using heavy tackle. In case it looks like it's starting in order to bend or slim out, it's most likely time to swap the holder to get a new one. Luckily, since they're plastic, it's not going to break the bank to replace them every single few years.
At the end of the day, using plastic rod holders fishing gear is usually about making your time on the water easier and more efficient. You don't need the particular flashiest gear in order to catch fish; a person just need things that works plus keeps your equipment where they're supposed to be. Intended for my money, a good group of plastic holders is among the best upgrades you can give your boat with no spending a lot of money. It lets a person focus on what actually matters—finding the particular fish and experiencing the day.