Easy Rod Holder

Some of you going to the April Fools Cat Gathering may be thinking of getting some type of rod holder. I thought I would share the one I made that works great on the shore and in the boat. I bought a couple of side mounts for my boat Atwood rod holders and mounted them on a 5 gallon bucket. It works great when you are fishing from the shore because the bucket comes in handy for hauling bait, tackle and other equipment. If it seems tippy when your heavy rods are in it just fill the bucket with water and it is immediately stable and will hold any size rod. I also use this setup in the boat when I want to fish sideways with the boat and need rod holders in a spot with no rod holder mounts. They cost a few bucks but they are worth it. Here is a picture:

I like it! I stole my design from Fisher Dave. I don’t have any photos right now, but they are pretty basic and are great for shore fishing.

1. Cut a section of PVC that your rod butt will fit into
2. Get a section of rebar that is a few feet long
3. Duct tape the PVC to the rebar so that you can stick the rebar into the ground and then stick your rod butt into the PVC pie.

Only a couple bucks a piece and they work just great!

I like Steve’s idea. In fact, I kind of had the same thing in mind myself, but I haven’t built any prototypes yet. I started thinking about bucket-mounted rod holders late last season after having trouble driving stake-type rod holders into rocky or hard ground. There’s also a couple of spots we fish from where you’d usually let your rod rest on a chain-link fence but sometimes passerby’s, the kids, or even fellow fisherman unintentionally bump the fence and jostle your rod tips sometimes making it difficult to watch for light bites. With the bucket-mounted rod holders you would totally eliminate those types of problems, too.

Great idea, Steve Thanks for sharing!

Catfisherman, the engineers engineer!

Thanks for the smile I appreciate the innovative spirit! Any spin-offs from this–I’m still thinking!

That is an excellent idea Steve. RW described my quicky rod holders, they are very strong and you can make them in a heartbeat when needed.. but as Manny pointed out, sometimes it is very difficult to get a stake into the ground(rocks, concrete).. I have been so frustrated at some spots I considered taking a cordless drill and masonary bit to accomidate my needs. A bucket would be practical, and should be fine on anything close to level ground with some water in it… I still wouldnt fall asleep tight-lining.

You guys make a good point about tough ground. I remember rigging up a big log last year because I couldn’t get my holder into the ground. I will probably rig something like this up this year. Do you guys have any hints on where to get some extra 5 gallon buckets? I can’t see paying for them when one should be able to find some free.

I have some laying around here RW.. no problem if you need a couple.

That rod holder gave me a great idea.. these holders remove easily from the base, and bases are available separately.. One wouldnt be out of line having bases on buckets, a steel stake, clamp.. possibilities are endless really. I know we all have days we wish we had a choice.

Burger King generally has a bunch. Free.

so does grocery stores with deli’s

Ralph,
I work at a restaurant in Brooklyn Center, I will PM you my number and you can come over and get some.

Ron

This might be a little off topic…but not really…

If you ever get a chance and are in the Brookdale area, stop in at the 50’s Grill. I haven’t been up that way in years, but remember their chicken with wild rice soup was awsome!

Hey! They might have a pickle pail or two also!!

Hmmm…might be stopping in tomorrow

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Hey! They might have a pickle pail or two also!!

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Nope just gave them to Ralph.
But then you go through 5 or 6 5 gallon buckets of pickles a week they do seem to replenish them selves.

Ron

I made a cheap version with a bucket and some PVC to see how I like it before investing much cash in a few “professional” holders

I just cut some holders out of PVC and mounted them at a fishing-friendly angle to the side of a bucket with stainless machine screws through the holder and bucket and fastened with bolts inside the bucket. I cut the ribs at the top of the bucket so the holders would fit, and sealed the screw holes with epoxy so it’ll hold water. The holes in the PVC are so I could tighten the screws ( no, I didn’t put the screws all the way through) We’ll see how it works.

Looks Good Ralph!

Thanks for reminding me! That’s what I have in mind too.

Final Price Breakdown:

Bucket – free from Sliderfishn
PVC pipe – had laying around
SS screws & bolts – $1.05 at Fleet Farm
Epoxy – had laying around

Grand total = $1.05

Not too shabby

Also, I should add that I countersunk the screws in the pipe so your rods can slide in and out easily.

And some people look at catfisherman/women as muddy river rats. What do they know.
Ralph,
We’re really gonna have to get out soon and test that rodholder. Come on Mother Nature, make us proud.

I walked out after work and thought, “Dang, I should go fishing.” But, I didn’t. This week is tied up for me. Might head out this weekend for a bit if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, hopefully next week.

I’m still at work.
Called FD and he said he’ll try to get out today. I tell you everytime I walked out for a smokebreak, going back to work just seemed cruel. No wind, 40 outside, what I wouldn’t give to get out today. Anywho those cats better rest up now, cause it won’t be long.

??? Does carps become active before cats? Cause I remember MillRuins had plenty of carps, Wondering if they wouldn’t mind a corned hook or crawler HUMM? Gotta test out our new rods ya know.

Awesome idea! Carp are great fun. What are your normal hours? I’m a 7-3;30 guy.

My normaly hrs are 8-5 and somedays 9-6 yep it SUCKS. but pays the bills

Later finally going home

Don’t some people just put pvc pipe sraight in the ground. I know it isn’t practicle for most places I fish. If you have sand, sure. But this looks like a great idea. I might have to try making one.

Perfect for thowing some ice and some beer in, eh?

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I’m still at work.
??? Does carps become active before cats? Cause I remember MillRuins had plenty of carps, Wondering if they wouldn’t mind a corned hook or crawler HUMM? Gotta test out our new rods ya know.

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Carp are a blast. I live in Spring Lake Park now and when I was younger I used to go to Rice Creek and catch big carp in the spring. I don’t know how much the run up there to spawn anymore though. It’s changed a little since I was a kid.

When I went to mill ruins a few months back, there were a bunch of carp right up to the spillway. Of course there was also about a 1 live to 4 dead carp ratio, unless carp sleep on their sides. I saw no carp when I went up a couple of weeks back, but with this weather I would guess they will start moving up there again. I think I am going to bring some crawlers too.

I’ve got some PVC pipe/rebar holders that I stick in the ground, too, but like you mentioned, they don’t work when the area you’re fishing is concrete.

I just have this nasty vision of a bucket and two rods flying into the water.

I’m a little leary, too. I figure I’ll have 40 lbs of water in the bucket, though. Also, I’ll have the clicker on or be within arms length at all times. I’m going to try it out on the channels before I use it on the big boys.

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I’ll have 40 lbs of water in the bucket,

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How much does one can of beer weigh?

Shore fishing on Superior we use PVC pipe, and take a couple of hose clamps and a piece of metal rod. Leave about 2 feet of rod hanging out beyond the pipe, and you got a great holder as well.
Great idea with the bucket.